St John the Evangelist Church

The church sits tucked away in Sussex countryside, a proper working parish church that's been standing since medieval times. St John the Evangelist in Hassocks is the kind of place where you'll find locals actually attending services rather than tour groups queuing at the door - which means it feels genuine, not sanitised.

What you get is a solid example of English church architecture without the crowds of the big-name cathedrals. The interior has the usual charms: old stone, stained glass, a sense of quiet that cuts through whatever chaos you left behind. If you're into ecclesiastical detail, there's enough going on architecturally to keep you interested for twenty minutes or so. If you're not, you'll still appreciate the calm.

It works best for anyone doing a proper Sussex walk who wants to pause somewhere with a bit of history rather than standing in a car park eating a disappointing sandwich. The nearest proper base for a caravan holiday would be Blacklands Farm or Stubcroft Farm, both within easy driving distance - good spots if you're planning to explore the wider area rather than treating the church as a standalone destination.

Worth a stop if you're passing through Hassocks on foot or by car. Don't detour specifically for it, but you won't regret dropping in if you're already in the area. It's free, obviously, and you can visit whenever the doors are open - typical village church arrangements.