St Joseph's - East Brighton Catholic Parish

The red-brick Victorian church sitting on East Brighton's residential streets doesn't announce itself loudly, but that's rather the point. St Joseph's is a proper working parish church, the kind where you'll find locals at weekday masses and the doors stay genuinely welcoming.

Inside, it's all soaring ceilings and that particular smell of old hymn books and polish. The stained glass catches the light differently depending on the hour - worth timing a visit for late afternoon if you're into that sort of thing. The craftsmanship is solid rather than showy, which somehow makes it more affecting than some grander cathedral affairs.

It works best for people who actually want to experience a living church rather than just tick off a sightseeing box. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Victorian architecture and its place in Brighton's religious landscape. If you're camping nearby at Pegs and Pitches or Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club (both within walking distance), it's a pleasant detour on a quieter morning before the seafront gets rammed.

Unlike some tourist churches, this one asks for respectful silence - so don't expect to bring the whole crew if they're at the hyperactive age. Twenty minutes is genuinely enough unless you're particularly interested in the architectural details. Call ahead if you're planning a visit, as service times will dictate access. Free to visit, naturally. It's the kind of spot that reminds you Brighton has layers beyond the pier and the pavilion.