St Martha's Convent

The convent sits quiet on the Sussex downs, a proper working monastery that doesn't announce itself much. You'll find the sisters still in residence, which gives the place a genuine sense of purpose rather than the hollowed-out feel of some religious sites turned heritage attractions.

What you get is a chance to visit an active spiritual community - there's a chapel you can enter for prayer or contemplation, and depending on when you visit, you might catch services. The building itself reflects its history without being a museum about it. Walking around the grounds offers decent views across the downs, and it's the sort of place that rewards a quiet hour rather than a quick tick-box visit.

This works best for people after something reflective - walkers exploring the Sussex countryside, anyone interested in monastic life, or those simply needing somewhere peaceful. It's not a major attraction with crowds or shop facilities, which is either brilliant or disappointing depending on your mood.

If you're camped at Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Chalky Downs just outside town, St Martha's makes a good half-day walk. It's close enough for a morning visit without eating into your plans, far enough to feel like you've actually gone somewhere. Check ahead about visiting hours - as a working convent it keeps its own schedule, not standard visitor centre times. Free admission, though donations support the community.