St Mary and St Abraam Coptic Orthodox Church, Hove

Walk past the Victorian terraces on Nevill Road in Hove and you'll spot something unexpected - a Coptic Orthodox church with a distinctly Middle Eastern character. St Mary and St Abraam stands out against the standard Sussex architecture, its interior a world away from the seafront just a mile south.

The church serves Brighton's Coptic community and visitors are generally welcome, though it's worth checking ahead for service times before turning up. Inside, you'll find the kind of devotional atmosphere that appeals to people interested in Eastern Christianity and religious architecture. The iconography and liturgical setup reveal how Coptic worship differs from the Anglican traditions you'd expect to find elsewhere in Hove.

This isn't a major tourist draw - you won't spend hours here. Forty minutes covers a proper look around, maybe longer if you attend a service. It works best as a cultural detour rather than a destination in itself, particularly if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks like Foot of the Downs or Southdown Way and want to explore what's actually in the area beyond the Downs themselves.

History enthusiasts and those with a genuine interest in world religions will get more from it than casual sightseers. Families with restless kids should probably give it a miss unless they're keen on quiet reflection. Free admission, but do ring ahead - opening times vary with services and community events.