St Mary Magdalene's

The church sits tucked away in Sussex countryside, and it's one of those places that rewards you for bothering to find it. St Mary Magdalene's is a proper medieval structure with the kind of architectural bones that tell you something genuinely old is happening here - we're talking 12th century foundations, though the building's been added to and tinkered with across the centuries like most parish churches are.

Inside, there's decent stained glass and the sort of carved stonework that makes you slow down and actually look. The light through the windows changes everything depending on the time of day, which sounds obvious but genuinely transforms the experience. It's intimate rather than grand, the kind of church where you won't feel rushed.

Historically minded visitors will get the most from it - the layers of restoration and medieval detail reward closer inspection. It's not the sort of place to spend hours, but it's absolutely worth a 20-minute detour if you're staying in the area. From Haywards Heath, it's easily accessible, and the countryside around here is pleasant for a walk after you've had a look.

If you're based at Blacklands Farm or Sunset Tree Camping nearby, this makes a good half-hour stop between other attractions. Combined with a walk around the local lanes, you've got a proper morning sorted. The free admission and quiet setting make it a nice breather from the busier Sussex attractions.