St Mary's

Ancient stone walls rise from well-tended churchyard grass just outside Chichester, where St Mary's has welcomed visitors for centuries. The Norman architecture speaks of serious age - thick walls, rounded arches, and that satisfying solidity you get with proper old churches. Inside, the atmosphere shifts to something altogether more contemplative, with wooden pews worn smooth by generations of worshippers and enough historical detail to keep architecture enthusiasts busy for a good hour.

History buffs will find plenty to admire in the medieval stonework and any surviving original features, though casual visitors might breeze through in twenty minutes. The churchyard itself deserves a wander - old headstones tell their own stories if you've got the patience to read them.

Families staying at nearby parks like Chichester Lakeside or Eastern Sands will find this makes a decent cultural stop, especially on a rainy afternoon when the beach loses its appeal. It's the sort of place that works well as part of a Chichester day out rather than a destination in itself. Free to enter (though donations are always welcome), and generally open during daylight hours. Worth combining with a walk around the cathedral city centre, which offers rather more in the way of shops and cafes.