St Michael & St George's Catholic Church

This solid Victorian church sits quietly in Bridport, a handsome market town on Dorset's west coast. St Michael & St George's is properly Gothic revival - all red brick and pointed windows - built when Catholics could finally worship openly in England without fear. It's not the sort of place that stops you dead in your tracks, but it's worth ducking into if you're exploring Bridport itself, which you absolutely should be doing anyway.

The interior is straightforward and reverent rather than showy. The stained glass is decent enough, and there's real dignity in the way the space is laid out. You'll spend twenty minutes here maximum, unless you're genuinely interested in 19th-century Catholic history. It works best as part of a proper wander through Bridport's streets - the town's got far more going on, with independent shops, good cafes, and a working harbour that's actually charming rather than over-restored.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Seadown or Newlands are closest, just a couple of miles away - this makes for a pleasant morning stop before heading to the beaches. Bridport itself is the real draw though. The church is free to visit during daylight hours, though opening times can be variable, so knock on the rectory door if you find it locked. Don't expect to linger long, but don't skip it either if you're in town.