St Peter's Catholic Church

The red brick facade of St Peter's sits quietly on the edge of Maidstone, easy to miss if you're rushing through town. Step inside and you're met with high vaulted ceilings and that particular hush that only old churches manage - the kind of space that makes you lower your voice without thinking about it.

It's a proper Victorian Catholic church, built when the faith was still finding its footing in Kent after centuries of Protestant dominance. The interior is dignified rather than showy, with good stained glass and the kind of architectural detail you'd normally need a guidebook to spot - carved stone, ironwork, the proportions that suggest someone actually knew what they were doing.

This is best for anyone with a genuine interest in religious architecture or local history. You won't need more than half an hour unless you're the type to sit and absorb atmosphere, which is perfectly fine here. Families with restless children will find it brief but peaceful - a useful stop if you're exploring Maidstone rather than a destination in itself.

Combine it sensibly with other town attractions, or use it as a quiet moment during a park-based holiday. Chegworth Mill Glamping is only a few miles away if you're after accommodation with a bit more character than the usual caravan site. The church is free to visit and open to the public, though hours can be variable - worth ringing ahead or checking locally to avoid a wasted trip.