St Wilfrid's Roman Catholic Church

The moment you push open the heavy wooden doors of St Wilfrid's, you're struck by how much light floods through the stained glass. This is a proper Victorian Catholic church - all soaring ceilings and intricate tilework - plonked right in the heart of Chichester where you wouldn't necessarily expect to find it.

Built in the 19th century when Catholics were still something of an oddity in Protestant England, the church has that distinctive sense of defiance about it. The interior is ornate without being gaudy - think jewel-coloured windows, a beautiful choir screen, and enough architectural detail to keep you occupied for a good half hour if you're into that sort of thing.

It's best appreciated as a quiet stop during a walk around Chichester rather than a destination in itself. You'll get more out of it if you know something about Victorian Catholic revival architecture, though even a casual visitor will clock the craftsmanship. Twenty minutes is a realistic allowance, longer if you're genuinely interested in church design.

The real value here is location. You're steps away from Chichester's medieval streets and cathedral quarter, so bundle it into a broader town exploration. If you're based at West Sands Holidays just up the road, it's an easy afternoon outing that breaks up beach time with a bit of cultural substance.