Waterside Catholic Parish (St Bernard RC Church)

The red-brick Victorian pile that is St Bernard's sits just off the main drag near Southampton, looking every bit the solid Catholic parish church it's been since the 1880s. Nothing fancy about it - honest architecture, proper proportions, the kind of building that tells you someone actually cared about doing the job right rather than chasing fashionable trends.

Inside, you'll find the usual high ceilings and stained glass, though it's the quiet that strikes you most. There's proper sanctuary here, away from the Southampton traffic noise outside. The contemporary additions - bits of the building that have been refurbished over the decades - sit reasonably well alongside the original Victorian shell, which is more than can be said for some parish churches.

Frankly, this isn't a destination attraction. You're not driving out to Southampton specifically to see St Bernard's. But if you're staying at Lepe Beach Campsite down the road - just 3.5 miles away - and the weather turns, or you fancy a quick cultural break from the beach, it's worth the short drive. The interior's peaceful enough for twenty minutes' exploration, and the building itself is photogenic from the outside if you're into Victorian ecclesiastical architecture.

Sunday mass times would be your best bet for experiencing the place as it's actually meant to be used, though weekday visits are possible if the doors are unlocked. Ring ahead if you're planning anything specific - opening hours and visitor arrangements aren't straightforward.