Southwick is now firmly part of the suburban sprawl running from Brighton and Shoreham, and is…read moreknown to most people for the power station that dominates the far side of Shoreham Harbour. But there was a community here in Saxon times, and its church is surprisingly ancient. In fact, the walk from the station crosses the Green, an attractive and villagey stretch of tree-lined common which splits Southwick into two halves. There are some handsome cottages surrounded by well appointed semi-detached suburban homes, and a rather less appealing row of post-war shops. St Michael and All Angels was, until the 18th century, dedicated to St Margaret, and sits among a very pretty churchyard, thickly studded with trees. Although there was probably a church here in Saxon times, it first recorded in 1086, and in 1206 the right to appoint the rector was granted to the Templars, and then to the Hospitallers, although much of the early mediaeval period was taken up with disputes over these rights with the monks of Sele Priory. The ownership passed from Sele Priory to Magdelene College at the Dissolution, and patronage thereafter passed to the Crown until the 20th century. Fire in the 19th Century damaged the nave and an unexploded bomb (and the subsequent excavation to remove it) damaged the tower in 1941. The church itself is built of flint, and is essentially in three parts: the tower, nave and chancel. The tower is by far the most impressive part: its foundations and lower walls are said to be Saxon, although it mostly dates from the late 12th and 13th centuries. It is an attractive composition, with paired round-headed arches with narrow openings surmounted by paired gothic lancets and, above that, a shingle broach spire. The west door is also attractive, but a modern addition: the tower was carefully taken down and faithfully rebuilt in 1950 after the bomb damage, with vestries built either side. The chancel is mostly 13th century, with two original lancets, framed by a 14th century chancel arch. There are two round headed arches to the south, although the central column probably dates from the Victorian rebuilding. A 14th wooden screen with narrow lancets also survives in the south aisle. The nave burned down in the 1830s and was rebuilt with narrow lean-to aisles in 1834, with round-headed arcades and lancet windows. Pevsner's Buildings of England described the nave as a 'loveless cover for pew-space', which I think is a bit harsh, although there's no doubt it doesn't match the quality of the tower. The furnishings other than the south aisle screen - are limited in interest to what appears to be a mediaeval aumbry, some 18th and 19th century tombs and memorials, and a sturdy, square font, probably from the 13th century. The church is today the centre of large and busy parish, and has a vibrant church life, with services daily through the week.

Built to defend an important port on the River Adur, Bramber Castle was constructed as a motte and…read morebailey castle around 1073 by William De Braose, who fought alongside William the Conqueror at the battle of Hastings in 1066. Apart from a period of confiscation during the reign of King John, it remained in the ownership of the De Braose family until themale line died out in 1324. Thereafter, it passed via the Mowbray and Howard families into the estate of the Dukes of Norfolk, who held it until it until 1926. It was given to the National Trust in 1946. Very little survives of the original castle, thanks to a gradual decline over the years, damage during the Civil War in 1642 and looting of the stones as a quarry for building by the locals. The most prominent feature is the tall and unsteady-looking fragment of the Gatehouse tower, still standing to almost its full original height. In the centre of the grounds is the impressive original motte, its earthen mound rising some 30ft (10m). A short distance away is a section of the curtain wall which survives up to 10ft (3m) in places. Around the perimeter are also the remains of the castle's impressive moat. (NB be careful with small children, as there are some sheer drops in places). Although the ruins are rather fragmentary, the grounds are beautifully kept by the National Trust, and make a wonderful place for a picnic, as well as affording excellent views of the surrounding countryside.

This place is a bit of a let down. There seems to be no effort to make it obvious where/what parts…read moreof the ruins were. They have a lame sign at the entrance but little else. It just seems like an enclosed play field.

From time to time everyone needs somewhere to go and think about things. A place a little out of…read morethe ordinary perhaps, where you can put life into perspective without your thought being rose tinted or lagged with doubt. For me personally this is the very end of the sea defences that run from the Portslade end of Aldrington Basin. You can even drive the better part of the way there and there is a cafe just by the car park. To get there you just take the little slip road down to the docks by Hove Lagoon and at the mini roundabout take a left. Then follow the road ahead, passing all the large grey emotionless commercial docking facilities with piles of timber and aggregates from other shores to your right. The walk from the Cafe is where the thinking time starts though. No matter what time of year or how many people you might meet down there the place seems to have an emotionless, cold and deserted feel. Sound seems to travel a shorter way, as though it were muted by the gentle hiss of the sea against the remote unforgiving concrete structure. A deafening silence. From the car park it's clear where you need to head - you pass a pebble beach, much lower than the path, to your right and come to the length of concrete harbour wall on your left. Then just walk to the end and sit for a while. No noise, no shops, no traffic and (save the odd angler) no people. Just try it.

Visitors driving along Holmes Avenue through modern suburban West Blatchington could be forgiven…read morefor doing a double-take as they approach the crest of the hill: somewhat ignominiously stranded between its two carriageways is a fine early 19th Century windmill, a reminder of the proud tradition of Sussex windmills that once dotted the landscape around the South Downs. West Blatchington mill was built around 1820 to provide flour and animal feed to the tiny village that has existed here since mediaeval times. The mill is unusual in that it was attached to a barn, and the 'A' frame which supports the sail mechanism inside was built from rescued ships' timbers. Milling stopped in 1897 and, although no longer operational, much of the interior mechanism survives in good condition. The building is listed at Grade II+. The mill is a 'smock mill', so named because the octagonal, wooden structure with its sloping weather boarded sides resembles a linen smock. The cap at the top of the mill could rotate to face the wind, driven around by a small fantail rotor (rather like a modern helicopter's rear rotor) on the opposite side of the cap from the main sails. Inside, the ground and first floors comprise an exhibition of the local area and country life in general, with several examples of early agricultural machinery, many of which are still in working order, together with some fine models of windmills. Higher galleries allow access to the milling floor and the bagging floor, and offer fine views over the surrounding countryside. The adjacent barn is now used as a seminar and meeting room, and light teas are available when the mill is open. There is also a small souvenir shop by the entrance. Entry (2008) Adults £1.00 Children 50p Wheelchair Access There is level access to the ground floor (although it is slightly uneven in places). There is also a disabled access toilet. The upper floors are reached by a series of very steep, open-tread steps.

Built around 1820, West Blatchington Windmill is a sight to behold. You can see it when you…read moreapproach Hove from Devils Dyke by car and I always think that its amazing its still there surrounded by modern houses. This 'Smock' windmill was famously painted in water colours by John Constable in 1825 and is an ideal venue for all age groups to come and visit. Its only open to the public on Sundays and bank holiday Mondays but for schools and large groups they can make an exception. This mill has been quoted as being one of the finest windmills in the country so definitely worth a trip!

Thought provoking sculpture that is yet another asset to the ever increasing show that Brighton…read moreputs on. The sculpture is an aluminium panel portraying photographs of six couples kissing. The photographs were transformed by computer into a dot screen drilled through a thick alumimium sheet. Brilliantly designed by Bruce Williams, it is meant to reflect the diversity of Brighton's residents. The Kiss Wall, unveiled in 1992 is a celebration that calls for equlaity, understanding and acceptance between all individuals. It is lovely to see by day, but I feel that it's more stunning at night. Fanatastic!

This is an old stone farm tucked in a valley just by Devil's Dyke. It is owned by the National…read moreTrust, as is quite a lot of the land in that area. Walking in to Saddlescomb farm you walk past a duckpond. If you head straight on and round to the right you walk past stone outhouses, and old farming machinery. In one of the fields is a donkey wheel, kind of like a giant hamster wheel but for a donkey, used to grind corn. Chickens run out to meet you. In one of the courtyards is a little trailer selling cakes, cream teas and sandwiches. You can get pots of tea, and on the tables there are cutesy sugar bowls and salt and pepper cellars the likes of which you would find in an old ladies house or at a boot fair; our salt and pepper cellars for example were a pair of Mallard ducks: pepper in the drake, salt in the hen. It's really incredibly quaint, there are a few information boards about the farm, and after tea you can go for a lovely refreshing walk around the downs. Top notch.

I love the bandstand. It's a real jewel on the seafront and looking good for 130 years old…read more Lovingly restored just a few years ago it's considered one of the finest examples of Victorian bandstand in the country. This attraction does nothing much but look pretty for most of the year, but it is a hive of activity during peak season. You can see all sort of bands and dancing in the summer and for six months of the year you're allowed to get married on it. It's a unique venue for weddings, including same-sex marriage as of today in England and Wales. Hooray! It's still next to the busy coast road though so keep your eyes fixed on the direction of the sea. Many couples opt to marry elsewhere and take a few choice photos at the landmark for free. It's also lit up at night and good for a reflective moment when the city is quieter. I sometimes pop down there after dark and find others have decided to do the same. But that's ok, I don't mind sharing.

The first time we visited Brighton (and then moved here) we lived just opposite the bandstand. At…read morenight there would be dance classes or live music and the light detail they have put into it is simply beautiful. Granted, unless something else has taken the initiative (such as salsa classes etc) there is not much happening, but it is a landmark, and it makes what is a beautifull town even better.

Great cemetery located either side of the Old Shoreham Road. It was built in 1882 and is 50 acres…read morein size. They have an old Victorian chapel available for funerals and sections of the grounds have been set aside to accommodate all faiths including Muslim, Baha'i, non orthodox Jewish (with its own Prayer Hall) and Coptic Christians. A nice place to be laid to rest.

Without sounding morbid, I like cemeteries. Don't worry, I'm no grave robber, just someone who…read morelikes a peaceful place to come and take time out from hectic Brighton from time to time. The cemetery at Hove is pretty expansive and there is a interesting blend of nineteenth century headstones and tombs, upto contemporary cremation plaques. It is managed by the council and the site is well kept with some amenities. Two chapels from the Victorian era are present, although only one is currently used for funeral services. I like that it is used for a range of religious faiths, which compliments the cosmopoloitan ethos of the city. If you have reading to complete for University then this is a nice place to come on a sunny day and escape the distractions of your flatmates or the general population of Brighton.

Don't know what all the fuss is about. Used in the film but it is now a dirty, smelly, alleyway…read morecovered in graffiti.

Cool little place. Very interesting request pinned on door, which made me chuckle, but that's all…read moreI'm gonna say... I'll let you discover it for yourself