Christ Church

Christ Church Sis one of the architectural highlights of the historic seaside town. Open daily to visitors, the church offers a glimpse into Victorian worship, craftsmanship and seaside history. Whether you arrive for a service, a moment of quiet reflection, or simply to look around, you will find a warm welcome. Mass is celebrated daily.

Designed by the leading Victorian church architect Sir Arthur Blomfield and built in the 1870s, Christ Church is a Grade II* listed masterpiece of the Gothic Revival. Its dramatic sandstone exterior and soaring steeple make it a landmark in St Leonards. Inside, the scale of the building is impressive, with a finely designed interior created by some of the leading artisans of the period. The church forms part of the wider historic landscape of the town developed in the 19th century by James Burton and his family, whose vision helped transform this stretch of coast into a celebrated seaside resort.

Christ Church remains active at the centre of local life today, hosting choirs, concerts and community groups alongside its regular pattern of worship. As visitors come to St Leonards to explore its distinctive Burton architecture and seaside heritage, the church is an essential stop on that journey. It is currently the only tourist attraction in the town open daily to visitors.

To help visitors make the most of their visit, the church’s Heritage Hub provides a welcoming starting point. Interpretation panels introduce the building’s history and architecture, and a self-guided history tour highlights key features around the church. There is lots to do for families. Children can borrow one of the church’s Explorer backpacks, filled with activities designed to help younger visitors discover the church in their own way as they explore the Children’s Trail around the building.