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Temples #26 in Brighton

St Peter's Church

4.5 · 507 reviews
Active and community-oriented
St Peter's Church, York Pl, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4GU, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The church was built on the site of a former gravel pit that once served as a communal meeting space.

2

Sir Charles Barry designed the structure before his rise to national fame for the Houses of Parliament.

3

The original design featured a tower that was later reinforced due to structural instability concerns during the 19th century.

4

The building was deconsecrated for traditional parish use in 2007 before being revitalized as a church plant by HTB in 2009.

5

The exterior walls were extensively cleaned and restored in the early 21st century to reverse decades of soot accumulation.

Overview

St Peter's Church in Brighton is a prominent Anglican church designed by Sir Charles Barry, the architect later famous for the Palace of Westminster. Construction took place between 1824 and 1828 using local Caen stone, marking one of the earliest examples of the Gothic Revival style in England. The building serves as a focal point at the junction of the A23 and the A270, effectively functioning as a northern gateway to the city centre. Following a period of closure for worship by the Church of England in 2007, it was reopened in 2009 by the HTB (Holy Trinity Brompton) network. The interior retains its historical structural layout while being adapted for contemporary congregational use. Its location at the northern end of the Old Steine makes it a landmark for those navigating Brighton's main arterial routes. The site is currently functioning as an active church and community space.

Photo spot

From the south looking north, capturing the church facade framed by the trees of the Old Steine.

Insider tips

Check the official website for community event schedules, as the building hosts various non-religious gatherings.

The interior layout is very flexible; notice how the historic nave is used for modern seating configurations.

Take time to observe the difference between the original masonry and the modern restoration work on the exterior.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to park directly on the church forecourt, as it is a pedestrianized space.

Etiquette

Respect ongoing services or community events; maintain a moderate volume when walking through the interior.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
30-45 minutes
Best time to visit
Mid-morning on weekdays for a quieter experience or Sunday mornings to witness the active congregation.
Address
St Peter's Church, York Pl, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4GU, United Kingdom
50.828, -0.135
Get directions
Details
Architectural styleGothic Revival
DesignerSir Charles Barry

Frequently asked

Plan for about 30-45 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-morning on weekdays for a quieter experience or Sunday mornings to witness the active congregation..

From the south looking north, capturing the church facade framed by the trees of the Old Steine.

Close by you'll find Royal Pavilion, Brighton i360, SEA LIFE Brighton.