Valley Church Beach is an Antigua favorite for locals and visitors, including cruise ship passengers. The beach has soft sand, a gentle slope and mild waves. Enjoy swimming and sunbathing and rent beach chairs and an umbrella to settle in for a long relaxing day in the sun. Get some exercise with kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Walk south to Ffryes Beach in about 10 minutes. Here you’ll find additional gorgeous views of bright blue waters and white sand. Try snorkeling or riding a Jet Ski before having a cold drink at the tiki bar.
You can visit the beach bar on Valley Church Bay too. Get takeout food and drinks or cool off in the shade on the open-air porch. Use the convenient restrooms, showers and changing areas at the beach before you head back to your accommodations.
For more staples and amenities drive about 5 minutes northeast to the slightly larger town of Bolands. You’ll find several additional restaurants along the route.
Away from the beach, look for the pretty stone façade of Our Lady of the Valley Anglican Church. A section of stained glass notes the dedication in 1689. Step into the cool interior for a religious service or moment of contemplation. Stroll through the adjoining Valley Church Cemetery to see weathered headstones from the 1800s.
If you’re on a cruise boat, join an excursion or arrange your own taxi, shuttle or rental car to get to Valley Church Beach. If you’re staying on the island, come to the beach fairly early in the morning or after midday to avoid cruise visitors. These are good times to visit anyway to catch spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Drive to Valley Church in less than 30 minutes from St. John’s, the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda. While you’re in Saint Mary parish, visit some of the other splendid beaches, including Carlisle Bay, Hermitage Bay Beach, Darkwood Beach, Rendezvous Bay and the unusual Pigs in Paradise.
