Anguilla / Places of Interest

There are not that many places to visit on the island, which apart from its beaches and sea views, is frankly not that attractive. The vegetation is scrublike and there are only a few open spaces where there is a view across grassland or a pond. Add to this the fact that the housing is overwhelmingly modern, mostly built in concrete that tires quickly when not regularly painted.

The hotels around the island do have an interesting recent tradition of architecture, however. See Accommodation. And most of the island’s historical sights can be seen on the Anguilla Heritage Trail.

The Valley - the capital of Anguilla, The Valley is hardly a bustling place. There are around 600 inhabitants and you will only recognise it by the fact that the density of the buildings and their size is marginally greater than in other parts of the island. All in all it is only just noticeable as a town.

The official departments, utility buildings and a couple of malls are on Carter Rey Road, the road than runs in from the airport roundabout, but there is a clutch of traditional stone and clapboard houses on Coronation Avenue, which leads northwest towards Crocus Bay. The unexpected name, The Valley, only becomes apparent during heavy rains, when the town has occasionally been known to flood.

Anguilla National Trust Museum, The Valley, t 497 5297 - educational displays of Anguilla’s natural, archeological and historical assets.

Ebenezer Methodist Church - the oldest church in Anguilla. Set on Coronation Avenue, the old part of town, it was built in 1830.

Heritage Collection Museum, East End -  an excellent exhibition of everything Anguillan curated by Anguillian historian Colville Petty, from evidence of the early Amerindian settlements through plantation to colonial and more modern times, including a room devoted to the Anguillan revolution. Coins, stamps shells, household items and pictures of events. The Anguilla Heritage Trail starts here.

Old Salt Factory & Pumphouse, Sandy Ground - formerly a storage shed for salt harvested from the salt pond, now a bar.

Wallblake House, The Valley - built in 1787 it is Anguilla’s only remaining plantation house. This is a private house in which there are sometimes exhibitions of art.

To find other ways to make the most of your Anguilla vacation, take a look at our Things to Do and Day Sails/Boat trips sections.