Parham
Antigua's first town, on the northeastern coast, with an unusual octagonal church.
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Parham was the island's first town and its original port, on a sheltered inlet on the northeastern coast, and it declined once St John's took the trade. St Peter's Church of 1840 is the reason to stop: an octagonal building by Thomas Weekes with a ribbed plaster ceiling, unusual anywhere and unique on the island, damaged by the 1843 earthquake and repaired. Boats to the North Sound islands leave from the harbour.
What you actually see
- St Peter's Church - the octagonal 1840 building with its ribbed ceiling.
- The old harbour - the sheltered inlet that was the island's first port.
- The town - the small settlement that predates St John's.
- The island boats - departures for Great Bird Island and the North Sound.
When to go
December to April is the dry season. The church keeps irregular hours and may be locked. Boats to the islands run in the morning.
Honest expectations
The church is often locked and finding the keyholder takes time. The town is small and run down in places. An hour covers it.
Nearby
Great Bird Island is offshore, and Betty's Hope is south.
What to pack for Parham
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.