East Suffolk Council

Martello Tower P

Martello Tower P events in 2025

Martello Tower P, an iconic historical structure in Felixstowe, was built in the early 19th century as part of Britain's coastal defence strategy during the Napoleonic Wars.

Adjacent to this tower is an underground Cold War bunker built in the 1950s and decommissioned only a few years later, adding another layer of historical significance.

HM Coastguard built the first lookout on Martello tower P in 1934. The current lookout was built in 1979. With changing priorities and efficiency drives in the 1990s coastal lookouts were closed down and HM Coastguard focused more on the provision of co-ordinated search and rescue services. HM Coastguard closed their Felixstowe lookout in 1994.

In 1995 the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) Felixstowe station was a caravan which was towed each weekend into position for observations. This graduated to a large beach hut mounted on oil drums and concrete and, on 26 April 1996, moved into its present home - the recently vacated HM Coastguard lookout on top of Martello tower P.

In collaboration with Suffolk Archives, volunteers are currently being recruited to help with a research and interpretation project for this unique landmark. Those interested can find out more and apply now. Applications close Friday 14 February.

If you are unable to get involved with this opportunity, we will still need volunteers at future events being held at the tower. Sign up to become a Cultural Connections volunteer and start you volunteering journey now.