East Suffolk Council

Martello Tower P

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.

The Suffolk Archives research project is under way – we are no longer recruiting volunteers for it.

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.

Martello Tower p events in 2025

View a map on how to get there

Sunday 22 June, 9am - 1pm
2 Sisters Art Group Sea Shanty and Folk Festival and 3 promenading performances.
Friday 15 August, 11am - 3pm
Maritime Family Fun Open Day.
Saturday 30 August, 10am - 4pm
NCI 30th Year anniversary and fun day.
Saturday 20 September, 11am - 3pm
Heritage Open Day.