Jaywick Martello Tower
A restored 1809 defensive tower now a unique arts venue, offering history, local art, and stunning coastal views for a minimal fee.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Staff are often present
Jaywick Martello Tower
Best Time
Staff are often present
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A restored 1809 defensive tower now a unique arts venue, offering history, local art, and stunning coastal views for a minimal fee.
"Fascinating place! Just £1 to come in and look around, which I recommend even if it's just to admire the brickwork!"
🎯 Budget-Friendly Entry
Admission is only £1 for adults, with kids under 14 free! :moneybag: A great value for history buffs.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Welcome
Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside, making it a great stop for pet owners. :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Defense Tower
Ground floor
Explore the fascinating history of this 1809 defensive structure built to repel Napoleon's forces.
Local Art Exhibits
First floor
Admire diverse artworks from local artists displayed within the unique setting of the tower.
Panoramic Coastal Views
Rooftop lookout
Enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscape from the tower's summit.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
A Quick, Affordable Visit
Check Opening Times & Rooftop Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Budget-Friendly Entry
Admission is only £1 for adults, with kids under 14 free! :moneybag: A great value for history buffs.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Welcome
Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside, making it a great stop for pet owners. :dog:
☕ Make a Cuppa
Friendly staff offer tea and coffee, adding a cozy touch to your visit. :tea:
📸 Rooftop Views
The rooftop offers fantastic views, but check if it's open due to nesting birds. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Budget-Friendly Entry
Admission is only £1 for adults, with kids under 14 free! :moneybag: A great value for history buffs.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Welcome
Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside, making it a great stop for pet owners. :dog:
☕ Make a Cuppa
Friendly staff offer tea and coffee, adding a cozy touch to your visit. :tea:
📸 Rooftop Views
The rooftop offers fantastic views, but check if it's open due to nesting birds. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Jaywick Martello Tower for its incredibly low entry fee, friendly staff, and the unique blend of history and local art. The panoramic views from the rooftop are a significant draw, and its dog-friendly policy is a major plus. While not a place for an all-day visit, it's highly recommended for a short, engaging, and affordable experience.
"This tower houses a small but interesting museum on the ground floor and local artworks on the first floor. The views from the lookout on the roof are fantastic. It’s not somewhere you will spend hours at but it’s great for a quick visit and they put on lots of events too."
Aiden Fothergill
"What a fascinating place! Just £1 to come in and look around which I recommend even if it's just to admire the brickwork!
Super friendly staff who made a fuss of our dog whom we were happy to be told he was welcome inside.
The upstairs section is decorated with all of the renovation pictures and stories, as well as information about usage.
Sadly on our visit the rooftop was closed due to nesting seabirds, but I reckon the views are alone worth a trip. One of very few towers that encourage access; the other one nearby at Point Clear."
Lucy Jolley
"Was closed when we passed by, but looked like a cool place to visit and is very cheap too. States £1 per adult and kids under 14 free which is great. They also allow well behaved dogs too!"
life0ffthegrid
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jaywick Martello Tower is located in Jaywick, Essex. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most straightforward option. Parking is available nearby, and there's a portaloo in the car park.
Yes, there is parking available near the tower. A portaloo is also provided in the car park for visitor convenience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, and it's advisable to check in advance. The tower is known to be closed at certain times, so confirming before your visit is recommended.
Entry is very affordable at just £1 per adult. Children under 14 get in for free, making it a great budget-friendly attraction. +1
Advance booking information is not widely available. Given the low entry fee and casual nature of visits, it's likely you can pay on arrival.
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome inside the tower, which is a big plus for visitors with pets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tower features a small museum on the ground floor with historical displays, local art on the first floor, and offers fantastic views from the rooftop lookout. +1
A visit is usually not a long affair, making it ideal for a quick stop. Most visitors spend a short amount of time exploring the exhibits and enjoying the views. +1
There are no services inside the tower itself, but a portaloo is available in the car park. Friendly staff may offer tea and coffee. +1
Built in 1809, it's one of 29 Martello towers constructed to defend England against Napoleon Bonaparte. The upstairs section details its renovation and usage.
Rooftop access is usually available, offering great views. However, it can be closed temporarily due to nesting seabirds.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture of the tower itself is photogenic. The panoramic views from the rooftop are also excellent for capturing the coastline and inland scenery.
Photography is generally permitted inside the tower, allowing you to capture the historical displays and local art.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Pet Owners
🚶 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Napoleonic Defense
The tower's strategic location offered commanding views of the sea, crucial for spotting enemy ships. The upper levels, including the rooftop lookout, were vital for observation and signaling. Understanding its original purpose provides a deeper appreciation for the structure and its significance in British history.
Art, Community, and Views
The highlight for many is the panoramic view from the rooftop. On a clear day, you can see across the sea and inland towards Jaywick. While rooftop access can occasionally be restricted due to nesting seabirds, the views are generally considered well worth the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit