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EASTBOURNE residents and visitors will have the chance to explore one of the town’s most historic landmarks for free this September, as part of Heritage Open Days 2026.
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community-led festival of history and culture.
The Napoleonic-era Martello Tower, which has stood on Eastbourne seafront for more than 200 years, will welcome visitors for a series of free events this month.
The Wish Tower Friends, a volunteer group dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the landmark, have already welcomed more than 2,200 visitors to the Tower during 2026.
Sean Firth of the Wish Tower Friends said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in Heritage Open Days again this year.
“The Wish Tower is such an important part of Eastbourne’s history, and we love welcoming visitors as often as we can. Heritage Open Days is another great opportunity for us to share the Tower’s fascinating story and raise vital funds for essential repairs.”
It will be open to visitors on Saturday 12, Tuesday 15, Thursday 17 and Sunday 20 September, from 12pm to 4pm, for self-guided visits.
There will also be four free 90-minute guided architectural tours on Monday 14 and Friday 18 September, at 12pm and 2pm, exploring the history, design, and unusual features of Eastbourne’s Martello Tower No. 73. Advance booking is essential for the tours.
All visits are free, with donations welcomed towards the Tower’s repair and maintenance.
The Wish Tower Friends took over responsibility for the Tower in 2013. Since then, the entirely volunteer-run group has welcomed more than 15,000 visitors and has worked to preserve the building and share its history with the public.
Martello Tower No. 73, is one of a chain of defensive towers built along the south coast in the early 1800s in response to the threat of invasion by Napoleon.
For further information and architectural tour bookings, visit wishtower.org.uk/events.
