West Martello Tower, Pembroke Dock
A 19th-century coastal defense tower guarding the Pembroke Dock waterfront, West Martello Tower stands as a quiet monument to Britain’s naval past and Victorian fortification design.
Standing guard on the Pembroke Dock waterfront, West Martello Tower is a 19th-century coastal defense tower built to protect the Royal Navy Dockyard. This circular stone fort, locally known as one of the 'Martello Towers', once formed part of a chain of defenses along the Cleddau estuary. Today, it stands as a quiet historical landmark, reflecting the town’s naval past and offering a glimpse into Britain’s coastal fortification strategy. Though no longer armed, its thick walls and strategic position make it a distinctive feature of the Pembroke Dock skyline.
A brief summary to West Martello Tower
- Fort Rd, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6SX, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours for the best views and photo opportunities; the tower is most photogenic with the Cleddau estuary in the background.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the Pembroke Dock waterfront to see other historic dockyard structures and enjoy views across the Cleddau.
- Check locally for any temporary exhibitions or heritage events that might provide additional context about the tower and the Royal Navy Dockyard.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from Pembroke Dock town centre
From Pembroke Dock’s main streets, follow signs toward the waterfront and the old dockyard area. The walk takes about 10–15 minutes along paved paths and quiet roads, with clear views of the Cleddau estuary and historic dockyard buildings along the way.
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By local bus to Pembroke Dock
Regular local bus services serve Pembroke Dock from nearby towns such as Pembroke and Tenby. From the main bus stops in the town, it is a 10–15 minute walk along the waterfront to reach West Martello Tower, with level, accessible paths for most of the route.
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By car with local parking
Drive to Pembroke Dock and use one of the town’s public car parks near the waterfront. From there, it is a short, level walk of 5–10 minutes along the riverside to the tower, with clear signage to the historic dockyard area.
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By train to Pembroke Dock station
Pembroke Dock has a railway station on the branch line from Tenby. From the station, it is about a 15–20 minute walk along town streets and the waterfront promenade to reach West Martello Tower, with mostly flat terrain and some historic buildings visible en route.
West Martello Tower location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about West Martello Tower
A Tower Born of Naval Necessity
West Martello Tower was constructed between 1848 and 1857 as part of a broader effort to defend the Royal Navy Dockyard at Pembroke Dock, a vital shipbuilding hub on the Cleddau estuary. Designed as a coastal artillery tower, it belongs to the Martello family of forts inspired by a tower at Mortella Point in Corsica, whose resilience impressed British engineers during the Napoleonic Wars. In Pembroke Dock, two such towers were built on either side of the dockyard entrance, forming a defensive pair to cover the water approaches and deter enemy ships. West Martello, positioned on the western flank, was intended to mount guns that could sweep the channel and support the larger fortifications guarding the naval base.From Active Defense to Quiet Relic
The tower served as an active military installation during the mid-19th century, but as naval technology advanced and rifled artillery rendered traditional masonry towers obsolete, its military role faded. By the late 19th century, the Martello Towers at Pembroke Dock were decommissioned, and their guns removed. Over time, the site transitioned from a frontline fortification to a local landmark. One of the pair was later converted into a small museum focusing on the dockyard’s history and defenses, though that use has since ended due to water damage. Today, West Martello Tower stands as a preserved, though not fully restored, example of Victorian coastal defense architecture, its thick stone walls and circular form a reminder of a bygone era of naval power.Architecture and Setting
West Martello Tower is a classic Martello design: a squat, circular stone tower with very thick walls, originally built to withstand cannon fire. It features a raised gun platform and would have been surrounded by a dry moat for added protection. The tower’s position on the Pembroke Dock waterfront places it near the old entrance to the naval base, where it once worked in concert with its eastern counterpart and other nearby defenses like the Defensible Barracks. The surrounding area is now a mix of historic dockyard structures and modern waterfront development, giving the tower a prominent but peaceful presence in the townscape. Its location offers views across the Cleddau towards the opposite shore, reinforcing its original strategic vantage.Life After the Guns
In the 20th century, the tower saw various secondary uses, including community events and as a local history museum, reflecting its role as a focal point for local heritage. However, ongoing issues with water ingress and structural maintenance have limited its accessibility and active use. Pembrokeshire County Council has considered options for its future, including potential sale, while recognizing its historical significance. Despite these challenges, the tower remains a protected historic site and a well-known feature of Pembroke Dock, often photographed and appreciated by residents and visitors alike for its distinctive silhouette and connection to the town’s naval past.Visiting the Tower Today
Today, West Martello Tower is best appreciated from the outside, as a historic monument rather than an interior attraction. The exterior can be viewed from the riverside paths and nearby streets, where its robust masonry and compact form are clearly visible. Interpretive signage in the area helps explain its role in the dockyard’s defenses and the broader context of Martello towers in Britain. The surrounding waterfront is pleasant for a walk, with views of the Cleddau and glimpses of other dockyard relics. While the tower itself is not regularly open to the public, its presence contributes significantly to the historic character of Pembroke Dock, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in military history, coastal fortifications, and the story of a once-bustling naval base.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority
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The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
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Pembroke Castle
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Wogan Cavern
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The Ferry Inn, Pembroke Dock
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Jolly Sailor
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Watermans Arms
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Old Kings Arms Hotel & Bar
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Cafe ROSE
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Paternoster Farm
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Martha’s Vineyard
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Best Western Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa
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The Stackpole Inn
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Cafe Môr - The Pembrokeshire Beachfood Company
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The Freshwater Inn
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Historic
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
