A tour group at Martello Tower P in Felixstowe file into the 200 year-old structure as part of the Heritage Open Days.

ORGANISERS of Felixstowe’s highly-successful Heritage Open Days weekend say the event is likely to be biannual rather than yearly.

A tour group listens to a talk about the Martello Tower P in Felixstowe as part of the Heritage Open Days.

Hundreds of people took the opportunity to visit historic houses, churches, civic buildings and fortresses, and go on guided heritage walks and talks, as the resort took part in the national event for the first time.

Phil Hadwen, vice-chairman of conservation group The Felixstowe Society, said holding the every every two years would ensure there was enough interest and allow the event to expand gradually.

“There is a huge amount of planning involved and it took a great amount of time and hard work. I think we will be looking to hold it every other year,” he said.

“It was a super weekend and the Felixstowe Society would like to thank all the people who attended the events, which were well received, and also all the helpers, the volunteers, who were excellent.”

Mr Hadwen said about 200 people had visited Martello Tower P on the south seafront, and around the same number the 1920s Colonial-style home The Courts in Brook Lane. Many others had enjoyed the churches, Felixstowe Town Hall, Trimley Station, backstage tours of the Spa Pavilion, and FADOS House. Walks had attracted 25 to 35 people and the history talks were also well attended.

There were 30 activities in all over the weekend, organised by the society with help from Suffolk Coastal’s conservation team.