The Royal Gunpowder Mills

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Open this Sunday - The Royal Gunpowder Mills

The Royal Gunpowder Mills

Sunday 6th April 2025

Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1JY

Individual ticket price £10.00 - £15.00* Family ticket (2 adults & up to 4 children) price £50.00*  *booking fee applies. Parking is free.

Book here for 6th April

Video introduction to the site here

A fun-filled day out at the Royal Gunpowder Mills. Step back in time and explore the fascinating history of the historic gunpowder factory. Uncover the secrets of this unique site while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of its greenery and woodlands. Experience the newly renovated Grade I-listed Gunpowder Incorporating Mill, now open to visitors! Discover the stories behind its design and use, dating back to the 1860s, and learn how this landmark shaped the industrial era and beyond.

The day is packed with exciting activities for all ages, including:

Rocket-making workshops: unleash your creativity and build your own miniature rocket!

Tractor-trailer tours: explore the restricted areas of the site with fun and informative guided tours.

Railway rides: hop aboard for a charming ride through the site’s scenic areas.

Interactive exhibitions and hands-on displays: engage with history like never before.

Whether you're a history buff, a family seeking adventure, or simply looking to enjoy a fun-filled day outdoors, the Royal Gunpowder Mills offers something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore one of Britain’s most intriguing historical sites!

PLEASE NOTE:
Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic if they wish. The cafe has tea, coffee, and snacks available for purchase.
For the safety of visitors, the areas beyond Queen’s Mead (our main visitor area) are only accessible on the Tractor Tour or the Gunpowder Railway.

Visit the Royal Gunpowder Mills website to find out more: www.royalgunpowdermills.com

The Gunpowder Railway     The Gunpowder Railway is a narrow gauge railway running roughly 1 km along the perimeter of the Royal Gunpowder Mills site. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a narrow gauge railway was used to transport materials around the site. Over the past decade a dedicated team of volunteers have constructed a 2 foot 6 inch gauge, passenger-carrying railway, reflecting this history. 

Tractor Trailer Guided Tours  Take the Tractor Trailer Guided Tour to the 'out of bounds' part of the site. You will see the remains of buildings used in the production of explosives including the Grand Nitrator (where nitroglycerine was manufactured), Newton’s Pool used for the testing of underwater explosives including the explosives used in the Dambusters' “bouncing bomb” and the iconic Press House with waterwheel and press where one of the most dangerous processes on site took place. 

The Rocket Vault. From tank busters to rocket motors used to launch satellites into space – see some of the secret rockets worked on at Waltham Abbey. The exhibition shows the development of rocket motors and propellants from Congreve's gunpowder rocket of the early 19th century through to the guided missiles from the cold war era and in the Falklands war. Former employees are often on hand to give guided tours and answer any technical questions concerning rockets and propellants.

The Armoury (one of the most popular attractions). The Armoury is a unique and comprehensive collection of small arms and militaria, acquired by The Royal Gunpowder Mills with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund. The exhibition displays over 200 historic firearms covering the period from the English Civil War to present day conflicts. Volunteer staff are on hand to explain the science, technology and history of the various types of weapons on display which include heavy medium and light machine guns, sub machine guns, manual and self-loading rifles, revolvers and pistols, mortars, rocket launchers and grenades. Visitors are encouraged to handle and explore a variety of historic weapons - this "hands on" experience is one of the many highlights of the attraction.

Film and Exhibition. An award winning film, revealing the history of explosives and how they were produced at the Royal Gunpowder Mills, makes an ideal starting point to understanding the historical and scientific importance of the Royal Gunpowder Mills. The interactive exhibition is the best way to understand the history surrounding the site and the science behind gunpowder. The exhibition area contains a labyrinth of artefacts, displays and interactive video games explaining how gunpowder and later chemical propellants were discovered, refined and manufactured. It brings both the site, and the people who worked there, alive and allows visitors to understand the buildings and processes they can explore around the 170 acre site.