Royal Gunpowder Mills

Royal Gunpowder Mills There’s plenty to see and do as you explore the Royal Gunpowder Mills with a variety of exciting and informative exhibitions.
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The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a Registered Charity and all ticket sales help us maintain our important historic buildings and natural environment for the public's enjoyment. Set in 170 acres of natural parkland, there are more than 20 buildings of major historic value. It was known as ‘the island’ due to the network of canals which were developed to transport gunpowder to and from the site. Step th

rough the gates to discover this ‘secret island’ full of fascinating history and exciting science for a surprising family day out. Award Winning Film & Exhibition
Travel back through time as this extraordinary film, complete with amazing special effects, takes you on a journey from the discovery of gunpowder to the race into space. Find out how gunpowder and explosives have literally shaped the world – both for good and ill over the centuries. Discover the hidden truth about this top secret facility which has played a major part in the defence of the realm through the ages. Through a series of interactive displays, find out how gunpowder came to Britain, what life was like between the decks of a warship, how the famous bouncing bomb was developed and the vital role the Gunpowder Mills played in both World Wars. The Armoury is an impressively comprehensive collection of small arms and militaria, displaying over 200 historic firearms covering the periods from the English Civil War to present day conflicts. Visitors are encouraged to handle and inspect a variety of historic weapons. Visitors are able to enjoy is the ‘Rocket Vault’ where you will be able to see some of the secret rockets worked on at Waltham Abbey. Professor Nitrate’s Mad-Lab is a fun-packed series of hands on experiments and activities set within the laboratory of eccentric rocket scientist. The Professor is always on the look-out for willing volunteers to test his latest theories so visitors will need to be prepared for fun-filled and, occasionally, smoke-filled adventures!

‘Women at War’ is a fascinating photographic display highlighting the vital and varied role women have played during wartime. The exhibition perfectly captures the unfolding social history as women took a significant step towards equality.

‘Dangerous Days’ brings together surviving artefacts, explosives-making equipment, pictures and sound recordings which reveal fascinating details about the dangers and heroisms of the people who worked at, and lived near, the ‘Royal Gunpowder Factory’ during the Second World War. The 1940s Exhibition is an authentic recreation of the sights and sounds of an air raid; visitors can step inside an Anderson Shelter and view a a 1940s general store, post office and see a 1940s toy shop. For nature lovers, the Wildlife Tower is perfectly positioned on the edge of the woodland, offering visitors a great vantage point with panoramic views to spot the resident wildlife. Get up-to-date information, photos and facts about the wildlife living on the site. Then take a stroll down the Nature Walk to explore a large section of the thriving woodland from a network of boardwalks, bridges and footpaths. The Military Truck or Land Train Tours are always popular, offering the chance to see areas of the site which are normally restricted. The area is home to plenty of wildlife and the remains of a number of buildings which were vital to the production of gunpowder on the site. The tours last about 40 minutes and are accompanied by one of the site’s experienced guides. (There is a small extra charge for land train tours.) Please see www.royalgunpowdermills.com
or call 01992 707370 for more information.

Epping Forest District Museum have a new exhibition and talks programme for VE Day 80. A couple of our staff had the ple...
15/04/2025

Epping Forest District Museum have a new exhibition and talks programme for VE Day 80. A couple of our staff had the pleasure of going along last week. It's well worth a visit.

🚀 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 BLAST OFF!! 🚀 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 Congratulations to the female passengers onboard the Blue Origin craft yesterday. Did you k...
15/04/2025

🚀 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 BLAST OFF!! 🚀 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀

Congratulations to the female passengers onboard the Blue Origin craft yesterday. Did you know that we have rockets too?
Come along on Easter Sunday, 20 April 11am-4pm to take a look inside our Rocket Vault and see our outdoor objects, like the huge Petrel missile below.
You can make a model rocket of your own (included in entry price) and even blast it off into space with an air pump ... maybe not quite to the Kármán line, but close!

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We get new visitors and followers all the time who hear the name Royal Gunpowder Mills but don't know our full story. He...
28/03/2025

We get new visitors and followers all the time who hear the name Royal Gunpowder Mills but don't know our full story. Here's a very brief summary but you can learn much more under the 'Resources' dropdown menu at www.royalgunpowdermills.com

Reminder 📢 we're open to visitors tomorrow Sunday 23 March 11am till 4pm. Don't forget your lottery ticket
22/03/2025

Reminder 📢 we're open to visitors tomorrow Sunday 23 March 11am till 4pm. Don't forget your lottery ticket

Read about the exciting grand opening of our Mill on the Mead - a Grade I Listed Incorporating Mill dating back to the 1...
21/03/2025

Read about the exciting grand opening of our Mill on the Mead - a Grade I Listed Incorporating Mill dating back to the 1860s - after extensive work to restore it to its original features thanks to the generosity of the National Heritage Memorial Fund. Learn more by visiting our website below ⬇️

The Royal Gunpowder Mills is proud to announce the grand opening of its newly restored Grade I listed building, the Mill on the Mead. The opening event, which took place on 19 March 2025, brought together funders, employees, stakeholders, partners, and volunteers to celebrate this significant milest...

RGM was honoured to have the High Sheriff of Essex attend last night's opening of our Grade I-listed Mill on the Mead bu...
20/03/2025

RGM was honoured to have the High Sheriff of Essex attend last night's opening of our Grade I-listed Mill on the Mead building and present Dr Geoff Hooper with the High Sheriffs Award.

We're happy to say that our pre-booked tickets for Sunday 23 March are sold out due to our participation in National Lot...
18/03/2025

We're happy to say that our pre-booked tickets for Sunday 23 March are sold out due to our participation in National Lottery Open Week . There will still be a chance to get tickets on the gate on the day subject to availability. We'll see you there!

The Royal Gunpowder Mills are excited to join National Lottery Open Week 2025 to say a big THANK YOU to players for th...
11/03/2025

The Royal Gunpowder Mills are excited to join National Lottery Open Week 2025 to say a big THANK YOU to players for their incredible support! 🎉

📅 On 23 March 2025, we’re offering free entry to National Lottery players who show a National Lottery ticket, Instant Win Game or scratchcard.

✨ Don’t miss out—find all the details and claim your offer at
https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers/royal-gunpowder-mills-free-entry

Here's another treat for the visitors of RGM! Celebrate the coming of spring with a delicious afternoon tea in our stunn...
09/03/2025

Here's another treat for the visitors of RGM! Celebrate the coming of spring with a delicious afternoon tea in our stunning Grade II listed Cafe building on Sunday 23 March. It's £25 per person for tea, coffee, sandwiches, sausage rolls, quiche, scones, and your choice of cake. Limited availability so book now at https://www.royalgunpowdermills.com/

We're excited to announce that for National Lottery Open Week, we're saying with free entry on Sunday 23 March. Offer ...
08/03/2025

We're excited to announce that for National Lottery Open Week, we're saying with free entry on Sunday 23 March. Offer available for all players of the National Lottery but tickets are limited. Find out more at https://www.royalgunpowdermills.com/

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Beaulieu Drive
Waltham Abbey
EN91JY

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