Royal Gunpowder Mills - Days Out Events in Essex

Welcome to the Royal Gunpowder Mills
Discover this amazing site and all it has to offer

Set in 170 acres of natural parkland and boasting 20 buildings of major historic importance, the site mixes secret history, exciting science and beautiful surroundings to produce a magical day out for all. Established in the 17th century and acquired by the Crown in 1787, the Royal Gunpowder Mills has a very important place in both the history of Great Britain and its home town of Waltham Abbey.

History of the Royal Gunpowder Mills
Explore the fascinating history shrouded in secrecy for over 300 years

Evidence shows that gunpowder was produced in the Waltham Abbey area from at least the 17th Century. Later the Royal Gunpowder Mills became the leading English producer. The Waltham Abbey Mills showed off their superiority at trials on Marlborough Downs in 1809/10. Powder from six private gunpowder suppliers, Faversham and Waltham Abbey was used to fire a shell from a naval mortar with Waltham Abbey’s going the furthest.

Nature at the Royal Gunpowder Mills
Take the nature walk and explore the widlife on site

For over 300 years the Royal Gunpowder Mills was cut off from its surroundings by its river boundaries and the secrecy of its work. As the government's use of the site reduced so nature took over creating a hidden world, a unique landscape and a thriving ecology of wildlife and woodlands. Visitors are be able to explore a large section of this unique world from a network of boardwalks, bridges and footpaths.

More attractions & exhibitions
Explore our attactions and learn about the site

With 17 exhibitions and attractions there is more than enough to keep all ages occupied. To view all our attractions click ‘read more’. You’ll be amazed at the variety on site!

School bookings
Our fantastic education programmes bring history to life

Our Education Programmes have been carefully developed to cover key areas of the National Curriculum through interactive and informative activities. Click to Download the Education Programme Leaflet

Corporate & Group bookings
Use our conference facilities or just explore the site

For Group Bookings

Click Here

For Corporate Hire

Click Here

Can you help?
As a registered charity there are many ways you can help

Become a Volunteer, join the Friends Association, sponsor a building, an event, the railway restoration project, make a donation. These are just some of the ways you can help us at the Royal Gunpowder Mills.

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Special Events at the Royal Gunpowder Mills...

Welcome to the Royal Gunpowder Mills Discover this amazing site and all it has to offer

History of the Royal Gunpowder Mills Explore the fascinating history shrouded in secrecy for over 300 years

Nature at the Royal Gunpowder Mills Take the nature walk and explore the widlife on site

More attractions & exhibitions Explore our attactions and learn about the site

School bookings Our fantastic education programmes bring history to life

Corporate & Group bookings Use our conference facilities or just explore the site

Can you help? As a registered charity there are many ways you can help