We’re passionate about our explosive history.

Come and explore, learn and enjoy it with us!

Schools Programme

Choose from a range of exciting curriculum-linked topics. "Another amazing visit. The children loved it and are still talking about it now. The activities really brought our topic to life." KS2 Teacher

Published:

Author: Adam Warren

Volunteer

The Royal Gunpowder Mills is reliant on the time, skills, knowledge and hard work given by the team of volunteers. The team works to preserve and share the site and its unique history, for the visitors and for the future.

Published:

Author: Adam Warren

Royal Gunpowder Mills Digital Archive

After the closure of ERDE, the archive material inherited passed through a number of hands and storage locations before opening to the public as an online database.

Published:

Author: Ian MacFarlane

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News

  • Schools are back!

    School visits are back at the Royal Gunpowder Mills. Choose from 'Homes and Habitats', 'Victorian Life', 'The Home Front', 'Rocket Science' or 'Mapping the Mills'! Read more

  • Lights, Camera, Action! Our cinema upgrade is complete

    We have finally completed our upgrade of the Royal Gunpowder Mills cinema! Made possible by the Heritage Recovery Grant, we are all set with light fixtures and accessible space. Perfect for those looking to hire a theatre or conference space. Read more

Our exhibitions

  • Main Exhibition and Film

    Travel back through time and discover 300 years of explosive and top secret history through film, exhibitions and interactive displays. Read more

  • The Rocket Vault

    Explore our Rocket Vault which holds 19th century gunpowder rockets through to Cold War guided missiles. Read more

  • Women at War

    A photography exhibition celebrating the women who worked in the war industries during the First World War. Read more

  • The Armoury

    Discover how firearms changed over the centuries by visiting our collection of over 300 historic firearms. Read more