Gunpowder Mills
Waltham Abbey, Essex
About Gunpowder Mills
Join us for a day of history, heritage and fun-filled family activities at the Gunpowder Mills.
What do you get on a visit to the Gunpowder Mills?
Step back in time and explore the fascinating history of our historic gunpowder factory. Uncover the secrets of this unique site while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of its greenery and woodlands.
The day is packed with exciting activities for all ages, including:
Rocket-making workshop: unleash your inner engineer and build your own miniature rocket.
Tractor-trailer tours: explore the restricted areas of our site with fun and informative guided tours.
Railway rides: hop aboard for a charming ride through the site’s scenic areas on our fun-sized trains.
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.
Packed with exciting activities for all ages
-Rocket-making workshop: unleash your inner engineer and build your own miniature rocket.
-Tractor-trailer tours: explore the restricted areas of our site with fun and informative guided tours.
-Railway rides: hop aboard for a charming ride through the site’s scenic areas on our fun-sized trains.
-Interactive exhibitions and hands-on displays: engage with history like never before.
Step into a once-secret site of National Importance
What makes the Gunpowder Mills truly unique is its extraordinary heritage and setting. Unlike most family attractions, it sits on a historic, 170-acre site where real scientific breakthroughs and wartime innovations took place.
Special Themed Weekends & Holiday activities
Look out for our special themed weekends for extra special family fun, including:
-1940s Vintage Weekend: Sat 30 and Sun 31 May
-Railway Weekend: Sat 18 and Sun 19 July
-Pirate Adventure Weekend: Sat 8 and Sun 9 Aug
We also run Kids Activity Days every Wednesday during the school holidays with activities like slime-making, tie-dye t-shirt making, rocket making, wildlife watercolours and more on offer!
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
- Monday, Closed
- Tuesday, Closed
- Wednesday, Closed
- Thursday, Closed
- Friday, Closed
- Saturday, 11:00 - 16:00
- Sunday, 11:00 - 16:00
Please check our website for details and more opportunities to visit throughout the year.
Pricing & Tickets
- Adult (18+-18+) : £15.00
- Child (3-17) : £10.00
- Babies and Toddlers (0-5) : Free
- family (0-18+) : £45.00
These prices are General Admission for our Weekend open days and count as Annual Passes for the year - pay once and return as many times as you like!
Parking is FREE.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Gunpowder Mills by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Contact Details
Beaulieu Drive
Waltham Abbey
Essex
EN9 1JY
England
Please ensure you use the street address Beaulieu Drive to find us, followed by our postcode EN9 1JY. Some navigation systems will take you to the wrong place using the postcode alone. Once on Bealieu Drive, please proceed all the way to the end of the road, where you will find our visitor entrance and car park straight ahead.
Tel: 07990513456
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
By Rail: Trains to Waltham Cross and Theobalds Grove, connecting London Liverpool Street, Stratford or Tottenham Hale underground (Victoria Line) to/from Cheshunt / Broxbourne / Hertford East. We are a 25 minute walk east from Waltham Cross station. You can take a bus from outside the station. Turn right out of the station, go under the road bridge, up the stairs, turn left and you will see the bus stop just ahead.
By Underground: Loughton station (central line) - Bus 66 towards Debden.
By Bus: Nearest bus stop is Highbridge Street Roundabout which is served by the following local buses: 14, 22, 22C, 66, 66A, 86, 211, 212, 251
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 09:39 07/05/2026
Gunpowder Mills Reviews
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