About

On selected dates in 2025, 300 years of intrigue and history in a stunning natural setting are ready to explore. Visitor activities, a busy schools programmes, talks, walks, tractor tours, railway rides, exhibitions, workshops and re-enactments are amongst the ways visitors can explore and enjoy our unique site in 2025.

The Royal Gunpowder Mills shaped military history as well as the development of civil industries such as mining and quarrying. It began as a family run business, but later became Crown property and a major local employer of workers in the Lea Valley. Over the centuries the factory grew, adopting to new technologies, and expanding its workforce to meet increasing demand for explosives and propellants. 

 Much of the 170 acre site is now a scheduled ancient monument and site of special scientific interest. The nature reserve attracts a wide range of birds, such as the siskin, barn owls, herons and kingfishers. Other animals that make their home at the Mills include fallow deer, muntjac, grass snakes and various species of bat. The waterways are inhabited by large carp and other fish, such as pike, and in summer these areas are alive with dragonflies and damselflies.

Please see:

What's On | Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills

Group Visits | Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills