About

On each Sunday until the end of October, 300 years of intrigue and history are ready for the adventurous and curious to explore. 

A short film detailing the story of these historic mills sets the scene before you become immersed in an exhibition that explains the site’s intriguing past.  And, where else can you find a rocket vault to explore… Understand what makes a rocket fly, before you create and launch your very own air powered rocket! 

The new and exciting outdoor science show about gunpowder, explosives and rockets is sure to grab your attention as it takes centre stage, and don’t forget to pay a visit to the armoury with its selection of over 300 historic firearms too.

Join a tractor tour around the site to see our iconic press house, the huge blast walls and the Quinan Drying Stove where scenes from Jude Law’s series The Third Day and the BBC’s Starstruck comedy series were filmed.   Learn about life at the mills; the people who worked here, and how the police would search the workers for matches before starting their shifts to uphold safety. And, you may even be lucky to spot the Royal Gunpowder Mill’s herd of fallow deer.

You can also take a ride on the narrow gauge Gunpowder Railway to explore this site of special scientific interest further before taking advantage of the Gunpowder café’s delicious hot drinks and light snacks.  Or, perhaps you will prefer to relax in the grassy Queens Mead to enjoy your own refreshments from home.

Discover how the Royal Gunpowder Mills played an essential part in the UK’s military history, national defence and technology that led to developments in mining and quarrying and marvel at its renowned status as a top-secret research centre for Cold War inventions and rocketry.

There really is something for everyone.  So, whether you are looking for a gentle stroll around a unique historic site, need activities for children that include a playground, or are looking to learn and understand more about the site’s outstanding contribution to science, this is an exciting day out that is not to be missed.

For more information visit www.royalgunpowdermills.com.  Tickets are £10 per head with £8 concessions for pensioners and under 16s.  Ticket price includes: Introductory film, Main exhibition, Rocket vault visit, Armoury visit, Make and launch your own air powered rocket, the outdoor science show and a choice between a 30-minute Tractor Tour around the site or a trip on the narrow gauge Gunpowder Railway.