Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey
  • Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey
  • Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey
  • Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey
  • Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey
  • Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey

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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

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

We're open for selected activities in 2023. See website www.royalgunpowdermills.com to find out what's on next. Please make sure you've checked and booked before you travel!

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access
  • Wheelchairs available

Catering

  • On-site light refreshments
  • Picnic site

Suitability

  • School Trips

Target Markets

  • Coach parties accepted

Map & Directions

Road Directions

By Road: From the M25: Leave jct 26, follow signs for A121 to Waltham Abbey. At traffic lights, McDonalds on your left, our entrance is opposite in 'Beaulieu Drive'. Nearest station: Waltham Cross By Public Transport: From Waltham Cross station it is 20 minutes' walk to Royal Gunpowder Mills. Accessible by Public Transport: Waltham Cross station is 2 miles away.

Royal Gunpowder Mills

Type:Heritage Centre

Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY

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Call direct on:

Tel01992 707370

Awards

  • Visit EnglandVistEngland VAQAS Gold VistEngland VAQAS Gold 2018

Opening Times

Open on selected days - see website for details (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025)

* Our activities in 2025 will vary. See www.royalgunpowdermills.com to find out more.

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