Royal Gunpowder Mills
Royal Gunpowder Mills
Royal Gunpowder Mills
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksChildren's Museums
About
On selected dates in 2023, 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 this year.
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.
Please note that we’re opening differently to the way we’ve opened in the past with a programme of selected activities replacing our standard opening. Sadly Professor Nitrate won't be with us this year but there will be exciting new activities and events coming up. Make sure you check our website and book before you travel!
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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4.5
463 reviews
Excellent
293
Very good
117
Average
38
Poor
10
Terrible
5
TwoLittleMonsters24
United Kingdom60 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Attended as part of a school trip / had never heard of it before.
We had Izzy and Colin deliver two different inputs to the children, Izzy’s was very interactive - they could handle exhibits and learn about what it must have been like for children being evacuated during the war. There was lots of opportunity for them to ask and answer questions and they really enjoyed trying the old stirrup pump!
Colin delivered a talk posing as a WWI ARP and I have to say he was AMAZING! He had us all totally enthralled and entertained with his passionate talk on the history of the site. His talk was the perfect balance of science, history and even Panto- esque humour!
The museum was fantastic, lots of interactive exhibits, the play area is great, I will definitely be back with the family!
We had Izzy and Colin deliver two different inputs to the children, Izzy’s was very interactive - they could handle exhibits and learn about what it must have been like for children being evacuated during the war. There was lots of opportunity for them to ask and answer questions and they really enjoyed trying the old stirrup pump!
Colin delivered a talk posing as a WWI ARP and I have to say he was AMAZING! He had us all totally enthralled and entertained with his passionate talk on the history of the site. His talk was the perfect balance of science, history and even Panto- esque humour!
The museum was fantastic, lots of interactive exhibits, the play area is great, I will definitely be back with the family!
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine R
14 contributions
Oct 2022
What a great day out. The volunteers were really friendly and helpful. I must report that Professor Nitrate was just brilliant ...!!! He had everyone laughing out loud and the show was really entertaining and fun plus educational for the kids. We will return next year when site re-opens as we ran out of time to see everything. Thoroughly recommend this place !!
Written 31 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glen W
3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Great day out for a family. Interesting exhibits, knowledgeable staff and lots of fun for the kids who particularly loved Proffessor Nitrate's shows.
Written 25 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alie p
1 contribution
Oct 2022 • Family
Wow what a great find, staff were all friendly and very informative. Lots for kids and adults alike and we found the science show hilarious.
Great touches like making a rocket and launching it nothing was to much trouble.
Great touches like making a rocket and launching it nothing was to much trouble.
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa R
1 contribution
Oct 2022 • Family
Royal Gunpowder Mills - explore our explosive visitor attraction!
Visited as a family with grandparents. My eight year old son loved the shows, professor Nitrate was hilarious. We enjoyed making a rocket and launching it. My nephew (2 yr) and all of us loved the train and the tractor ride. During the tractor ride we was provided with a history of the site and was so surprised at how big and beautiful it is. Seeing the deer and Stag was a bonus. The volunteers are very helpful and friendly. We had a great day out.
Visited as a family with grandparents. My eight year old son loved the shows, professor Nitrate was hilarious. We enjoyed making a rocket and launching it. My nephew (2 yr) and all of us loved the train and the tractor ride. During the tractor ride we was provided with a history of the site and was so surprised at how big and beautiful it is. Seeing the deer and Stag was a bonus. The volunteers are very helpful and friendly. We had a great day out.
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KVJ166
Southampton, UK1,109 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
We have seen a couple of television programs featuring the Royal Gunpowder Mills over recent years and finally had the opportunity to visit, we were not disappointed.
Upon arrival we went into the exhibition centre to learn about the history of the site and watch a brief film, this set the scene for the day. This is a place suitable for young and old, Professor Nitrate engages with children and adults alike with his science shows.
At this point I must mention the volunteers who made the day so interesting, in particular the 2 gentlemen in the rocket launch who spent their entire careers at the site, they were very keen to share their knowledge and answer questions, later in the afternoon one of them saw us looking through the window of a building that wasn’t open and came over to let us have access and again, provide information about it.
The tractor tour is an absolute must, it really puts everything into perspective as you venture across the site.
Definitely worth a visit if you get the opportunity.
Upon arrival we went into the exhibition centre to learn about the history of the site and watch a brief film, this set the scene for the day. This is a place suitable for young and old, Professor Nitrate engages with children and adults alike with his science shows.
At this point I must mention the volunteers who made the day so interesting, in particular the 2 gentlemen in the rocket launch who spent their entire careers at the site, they were very keen to share their knowledge and answer questions, later in the afternoon one of them saw us looking through the window of a building that wasn’t open and came over to let us have access and again, provide information about it.
The tractor tour is an absolute must, it really puts everything into perspective as you venture across the site.
Definitely worth a visit if you get the opportunity.
Written 1 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexa S
1 contribution
Sep 2022 • Family
Absolutely brilliant day out, run mainly.by volunteers many who had worked at the mill, this really is a gem. Plenty to do and fire up the kids imagination and great to learn about such a rich history in the local area.
There were crazy science experiments, a train ride, a tractor ride and a reasonably priced cafe (we only had drinks so not sure what food was available).
We had a brilliant day!
There were crazy science experiments, a train ride, a tractor ride and a reasonably priced cafe (we only had drinks so not sure what food was available).
We had a brilliant day!
Written 28 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamie H
2 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
Took a last minute trip to the Gunpowder Mills today with my 2 children (daughter 12 and son 11) to take advantage of the lovely weather. The grounds were lovely and there was lots there to keep them both entertained. A special mention to Professor Nitrate for engaging both kids and parents alike (and for taking a ribbing about his football team from my son). Great family fun day had by all.
Written 25 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alanna
2 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
The Freindly Helpful staff who led my husbands walking tour yesterday were brilliant. They are very knowledgeable and willing to answer questions and give people the time to take photos. Refreshments were provided at the start and finish of the tour and we stayed for a picnic lunch I had taken with us. They allowed me to wait for my husband while he walked and were very friendly with me sitting and waiting for him.
Written 8 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JazzySkylar
Ringwood, UK145 contributions
Sep 2022
A great afternoon doing something a bit different. At £10 per adult (concessions availabe) it is great value for money. the volunteers couldnt be more helpful and clearly love what they are doing. We enjoyed the train journey alongside the river and then wandered around the site - would have been nice to see a bit more but understand if barricaded off for H&S reasons. Professor Nitrate was brilliant - for adults and children alike - so amusing and yet informative, a great way to teach science. The main museum with the film show was excellent. Really felt were walking in the footsteps of history. Cafe could do with serving more food but understand why. Couldnt believe the place was not heaving with people as such a great time for both children and adults.
Written 5 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crystalpearl
Colchester, UK84 contributions
Is there a cafe on site?
Onceawaitress
Haywards Heath, UK513 contributions
Yes
Darrell79
Basildon, UK112 contributions
Would a 5 year old girl enjoy it here ?
manicmummy
london30 contributions
My 6 year old daughter loved it
Ravenscroft
59 contributions
Am i understanding right that Gunpowder Mills is not open on a Friday and Saturday during the holidays? Seems a bit incredible anyone know why?
Royal Gunpowder Mills
Waltham Abbey, UK
Hi.
Thank you for your question. Since our 2017 season the decision was made to open Sunday - Wednesday in the Summer Holidays due to a noted pattern of busier days in previous summer holidays. On days we are not open to the public we try to accommodate group bookings and site hire. Please check out our event listings for the rest of the 2018 by checking our website.
Annieangel999
Essex, UK26 contributions
Hi, would it be of interest a 15 year old? Thank you.
Sarah C
Barnet, UK62 contributions
Yes I think it's suitable for a 15 year old.
I'm sure they would like the science shows and learning about the history of the gunpowder mills.
There is a ride that goes the whole way round the gunpowder mills that lasts for about 40 minutes that I would think would be perfect for a teenager.
is it open 1st may?
harveyp2
Waltham Abbey, UK20 contributions
Hi. Yes we are open on the bank holiday Monday the 1st May. It is the biggest event day of the year so get here early as parking will become a problem later in the day. Have a look on the website for full details.
is it open 1st may ?
rogerreed2
Stanstead Abbotts, UK8 contributions
I don't know but their website should tell you.
Craig S
Welwyn Garden City, UK11 contributions
Would it age appropriate for a 5 year old ?
harveyp2
Waltham Abbey, UK20 contributions
Yes, certainly. We have many youn visitors (including my grandchildren) Have a look through the reviews from visitors with young children. We have activities designed for the younger audience.
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Claim your listingROYAL GUNPOWDER MILLS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Gunpowder Mills
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