About
August Walking Tour of the Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey, Essex
Friday August 22nd starting at 10:30am and finishing 1:30pm
Tickets are £26.95 (inc fee) including tea, coffee and biscuits. Book your place: RGM Walking Tour at Royal Gunpowder Mills event tickets from TicketSource
Enjoy a fascinating walking tour around our historic 170 acre site and enjoy the chance to explore our restricted access areas.
Journey through our unique industrial heritage site. Explore the grounds of the historic Royal Gunpowder Mills as our knowledgeable guides take you on a 2.5-hour tour filled with great stories and insights.
Described by Historic England as the ‘most important site for the history of explosives in Europe’, this remarkable and beautiful landscape chronicles the development of explosives, propellants and finally rocket motors and fuels from the Civil War to the Cold War, including rare surviving WW1 factory buildings, and intriguing structures and earthworks.
You'll take in grand structures like our E-Traverse, Quinan Stove, Grand Nitrator and Press houses. All these sit within a peaceful haven for nature, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to foxes, deer and birds. So bring your camera and binoculars!
Please be aware that the terrain is uneven in parts and strong footwear and long trousers are recommended. Toilets are available at the start and end of the tour but not enroute.
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served on your return and we encourage visitors to bring a packed lunch to enjoy after the walk. Space will be provided indoors and out for you to eat, discuss your experience, and get to know new people.
Tickets are limited so don't miss out!
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Facilities
Establishment Features
- Guided tours
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Provider Preferences
- Outdoor Attraction - The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a very large unspoilt site with areas designated of special scientific interest (SSIs). The dangerous nature of gunpowder manufacture, and the later chemical explosives, made it sensible to space buildings apart. So the industrial processes can be explored within a natural environment. Trees were allowed to flourish between the buildings as they provided an additional safety barrier should an explosion occur in a building, and canals link all parts of the site.
Map & Directions
Road Directions
The Royal Gunpowder Mills is located in Beaulieu Drive, off Highbridge Street (at traffic lights and opposite McDonalds), a ten minute walk from the centre of Waltham Abbey. The entrance is at top north end of Beaulieu Drive.
There is free parking
From J26 of M25, take A121 to Waltham Abbey; or from J25 of M25 go to Waltham Cross and then A121.
Public Transport Directions
By Bus
The site is just a 10 minute walk from Waltham Abbey Town Centre.
Nearest bus stops in Highbridge Street are served by the following local buses:
21, 212, 213, 240, 250, 251, 255, 505, 517.
By Rail
Nearest station is Waltham Cross, connecting London Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale underground (Victoria Line) to/from Cheshunt/Broxbourne/Hertford East.
We are a 25 minute walk east from the station.
You may also take a bus or a cab (office at station).
