About
International Living History Festival at the Royal Gunpowder Mills
Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey EN9 1JY
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April 2026
This year, the International Living History Festival takes place over the weekend of 18–19 April at its new home, Royal Gunpowder Mills.
Once again, the festival will welcome a huge and diverse turnout of living history groups, portraying both civilian and military life across the centuries. From everyday domestic skills to the realities of conflict, history will be brought vividly to life by hundreds of passionate reenactors.
Set within the extraordinary historic landscape of Royal Gunpowder Mills, visitors are invited to enjoy an unforgettable family day out — or make a full weekend of it and explore everything the site has to offer. The historic buildings, woodland spaces and industrial remains will form the backdrop to immersive living history displays spanning from prehistory through to the 20th century.
With over 300 reenactors, more than 20 living history camps will be established across the site. Alongside this, visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, arena displays, and a historically themed market, offering a truly interactive journey into the past.
For full event details, please explore the pages of our website and visit the Royal Gunpowder Mills website for information about the historic site itself.
Ticket information and entry prices will be available when it is released - please check for updates at: International Living History Festival | 18th – 19th April 2026 at The Royal Gunpowder Mills
Book Tickets Online
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).
