Events
Walking Tour
Join us for a fascinating journey through our unique industrial heritage site. Explore the grounds of the historic 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.
Our cafe will be open on the day and 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!
Kids Open Day
Kids Open Days are back for the Autumn half term on Wednesday 28 October 10:30–15:30. Learn more and buy tickets!
Fireworks
Join us for fireworks and so much more at the Gunpowder Mills on Saturday 7 November from 4.30 PM for a mesmerising display of fireworks set against the historic backdrop of the mills. Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable experience that will light up the night sky.
Bees and Other Buzzy Things - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
What Lives by the Water? - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Walking Tour
Join us for a fascinating journey through our unique industrial heritage site. Explore the grounds of the historic 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.
Our cafe will be open on the day and 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!
Sleepy Hedgehogs - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Conker Crafts - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Autumn Crowns - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Secret Squirrels - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Who is here at night? - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
How Many Legs - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Antler Adventures- Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Incy Wincy Spider - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Wings across the World - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Spot the Ladybird - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Owl Babies - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Kids Open Day
Kids Open Days are back during for the Summer Holidays every Wednesday 10:30–15:30. Learn more and buy tickets!
Walking Tour
Join us for a fascinating journey through our unique industrial heritage site. Explore the grounds of the historic 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.
Our cafe will be open on the day and 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!
Kids Open Day
Kids Open Days are back during for the Summer Holidays every Wednesday 10:30–15:30. Learn more and buy tickets!
What Lives in the Woods - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
What Lives in the Woods - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Kids Open Day
Kids Open Days are back during for the Summer Holidays every Wednesday 10:30–15:30. Learn more and buy tickets!
Pirate Adventure Weekend
Set sail for the Gunpowder Mills to for tales of buccanneers and pirates, with a treasure hunt, obstacle courses, soft play, reenactors, sea shanties and more!
Included with 2026 Annual Pass – pay once, return FREE all year!
Dazzling Dragonflies - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Herons Hide and Seek - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Kids Open Day
Kids Open Days are back during for the Summer Holidays every Wednesday 10:30–15:30. Learn more and buy tickets!
Beautiful Butterflies- Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Wiggley Things and Wings - Under 5s Nature Play Session
Book your tickets for a free nature play session designed especially for children under 5 and their grown-up. Spend time exploring and playing together in the natural environment through a variety of hands-on activities.
Kids Open Day
Kids Open Days are back during for the Summer Holidays every Wednesday 10:30–15:30. Learn more and buy tickets!
Walking Tour
Join us for a fascinating journey through our unique industrial heritage site. Explore the grounds of the historic 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.
Our cafe will be open on the day and 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!
Kids Open Day
Kids Open Days are back during for the Summer Holidays every Wednesday 10:30–15:30. Learn more and buy tickets!
Railway Weekend
Explore our wonderful Gunpowder Railway and Miniature Railway. and marvel at guest model railway layouts in action.
Whether you are an avid model railway enthusiast, a Thomas the Tank Engine fan or just fancy a day out at our peaceful and fascinating site, there is something for everyone this weekend.
RAILWAY-THEMED ACTIVITIES
• Model railway exhibits • Large railway sets to build and play • Railway Rides and guided tour of the Ordnance Railway Museum • Themed children’s activities
EXPLORE THE MILLS
• Exhibitions • Tractor Tours • Heritage buildings • Wildlife and nature
Included with 2026 Annual Pass – pay once, return FREE all year!