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Royal Gunpowder Mills - Mayhem In The Mad Lab : February 10 - 18

Come along February Half Term as Professor Nitrate kicks off 2018 with Mayhem in the Mad Lab! Join us DAILY between February 10 to February 18 for awesome activities and super cool science.

At the Royal Gunpowder Mills we mix science and fun together.  Visit our “Science Stations” where you can try your hand at making your very own Floam and Space Sand to take home with you plus test the science behind Waterproof Sand, Bicarb Bombs, Ferrofluid and Fizzy Cloud Dough. Visit “The Rocket Room” where you can make your own air powered Rocket to launch and take home with you. 

As well as these great activities there are interactive science shows with the Professor at 11.40, 1.40 and 3.40 where children and adults alike can learn about the science behind things that go whizz, bang and boom – not to be missed.

The history of this 300 year old site comes alive in our interactive Main Exhibition and there is a Rocket Vault and Armoury to explore, and other displays and activities, including a Wildlife Tower and the Brambly Hedge display which celebrates the woodland family of the popular books which has come here after a successful tour around the country.  

The Royal Gunpowder Mills opens its doors DAILY for Mayhem in the Mad Lab from February 10 -  February 18.  Doors open 10am, Last Entry 3pm.

BUY TICKETS ON EVENTBRITE HERE - £8.10 – £10.50

* Activities are subject to change - always check before you travel. 

* PLEASE NOTE - Whilst we are intending to run Land Train tours during February Half Term - this will be weather dependant - please stay tuned to our website and social media closer to the time.

For more detail of entry prices see the main Royal Gunpowder Mills listing.

Must See Attractions:

The Mad Lab is home to Professor Nitrate and a fantastic array of science shows. With various shows throughout the day. There's always something new to learn. The Mad Lab is also home to the Professor's assistants who will be on hand to show you their latest experiments with fun take home experiments on offer.

The Rocket Vault. From tank busters to rocket motors used to launch satellites into space – see some of the secret rockets worked on at Waltham Abbey. The exhibition shows the development of rocket motors and propellants from Congreve's gunpowder rocket of the early 19th century through to the guided missiles from the cold war era and in the Falklands war. Former employees are often on hand to give guided tours and answer any technical questions concerning rockets and propellants.

The Armoury (one of our most popular attractions). The Armoury is a unique and comprehensive collection of small arms and militaria, acquired by The Royal Gunpowder Mills with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund. The exhibition displays over 200 historic firearms covering the period from the English Civil War to present day conflicts. Volunteer staff are on hand to explain the science, technology and history of the various types of weapons on display which include heavy medium and light machine guns, sub machine guns, manual and self-loading rifles, revolvers and pistols, mortars, rocket launchers and grenades. Visitors are encouraged to handle and explore a variety of historic weapons - this "hands on" experience is one of the many highlights of the attraction.

Film and Exhibition. An award winning film, revealing the history of explosives and how they were produced at the Royal Gunpowder Mills, makes an ideal starting point to understanding the historical and scientific importance of the Royal Gunpowder Mills. The interactive exhibition is the best way to understand the history surrounding the site and the science behind gunpowder. The exhibition area contains a labyrinth of artefacts, displays and interactive video games explaining how gunpowder and later chemical propellants were discovered, refined and manufactured. It brings both the site, and the people who worked there, alive and allows visitors to understand the buildings and processes they can explore around the 170 acre site.

Land Train Tour and Military Truck Tour. The ideal way to explore across the 170 acre site and the only way to access those parts of the site with restricted access. With expert commentary, these tours take you through areas containing unique wildlife as well as the remains of the buildings which housed the site’s manufacturing processes.  You will see the Nitrator (where nitroglycerine was manufactured), Newton's Pool which is 12 meters deep and used for the testing of underwater explosives including the explosive used in the "bouncing bomb" and the Press House where the gunpowder was pressed to improve its explosive properties. This was one of the most dangerous processes on the site. You will also see the remains of the extensive canal and railway network used to transport the raw materials and final products around the site – which is why it is referred to as an island.

Mini and Narrow Gauge Railways. As well as the network of canal, railways transported materials around the site. In 2000 rolling stock, most of which originally came from Woolwich Arsenal, was relocated to the Royal Gunpowder Mills. Although not original to Waltham Abbey's railway, all are to similar War Department designs, and the carriage bodies are almost all on frames and bogies identical with those used here for the large cordite wagons of 1917.

After visiting the Narrow Gauge railway, why not take a ride on The Bangs Galore & Gunpowder Creek 7 1/4 inch gauge miniature railway.

Test Range. Experience the brand new Test Range where you can try your hand at Crazy Carts and Airsoft Rifles (age 9 and above).

Wildlife Tower. The Wildlife Tower is on the edge of the woodland and offers visitors a great vantage point with panoramic views for the resident wildlife. Things to do include: Bark Rubbings, Quizzes and Colouring are available for children.  See up-to-date information, photos and facts about the wildlife living on the site. There are many interesting collections of natural objects in display cabinets. Listen to recordings of the Dawn Chorus. A mural on the top level of the tower shows what animals, visitors might be able to spot. Interactive Games.

Woodland Walks. Take the Nature Walk trail and perhaps detect some of the amazing wildlife that live here - don't miss the Wildlife Tower for lots more information. The Nature Walk will highlight many of the areas on the site concerned with gunpowder and cordite manufacture and identify the buildings around the site. Our visitors are constantly amazed at the abundance and variety in our woodlands.