About
The Royal Gunpowder Mills VE WEEKEND
May 5, 6 and 7 – Doors open 10am and Last Entry is 3pm. Allow around 4 – 5 hours to get around our fantastic site and to view everything we have on offer. This event is popular. Pre-Booking is advised (but does not guarantee parking or Science shows and Theatre which are offered on a first come, first served basis). Tickets £8.10 - £10.50
Step back into a time of celebration and remembrance for VE Weekend, with battle re-enactments, living history, celebration, family activities and theatre.
VE Weekend brings to life the last months of the 2nd World War. Over 300 re-enactors from all over the world assemble in a show area of tents, jeeps, barracks and field kitchens for one of the last battles of the European theatre March 1945. Visitors can tour the field finding out from soldiers what life was like on the front line and on Sunday and Monday part of the battle is re-enacted. In another part of the site it is May 1945, war in Europe is over, and civilians are helping visitors to join in the celebrations!
ALL DAYS – The 1940s Street Party will be here to entertain visitors all throughout the weekend. Join us out on the street for singing, dancing and jiving all throughout the weekend. Then pop along to see “Spam, Sandwiches & Bunting” an interactive show staged in our Theatre.
Tour the different camps of servicemen on the field and ask questions and watch their preparations. Feast on fabulous food throughout the weekend with a selection of themed fancies in the “Victory Filling Station”. Visit the Gunpowder Café for a great selection of snacks and drinks and try some of our pop-up food outlets for delicious food from all over the world.
Professor Nitrate and Mad Lab team are also on hand with a great variety of family activities. Join us for KABOOM the interactive science show. You can make your own Rocket, have a go at our Rail Rockets, Design your own T Shirt and have a go on our Test Range to test your skills as a solider with our Airsoft Guns
BANK HOLIDAY SATURDAY – Visitors find everything going on except for the battle re-enactment. This is a day with more space to get in-depth conversations with re-enactors and enjoy the entertainments.
BANK HOLIDAY SUNDAY & MONDAY (3PM) – On both days at 3pm our re-enactors bring one of the last WW2 land battles to life. Witness the opposing sides using their training and tactics in ‘Operation Varsity’
Book Tickets Online
Facilities
Accessibility
- Accessible Lift
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
- Disabled Parking
- Disabled persons toilet
- Facility for service dogs
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
Catering
- Cafe
- Catering for groups
- On-Site cafe/restaurant
- Outdoor eating area
- Picnic area
- Picnic Site
Children & Infants
- Children's Meals
Establishment Features
- Dogs welcome - Please keep dogs on a lead.
- Garden / Grounds for visitors use
- Groups welcome
- Marquee Space Available
- Toilets
- Toilets on Site
Parking & Transport
- Coach parking
- Free parking
- On Site Car Parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Provider Preferences
- Countryside Setting - The Royal Gunpowder Mills site extends to 175 acres of countryside including unique wooded areas dotted with the remains of 300years of industrial heritage.
- In countryside - The Royal Gunpowder Mills site extends to 175 acres of countryside including unique wooded areas dotted with the remains of 300years of industrial heritage.
- In town/city centre - The Royal Gunpowder Mills is on the outskirts of the historic town Waltham Abbey.
- Indoor Event - The event includes entry to all the usual Royal Gunpowder Mills exhibits, many of which are housed within historic buildings.
- Outdoor Event
Specialist Features
- Cyclists welcome - Covered cycle parking in the car park.
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Children
- Marketed Towards Families
- Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
- Marketed towards student/youth
Tours and Demonstrations
- Demonstrations Given
- Guided Tours Available for Groups - Take a guided tour on the Land Train or military truck to see and understand the whole site.
- Guided Tours Available for Individuals - Take a guided tour on the Land Train or military truck to see and understand the whole site.
Map & Directions
Road Directions
Located between Waltham Abbey & Waltham Cross, off Highbridge St. (across from McDonalds).
Entrance at top north end of Beaulieu Drive.
From J26 of M25, take A121 to Waltham Abbey; or from J25 of M25 go to Waltham Cross and then A121.
Free car parking on site. Disabled parking in car park. Covered cycle parking aso in car park.
Public Transport Directions
Located between Waltham Abbey & Waltham Cross, off Highbridge St. (across from McDonalds).
Entrance at top north end of Beaulieu Drive.
The site is a 10 minute walk west from Waltham Abbey Town Centre.
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 (see below) or a cab (office at station).
By Bus: Nearest bus stops in Highbridge Street are served by the following local buses: 21, 212, 213, 240, 250, 251, 255, 505, 517.
