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  • Railways
  1. Get Involved
  2. Railways

Railways

The Gunpowder Railway

The Gunpowder Railway is a narrow gauge railway running roughly 1 km along the perimeter of the Royal Gunpowder Mills site. 

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a narrow gauge railway was used to transport materials around the site. Over the past decade a dedicated team of volunteers have constructed a 2 foot 6 inch gauge railway, reflecting this history. 

The Gunpowder Railway completed its first full running season at the end of October of 2022, transporting over 1500 passengers! Thanks to all those involved: volunteer drivers, guards, duty officers and volunteers involved in the construction and maintenance of the railway.

When is the Gunpowder Railway next running? 

The Gunpowder Railway runs on our 'Experience the Royal Gunpowder Mills' days and can be booked for 'Group Visits'.

Volunteer

Opportunities to volunteer with the Gunpowder Railway run all year round. If you are interested in becoming a Gunpowder Railway Volunteer please contact our Volunteer Manager Liz Went: [email protected]

Find out more:    Gunpowder Railway News Blog


Mini Railway

The Mini Railway runs the length of Long Walk. It was built by a team of volunteers led by John Wilson. 

The Gunpowder Railway

The Gunpowder Railway

Railways The Gunpowder Railway is a narrow gauge railway running roughly 1 km along the perimeter of the Royal Gunpowder Mills site. Read more

Published: 28th April, 2025

Updated: 8th August, 2025

Author: Serena Avery

Become a Gunpowder Railway Volunteer!

Become a Gunpowder Railway Volunteer!

Whether you would like to develop your technical understanding of locomotives or fulfil a childhood dream of becoming a train driver, volunteering with the Gunpowder Railway is the perfect way to learn new skills whilst having fun and meeting new people. Read more

Published: 29th November, 2022

Updated: 5th November, 2025

Author: Helen Hamlyn

Railway History

Railway History

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a narrow gauge railway was used to transport materials around the site. Read more

Published: 21st June, 2018

Updated: 29th November, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

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    Open Day

    Join us for a day full of fun and fascinating history at our stunning industrial heritage site.

  • Open Day

    Open Day

    Join us for a day full of fun and fascinating history at our stunning industrial heritage site.

  • Open Day

    Open Day

    Join us for a day full of fun and fascinating history at our stunning industrial heritage site.

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    Guided Tour to the restricted areas of the site. Spot monuments and wildlife in the woods

  • Royal Gunpowder Mills Digital Archive

    Royal Gunpowder Mills Digital Archive

    After the closure of ERDE, the archive material inherited passed through a number of hands and storage locations before opening to the public as an online database.

  • Schools Programme

    Schools Programme

    Book an inspiring learning experience for your students in 2026!

  • 300 Years of History

    300 Years of History

    Gunpowder is a mixture of the natural products saltpetre, sulphur and charcoal. Its beginnings are obscure...

  • The Armoury

    The Armoury

    Discover how firearms changed over the centuries by visiting our collection of over 300 historic firearms.

  • Our Purpose

    We are a charity sharing and caring for 175 acres of historic buildings, wildlife and archaeological sites.

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Royal Gunpowder Mills Digital Archive

Royal Gunpowder Mills Digital Archive

After the closure of ERDE, the archive material inherited passed through a number of hands and storage locations before opening to the public as an online database. Read more

Published: 4th July, 2018

Updated: 10th March, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

RGM Historic Book Series

RGM Historic Book Series

The Historic Reprint Series are Facsimilie reprints of books having historical relevance to the development and manufacture of gunpowder at the Royal Gunpowder Mills. Read more

Published: 19th July, 2019

Updated: 18th May, 2024

Author: Anonymised User

RGM Book Series

RGM Book Series

Books about the history of the Royal Gunpowder Mills written by Archive Volunteers. Read more

Published: 19th July, 2019

Updated: 4th June, 2025

Author: Anonymised User

Support the Royal Gunpowder Mills

Support the Royal Gunpowder Mills

Please donate to help continue our Charity’s work. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 17th June, 2020

Updated: 23rd January, 2025

Author:

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The Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills Charitable Foundation Limited is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 1210355).

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Contact us

Royal Gunpowder Mills,
Beaulieu Drive,
Waltham Abbey,
Essex, EN9 1JY
United Kingdom

[email protected]
07990513456

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