Gunpowder Railway

The UK's only Heritage Military Railway

Gunpowder Railway

The UK's only Heritage Military Railway

This is the Gunpowder Railway – 170 years of narrow-gauge history

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Hunslet locomotives at the Gunpowder Railway.
Visit and ride a unique, restored ex-military 2ft 6in narrow gauge railway dating back to 1856.

Trains next running on: Saturday 25th April (in 13 days)

Train Times & Tickets

Trains run between April and September, details on the Operating Timetable.

Visiting the Railway

Find Us as part of the Gunpowder Mills – Lee Valley in Waltham Abbey, Essex.

Find out more…

Learn the history of the railway, rolling stock, news and updates and projects.

Latest News and Developments

View all updates and developments in our comprehensive diary.

The Gunpowder Railway is a beautifully restored former military narrow‑gauge line running for 1 km through the historic Royal Gunpowder Mills site at Waltham Abbey. Once part of an extensive industrial railway network that carried explosive ingredients between 19th and 20th century processing buildings, the railway has been carefully rebuilt by volunteers to bring this remarkable heritage back to life. Visitors ride in converted RNAD wagons, passing atmospheric woodland, waterways, and original mill structures that tell the story of centuries of explosive innovation, described as “the most important site for the history of explosives in Europe”.

No visit is complete without a tour of the Railway Works, and going into the Ordnance Railway Museum visitors can view demonstration trains showcasing the specialist trucks once used to move gunpowder, cordite, TNT, and other materials around the site.

Since reopening for passenger service in 2022, the railway has become a standout attraction, carrying thousands of delighted visitors each year. Two stations, passing loops, and a growing collection of historic locomotives make the journey both scenic and immersive. With planned extensions and ongoing restoration, the Gunpowder Railway offers a unique blend of history, engineering, and adventure and is a perfect highlight for families, railway enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Britain’s industrial past.

1 along the line

Along the line

There is plenty to see and explore as you journey along the current 1 km running line – find out more.

2 loco stock

Rolling Stock

We have a wide range of ex-military locomotives and rolling stock and plenty more under refurbishment.

3 projects

Developments

Learn about our current developments in our diary plus wider project plans.

Buy the book - Railways of the Royal Gunpowder Mills by John Jenkins

Buy Our Book

Republished in 2026 read the full history of the original railways on site since 1856 and how the railways were essential to the safe movement of materials around the site and beyond via the exchange sidings with the LNER at the Small Arms Factory in Enfield.

This book was written by Dr John M Jenkins, who worked at the Explosives Research and Development Establishment at Waltham Abbey.

Buy Now from Amazon UK

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