A visit to the Gunpowder Railway offers a close‑up experience of the little known about and even less seen military industrial railways of both RNAD and ROF heritage. Including their locomotives and rolling stock. Whether you’re here just for a train ride, a photography trip, wanting to witness restoration work or simply to explore our historic site, this page gives you everything you need to plan your trip.
Opening Times & Running Days
We operate every Saturday and alternative Sunday running days between April and September.
- Running Days: Trains next running on: Sunday 20th September (today) see our Timetable for confirmed dates.
- Alternative Site Access: The site is can also be available for pre‑booked group visits and special events.
- Seasonal Variations: Additional Wednesday running days may be added during spring and summer school holidays.
Accessibility
We aim to make the railway as accessible for all as possible.
- Level access to all outdoor and indoor areas and platforms. Some surfaces are gravel.
- Seating available on all platforms and within the Railway Works for those less mobile.
- Dedicated wheel chair space with assistance available for boarding passenger trains.
- Please contact us in advance if you have specific requirements.
Accessibility
We have a specially adapted railway carriage that runs in every train and level access/slopes to Platforms and into the Railway Works.
Children
Children love visiting the railway, however anyone under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult or guardian at all times.
Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome but currently other pets need to stay at home.
Food and Drink
A Cafe with a range of drinks, lunch and snack options is near Long Walk Station (alongside the toilets).
Tickets & Fares
The Gunpowder Railway is part of the Gunpowder Mills Experience and Visitor Attraction it cannot be accessed in isolation. A ride on the Gunpowder Railway is included as part of the general admission ticket.
Tickets can be purchased on the day or in advance, which is recommended for Special Events.
How To Find Us
See of dedicated page for full information.
Address: The Gunpowder Railway, The Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY
Parking: Free on-site is available.
Public transport: Waltham Cross Railway Station is 1.1 miles/24 minutes walk; or via the 13,15, 16, 66 and 251 bus routes nearest bus stop: Highbridge Retail Park
What to Expect
A visit to the Gunpowder Railway is an immersive heritage experience:
- See RNAD and ROF locomotives and wagons up close.
- Watch active restoration work in progress.
- Learn how the original ROF site operated.
- Enjoy a ride on our unique railway for 1 mile between two stations through the historic grounds.
- Meet volunteers who maintain and operate the railway.
NOTE: This is a working heritage site with some areas restricted access for visitor safety.
Photography & Filming
Visitors are welcome and encouraged to take photos.
- Tripods permitted in station areas.
- Drone use only by prior arrangement.
- Commercial photography requires permission from the Gunpowder Mills.
Safety Information
For your safety:
- Children must be supervised at all times.
- Please follow volunteer instructions and read the safety notice within the carriages.
- Stick to the designated areas open for public access.
- Stay clear of operational areas unless invited and supervised.
- Stay off the tracks and and do not interfere with any railway equipment.
- Remember this is a formal industrial site and a working heritage railway as such there maybe trip hazards and other risks not found in other locations.