Gunpowder Mills History Science Outdoor Learning Essex

Gunpowder Mills History Science Outdoor Learning EssexExplore 170 acres of woodland and discover the stories, science and creativity of Gunpowder Mills, Lea Valley. Our hands-on, led workshops explore history, science, technology, art and wildlife, with programmes designed for students from EYFS to KS4.

Search for Santa’s Deer (EYFS/KS1) – A magical Christmas wildlife workshop where children make their own wands and set off to spot real fallow deer on a festive woodland adventure.

Living Things and Habitats (EYFS/KS1/KS2) – Explore wildlife and micro-habitats on a half-day workshop where students hunt minibeasts, spot creatures, and discover how to classify them.

Victorian Work, School & Play (KS1) – A full-day KS1 workshop where pupils explore Victorian work, school and play through immersive role-play, hands-on activities and site-based learning.

Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot (KS1) – Discover the story of the Gunpowder Plot at the place where the gunpowder used in the plot could have been made.

Rocket Launch Challenge (KS1/KS2/KS3) – Pupils build and launch air-powered rockets while exploring forces, flight and engineering.

WWII: Life on the Home Front (KS2) – Step back to the 1940s and experience life on the Home Front in this hands-on KS2 workshop.

Victorian Life & Industry (KS2) – Step into Victorian Britain and discover how work, education, leisure and industry shaped everyday life.

Discovery Tour (Tractor Ride & Exhibition) (KS2/KS3) – A guided visit to the Gunpowder Mills combining a tractor-trailer tour of the 170-acre site with an exhibition visit, exploring the history of the site and its links to science, engineering, and industry.

Charcoal Sketching in Nature (KS2/KS3) – A creative outdoor workshop where pupils sketch the site’s historic buildings and natural landscapes using charcoal.

Rocket Science & Forces (KS2/KS3) – Blast off into rocket science with this full-day workshop, exploring forces and Newton’s laws through exciting demonstrations and hands-on rocket making.

WW1: Inside the Explosives Factory (KS3/KS4) – Step inside a WW1 explosives factory with a munitionette guide to explore women in wartime industry, the science of munitions production, and handle real historical sources.

A trusted destination for school trips for over 20 years. Our much-loved school programme has welcomed children from across Essex, Hertfordshire, Greater London and beyond, giving generations of pupils the chance to learn, explore and discover our unique historic site.

With experienced workshop leaders, a 170-acre woodland setting and a programme spanning history, science, technology, art and nature, there’s plenty to make every visit memorable.

Each workshop has specific curriculum-linked learning outcomes, with further curriculum information available on our School Workshops page. Sessions can also be adapted to meet a group’s specific learning aims, where this is discussed with our Learning Team in advance.

Explore our workshops and curriculum links: https://www.gunpowdermills.com/school-trips

Our workshops cater for classes of up to 30 students. Depending on the workshop, we can also accommodate multiple classes attending the same session on the same day. Further information on group sizes and arrangements can be found on the individual workshop pages.

Pre-visit materials are provided with your booking confirmation to help teachers prepare students for their visit and support classroom learning before the trip.

Groups are authorized to take pictures and video if given verbal consent by the workshop leader.

Hazard identification sheets are also provided to support teachers in carrying out their own risk assessments. Pre-visit site visits are not compulsory, but are recommended and can be arranged at a convenient time for you by contacting education@gunpowdermills.com.

Learning and Outreach Officer – Isabella Crook

education@gunpowdermills.com

Workshop prices vary depending on staffing requirements and whether the session is a half-day or full-day experience. Prices start from £5 per student, rising to £12.50 per student for our more immersive, actor-led history sessions.

Accompanying adults always go free, and on-site parking is free.

Seasonal offer: Learning groups that book Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot or The Search for Santa’s Deer before October half term will receive £1 off per learner.

Groups are advised to dress appropriately for the weather, as sessions may include time outdoors. Many of our historic buildings are also colder than modern buildings, so we recommend bringing warm layers, particularly during winter months.

We have a designated first aid room on site, and all members of our Learning Team are first-aid trained.

Gift shop visit available on request (£5 pocket money per child is enough).

All school groups will have an indoor space to eat lunch, including a free tea and coffee station for accompanying adults/staff.

Toilets are available throughout site but may not be close to learning areas, so accompanying adult will need to go with students.

Fully wheelchair accessible including accessible toilets.

Trips generally run from 10am–2:30pm, but timings can be adjusted to suit your group’s needs.

“It was a fantastic day out. We have previously done the rocket making activity which is great but the addition for the science show was perfect. A fantastic mix of activities for a whole day of fun. Just perfect! Thank you for a wonderful day.”

“Our class enjoyed every minute of the trip. Meeting Henry Gaunt and asking and answering his questions was great. They also loved the scavenger hunt session in the afternoon and finding out more about the site. ”

“They loved the Anderson Shelter and the immersive experience… it helped our children who sometimes struggle to just sit, learn a lot from the day.”

“Year 3 pupils had an amazing visit to the Gunpowder Mills. Thank you to all the staff for such a fantastic day out. Our pupils loved learning all about the wonderful wildlife, woodlands and waterways.”

We do not currently offer loan boxes, but historical characters can visit your school on request, bringing props, stories and hands-on activities for students to explore.