The Royal Gunpowder Mills, located in Waltham Abbey's historic heritage site, has a family fun packed autumn calendar of events to keep everyone entertained.

Spooky Secret Island for October Half Term

Visit the Spooky Secret Island and get involved in the ghoulish schedule of Halloween activities this half term (25th October – 2nd November).  Professor Nitrate's evil twin Dr Gore will be hosting science shows and cooking up some horribly horrific experiments, much to the amazement of all those present in his crazy Mad-Lab.

Eerie activities include mask and hat making and gory scars. Transform yourself into a witch, monster or other spooky character for the day. Plus get messy with some ooey gooey ectoplasm making, freaky monster skin, and make gruesome discoveries in the feely boxes.

Go ghost busting and arm yourself with the Mill's Nerf guns for some fun monster and ghoul hunting exercises, or jump aboard one of the Military Truck and Land Train tours to explore the spooky secret island some more.

And if you are feeling brave the Royal Gunpowder Mills is looking for new recruits, but beware this isn't for the squeamish or faint hearted. For some good old scary Halloween fun explore the 'Haunted Mills' where you'll discover gruesome tales of times gone by in this guided interactive, eerie experience... if you dare!

Friday 31 October New Evening Opening

New for 2014 the Royal Gunpowder Mills will be open later on Friday 31st October (5-8pm) where zombies, monsters and ghouls will be waiting to scare you as you make your way around the new 'Terror Trail'. As the darkness descends so the sounds of creatures of the night will be heard. Will you survive to see the light of next day, who knows? (This activity is not suitable for younger children or those with a nervous disposition).

Guy Fawkes Festival & Fireworks (Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November)

Where better to see fireworks go off with a bang than somewhere that really knows its saltpetre from its sulphur? Discover the true story of Guy Fawkes and his infamous gunpowder plot by getting to know the characters involved and their Seventeenth Century lives during a light-hearted re-telling of the story in a special theatre production, “The Ghost of Guy Fawkes”, which is suitable for all ages and included in the admission price.

Culminating in a fabulous 15 minute fireworks display courtesy of Force FX – one of the country's leading pyrotechnic display companies – the evening also features brazier fire pits, fairground rides and craft activities including making Guy Fawkes lanterns.

“The Royal Gunpowder Mills has been described as probably the most important site in Europe for the story of the explosives industry and so it's the perfect place to discover the real facts behind the Gunpowder Plot”.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Melodie Manners | melodie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 01209 822194

October Half Term – Open Daily Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November

• Open daily from 10am – 5.00pm (Friday 31 October until 8.00pm)
• Adults £9.50, Children (3 to 15 years) £7.50, Under 3 FREE, Concessions £8.50, Family tickets available.

Guy Fawkes Festival – Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November

• Open from 2pm till 7.30pm
• 15 minute firework display finale at 7pm
• Adults £9.50, Children (3 to 15 years) £7.50, Under 3 FREE, Concessions £8.50, Family tickets £30.60 (2 adults & 2 children).

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

Telephone 01992 707370

Visit www.royalgunpowdermills.com for more information.