The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is situated where the Norwegian British author Roald Dahl lived, in Great Missenden, where the author also wrote all of his famous children’s books. In fact, many of his stories are set in and around the quaint village. We decided to make a day out of it to find out what this family attraction had to offer.
Roald Dahl moved to Great Missenden from Manhattan in 1954 with his first wife, the Hollywood actress Patricia Neal. He lived in the village for 36 years until his death in 1990. This great little award-winning Museum, aimed at children and their families, opened to the public on 10 June 2005. Roald Dahl wrote in a specially built ‘Writing Hut’ in his garden, the inside of which you can now see in the Museum today. We thought this was a lovely museum and we especially enjoyed the galleries, that we think will be enjoyed by readers as well as inspire all budding writers.
What to see and do?
I asked Little A age 9 what age group she thought would enjoy the Roald Dahl Museum, and she immediately responded; “Younger children!” But when I asked her if she found it interesting she did. My impression was that this museum, as many of the museums in London, caters for all ages, with various of activities and workshops.
This half term there is a few activities and workshops on, with tickets still available;
‘The Grunts and Grubtown’ on Wednesday 29th October at 1.30pm and 3.00pm
For 7+ years: Join author extraordinaire Philip Ardagh, visiting us all the way from Grubtown! Philip will read from his hilarious books and will treat you to a huge dollop of fun and laughter. Tickets £3 per person (adults and children) plus Museum entry.
‘Weasels with Elys Dolan’ on Friday 31st October at 1.30pm and 3.00pm
For 5+ years: Join Roald Dahl Funny Prize nominated author Elys Dolan for this fun, interactive session. Elys will read from her brilliant book Weasels, then you’ll get the chance to design an ‘end-the-world’ machine and dream up a few new Weasel characters. Tickets £3 per person (adults and children) plus Museum entry.
Opening hours and admission
Open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Tickets are; adults £6.40, children from 5 to 18 years £4.40. Children under 5 free. Concession and family ticket available. Find out more at roalddahl.com
Where to have lunch?
Cafe Twit is located on the historical grounds of the museum and serves both freshly made breakfast and lunch.
From swishwifflers to sandwitches, Café Twit is the place for scrumdiddlyumptious food and drink. See more here
The Nags Head, a 15th Century Country Inn and Restaurant, only minutes away from the Roald Dahl Museum.
This charming country pub is recommended by Guide Michelin but unfased by the attention and press they receive, the friendly staff serve up tasty lunch in generous portions. This is where we chose to have lunch, and we must say, just the lunch experience was worth the trip in itself! See more and book a table at the nagsheadbucks.com
Getting there
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is situated less than an hour outside London, in Great Missenden, a village in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside. We took the car but found it a bit tricky as there is no on site parking spaces. I would recommend considering taking the train instead. Great Missenden is served by a good train service direct from London Marylebone with two trains per hour. The journey takes 45 minutes and it’s a quick and easy walk from the station to the Museum.