The Roald Dahl Story Center and Museum opened in 2005 to celebrate the life of the great children’s author. An old inn and courtyard have been transformed into a series of galleries.
The Boy and Solo galleries tell the story of Dahl’s life and work through movies, memorabilia, and lively interactive exhibits. The Story Center houses a replica of Dahl’s famous Writing Hut and visitors can sit in his chair.
Roald Dahl Museum Review
I first visited my four year old daughter who only knew Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and the Fantastic Mr. Fox, but since she loved both of them I thought it would be a fun day trip from London.
The train ride was quick and easy and it’s only a 5 minute walk from the station. Great Missenden is a small town and you can pick up a free map at the museum for a “Roald Dahl Village Trail” and discover important places for him in the town.
Tickets are always available at the door and tickets are for sale in the well-stocked shop that has tons of items that I would have liked to buy as gifts for the future, from T-shirts and aprons to books and toys.
You are given a bracelet so you can leave the museum and go exploring the village at any time during your visit, and all children are given a ‘My Story Idea Book’ and a pencil so they can take notes as they tour the museum. We were informed, this is how Roald Dahl liked to prepare his stories.
The museum itself only has two galleries: the Boy Gallery and the Solo Gallery. The Boy Gallery is about his childhood and has walls that look like chocolate and smell like chocolate! The Solo Gallery has more information about his life, as well as activities such as stamps and videos to enjoy.
The Story Center has many things to do, like making a movie; ideas for cutting, pasting and coloring; story bags; and the piece de resistance: a reproduction of Roald Dahl’s Writing Hut.
He did not write on a desk as this was too uncomfortable after a wartime injury so he chose a comfortable chair, cut a hole in his back to relieve pressure on his back, and made a ‘desk’ to cover his lap covered in green billiard cloth. You can sit in his chair and imagine the wonderful written story that came from there.
Cafe Twit
When you’re ready for lunch or snacks, the wonderfully named Cafe Twit is at the front of the building. The name is taken from the book The Twits , and there is plenty of seating in the museum courtyard with a few additional indoor tables as well. Everything is freshly prepared and very child friendly with many references to the Roald Dahl story. Delights include a Whizzpopper consisting of frothy hot chocolate with raspberry coulis, topped with maltesers and marshmallows. Yum Yum!
Conclution:
The Roald Dahl Museum and History Center is geared towards children ages 6-12, but I could easily see how the age range could be wider than that as my 4 year old and I had a lovely day. The Story Center is a great ‘rainy day’ attraction and when the sun is shining the walk around town feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of London, making this a recommended day trip. and nice from London.
Road Dahl Museum Visitor Information
Dirección:
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Center
81-83 High Street
Great Missenden
Buckinghamshire
HP16 0AL
Phone: 01494 892192
How to get:
Great Missenden is a village in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside, located about 20 kilometers north-west of London.
Trains depart from London Marylebone and there are two trains per hour. The journey takes 40 minutes and it is very easy to walk from the station to the Museum. (Turn right, then right again and you will be on Main Street. It is 2 minutes on your left).
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
Closed on Mondays.
Tickets: Tickets are always available at the door, but it can be good to reserve in advance. Check the website for the current ticket price.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer received ancillary services for review purposes. While you have not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.
