The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
The village of Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire is picturesque and full of history. Wandering down the narrow High Street, you can still see glimpses of the old coaching inns with the arches to the coaching yards behind. The church of St Peter and St Paul stand on a hill above the village and in 1133, an Augustinian Monastery was established at Missenden Abbey, remaining until the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1538.
But Great Missenden is really known as being the village Dahl lived in for 36 years until his death in 1990. His home, Gipsy House, is on Whitefield Lane, on the outskirts of the village and the gipsy caravan which Dahl bought still stands in the garden. The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre opened in 2005, housing all of Dahl's main papers, his manuscripts, business and personal correspondence, and his ‘Ideas Books’, and is located in what was one of the old coaching inns in the High Street. If driving, you need to park in the car park on the Link Road and walk along the Hight Street to the museum.
The Museum has three galleries- 'Boy', 'Solo' and 'The Story Centre'- each full of artefacts, pictures and things to do. With doors shaped like chocolate bars, the Boy gallery focuses on Dahl's school days and how they inspired his story ideas in later life. Photographs and letters form part of the displays and children can dress up in Dahl's school uniform.
The 'Solo' gallery contains the actual writing hut that Dahl spent so much time in, creating his books. Full of the objects he liked to surround himself with, there is much to see- Dahl's hip bone, a paper knife belonging to Dahl's father and the particular brand of pencils Dahl wrote with. You can also find out how you compare height wise by standing against a life size picture of Dahl and measuring yourself not only against him, but many of his characters whose heights are also shown.
The Story Centre is all about inspiring children (and adults!) to think creatively and to use their imaginations. There is much to see and do and there are regular events and workshops for children to take part in. You can even sit in Roald Dahl's chair and see what ideas come to you! A scene from the film of ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’ is on show- the set was inspired by Dahl’s writing hut with miniature copies of real things appearing, including his chair!
Although a small museum, it is full of things for children to do and enjoy. A craft room can be found behind the Story Centre and you can read stories in the Lower Babbling Room. The courtyard offers a lovely space (if sunny!) to sit and enjoy a treat from the Cafe- The Chomping Room can be used if not!
A village trail can be followed which highlights some of the places associated with Dahl and his time here, like the old petrol pumps and the village library. A countryside trail extends this to areas beyond the village, taking you through Angling Spring Wood, a beautiful ancient woodland, said to be Dahl's inspiration for 'Fantastic Mr Fox'. Dahl’s grave can be visited in the graveyard of the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Great Missenden.
See the Museum website for more information: http://www.roalddahl.com/home. You can watch a short film which gives you a real taste of what's on offer!
The Roald Dahl Museum
81-83 High Street
Great Missenden
HP16 0AL