A BFG themed trip to Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden

A BFG-themed trip to Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden

Mums Tips

Travel with kids

Published on Sunday, 23 July 2023 11:00

Last Updated on 24 July 2023

Monica Costa

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The Roald Dahl Museum, located in Great Missenden, is a delightful family attraction that offers an immersive experience into the world of one of the greatest storytellers of all time. As a fan of Roald Dahl’s books, my London Mums’ reporters and I were excited to visit the museum and explore the exhibits and activities it had to offer.

Our journey began with a train ride from Marylebone to Great Missenden. The picturesque countryside views along the way added to the anticipation of our adventure. Upon arriving at Great Missenden, it was a short walk to the museum, and we were warmly welcomed by Steve, the Museum Director.

The day was dedicated to the BFG (Big Friendly Giant) Summer theme, and we were eager to participate in the various activities planned. We started with a peek into the museum’s archive. We were thrilled to see the BFG’s sandal, and Steve shared interesting insights about Roald Dahl’s creative process. Due to the number of visitors, the group was split into two, ensuring everyone had a chance to enjoy the experience fully.

After the archive visit, we embarked on a BFG village walk guided by Michael. The walk took us through the charming High Street, past Roald Dahl’s grave, and into the serene grounds of Missenden Abbey. Michael’s anecdotes and knowledge about the area added a personal touch to the experience.

The walk concluded at The Nags Head, situated in the heart of Willaston Village, where we enjoyed a delicious BFG-themed lunch. The BFG and Dahl’s customed menu at Nags Head in Willaston is a delightful culinary journey that captures the essence of Roald Dahl’s magical world. Emphasising freshness and quality, this menu boasts locally sourced ingredients and a variety of comforting dishes.

Our special Nags Head’s BFG menu included the following dishes:

‘Frobscottle’, a very sweet and jumbly aperitivo drink;

‘Snozzcumbers’, a delicious appetiser made with cucumber andd fresh tuna;

‘Carrot & Cauliflower Fritters’;

‘Vegetable Garden Potatoes’ with fried eggs on top;

‘Wonka’s Popping Canele’;

‘James’ Giant Peach Melba’ dessert inspired by the quote

“The giant peach, with the sunlight glinting on its side, was like a massive golden ball sailing upon a silver sea.

We are now about to visit the most marvelous places and see the most wonderful things!”.

With accommodating options for children and a selection of fine wines, this menu guarantees an enchanting dining experience for all.

With our energy replenished, we returned to the museum and had ample time to explore the galleries. The exhibits were captivating, offering a glimpse into Roald Dahl’s life and his creative process. One of the highlights was the mock-up airplane, complete with a console and bomber jackets, reminding us of Dahl’s own experiences as a pilot during World War II. Audio recordings of his voice reading letters to his mother provided an intimate connection to the author.

The centerpiece of the museum was a faithful replica of Roald Dahl’s writing hut.

Stepping inside, we were struck by its unadorned simplicity. The writing board, covered in interesting trinkets and memorabilia, was a testament to the author’s imaginative mind. Dahl’s voiceover, sharing his thoughts on the writing process, added a personal touch to the experience. The museum effectively conveyed how writing was a therapeutic outlet for the horrors Dahl experienced during the war.

It was fascinating to learn about the meticulousness of Dahl’s writing. He polished and iterated his stories dozens of times, showcasing his dedication to his craft. The museum’s mission to inspire visitors to write their own stories was evident throughout the exhibits.

The Roald Dahl Museum not only offered a captivating journey into the author’s life but also provided a range of activities and workshops for children. The storytelling chair and stools were a rare sight in a public park, inviting young minds to unleash their creativity. The museum’s dedication to promoting creativity was recognised when it won the Best School Visit award at the Museum Travel Awards.

Although the museum is not located in Dahl’s actual home, it does feature the real interior of his writing hut, which was the most important part of the experience for us. It was inspiring to see how Dahl, despite his immense success, remained down-to-earth and focused on his writing.

For families visiting during the holidays, the museum offers a wide range of workshops and crafts. From crafting characters to getting started in storytelling, there’s something for every child to explore their creativity. Even on regular days, visitors can enjoy the galleries, follow a free trail, and participate in drop-in crafts suitable for children aged five and above.

The facilities at the museum were excellent, and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. There was also a drop-in book corner, games, and den-making activities, ensuring that children of all ages had something engaging to do. The Friday under-fives group, with its messy play activities, was particularly popular.

As we wrapped up our visit, we were given goody bags containing a vinyl floor notebook, a pencil, and a BFG book. It was a thoughtful gesture that added to the overall positive experience at the museum.

Overall, our trip to the Roald Dahl Museum was a fantastic experience. It not only celebrated the life and works of an extraordinary author but also provided an interactive and educational environment for children to explore their creativity. From the engaging exhibits to the themed walks and storytelling sessions, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of Roald Dahl’s books or simply looking for a unique family outing, the Roald Dahl Museum is a must-visit destination. We left with a renewed appreciation for Dahl’s storytelling genius and a desire to create our own stories.