The spellbinding Roald Dahl Museum brings to life the awe-inspiring works of Roald Dahl. As one of Britain’s most beloved authors, a visit here puts your imagination centre-stage as you venture into his life’s work. With interactive exhibits and mementoes from his life on display, there’s a lot to explore and learn about in this award-winning museum.
This week, Quingo Scooters is visiting Buckinghamshire to learn all about Roald Dahl and his famous works. From being measured against famous characters, including Charlie Bucket and Miss Trunchbull, to seeing his handwritten manuscripts, it’s a fun and playful day out. Let’s see what’s on offer…
What’s on
The museum has 3 permanent galleries (Boy, Solo and The Story Centre) and an incredible range of changeable events and workshops:
- Boy gallery: Here you’ll discover all there is to know about Roald Dahl’s childhood. From his love of chocolate to schoolboy pranks, take a journey through his Welsh upbringing. With archives available on a touch-screen, you can look through his family photos and see the illustrious author as a small boy.
Must see: Don’t forget to look out for the hidden treasures. Inspired by his autographical work Boy, you’ll have fun searching for the mouse in the gobstopper jar or smelling the giant chocolate doors. This gallery is a sensory feast!
- Solo gallery: Inspired by his second autobiographical work, Going Solo, this gallery showcases the adventures of the author as a young adult. Starting with his journey to Africa, you’ll travel through the real-life adventures that inspired Dahl to become a writer. Find out about his experiences in the RAF in the Gladiator cockpit and use a Sparkometer to test your sparkiness. Fans of the author will love this insight!
Must see: Ever wondered where Roald Dahl wrote most of his famous works? In this gallery, you’ll experience the unique atmosphere of the writers original Writing Hut and be amazed by his collection of quirky mementoes. With secrets and surprises to discover, from peep-holes to secret drawers, there’s so much to find.
- The Story Centre: Acting as the Museum’s creative hub, this is a must-see for all aspiring authors! With displays to inspire story-making and writing, you’re sure to take so much away from this experience. Whether you’re listening to top tips from your favourite authors, sitting in a replica of Roald Dahl’s writing chair, making a stop-frame animation or even creating a character or gobblefunk word, you’ll be inspired. This is the perfect place for letting your inner child run free!
- Billy and the Minpins Exhibition (open until 15 April): are you interested in the amazing pictures that accompany Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s books? If so, this exhibit is perfect for you. Here you’ll see some of Quentin Blake’s illustrations for the new edition of Dahl’s last book Billy and the Minpins. With each one displayed alongside extracts from the manuscripts, witness the beautiful illustrations bring the story to life.
- Discover Dahl’s Archives: Taking a unique behind-the-scenes peek at the museum’s collections, here you’ll find original manuscripts and letters written by the author. Taking a guided tour, the Collections team will introduce you to the highlights of this immense collection. This enlightening and fascinating look into the world of Roald Dahl is available on 10th March and is a must-see for all fans!
- Chiddlers’ hour: Every Friday at 10.30am, the Chiddlers’ hour celebrates another of Roald Dahl’s famous books. Come along for songs, crafts and plays based on these stories and step inside the magical world of Roald Dahl’s creations. With this month celebrating James and the Giant Peach, The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Fantastic Mr Fox, this is a must-see for all young fans!
- World Book Day Celebration: Taking place on Saturday 3 March, World Book Day celebrates reading. What better way to spend this day than learning all about Britain’s favourite children’s author? At the Roald Dahl Museum, there’s so much to see and do on this day. From listening to fascinating Writing Hut Talks to making a Dirty Beast in the Crafty Kitchen, you’ll be amazed as the creative mind of Roald Dahl comes to life around you. After you’ve finished following the trail around all parts of the museum, your World Book Day voucher can even be used in the shop for a discount on books. A great way to discover (or rediscover) Dahl’s enchanted works!
Must-see: As part of the World Book Day celebrations, artist Georgia Davy is on hand to help you create Hornswoggler Heads. As one of the fantastical characters from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this animal is a splendid example of the incredible imagination of its creator. With this workshop, you’ll be able to turn yourself into this fearsome beast!
Eating and drinking
A café is open to both the general public and museum guests from 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Here you can find a delicious range of freshly prepared food and drinks, including jacket potatoes, sandwiches, paninis and soup. There are also a wide range of sweet treats on offer, such as the Bogtrotter chocolate cake, scones, slices and cupcakes. In addition, fresh loaves of bread can be picked up from the café. Any questions about allergies, opening times or menus are answered here.
Opening times and prices
The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, with opening times reducing to 11am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It is closed most Mondays, with exceptions shown here. The price of entry varies, with a full breakdown of admission costs available here.
Getting here
Situated in Great Missenden, the Roald Dahl is in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside. It is accessible by all major forms of transport. If you are travelling by train, the great Missenden train station is nearby. If you are travelling by car, the postcode is HP16 0AL. There is no on-site parking, however, Blue Badge parking is available at Link Road car park and the train station car park. Frequent buses also service the area. More information on how to get here and the relevant timetables can be found here.
Accessibility
The Roald Dahl Museum is fully accessible for all guests. As a step-free site, the entire experience is accessible via smooth floors. There are ramps to the café area and 2 fully accessible toilets within the exhibition. Although there is no on-site parking, Blue Badge parking can be found at Link Road car park, situated around 5 minutes away from the museum. Further information on accessibility can be found here.
About Quingo
The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme, which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this, or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.
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