Roald Dahl

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG, Matilda and more

Throughout the creation of his famous books, Roald Dahl lived in the Buckinghamshire village of Great Missenden. He lived in Gipsy House and had a gipsy caravan in the grounds – the inspiration for the caravan in Danny the Champion of the World. Also in the grounds is his beloved writing hut, left completely undusted just as he wanted. You can see the garden (the house is private) as it’s open a few times a year through the National Gardens Scheme. Just down the road is The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre where you can sit in a replica of the writing hut, delve into Dahl’s archives on touch-screen monitors and create your own words and stories using the interactive displays. Follow the Museum’s Village Trail and you’ll spot some key locations: the petrol station from Danny the Champion of the World; Crown House (private) which was Sophie’s “norphanage” in The BFG; and Matilda’s library. Venture up to Hobbs Hill and you’ll see the beech wood setting for The Minpins.

The Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery in nearby Aylesbury has a Great Glass Elevator that takes you to the Imagination Gallery – enter the Giant Peach, play on the BFG’s giant pipe organ and enter Matilda’s library through a giant book. Dahl would have loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ride, new at Alton Towers: ride the Chocolate River, see inside The Inventing Room and pay heed to the Oompa-Loompas before the jaw-dropping finale.