The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
1 / 10

Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

4.4
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

Step into the whimsical world of Roald Dahl! Explore his writing hut, enjoy interactive stories, and unleash your creativity.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into the whimsical world of Roald Dahl! Explore his writing hut, enjoy interactive stories, and unleash your creativity.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"A whizzpopping family day out that sparks imagination and celebrates a beloved author."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book tickets online

Secure your spot and avoid disappointment, especially during peak times.

👟 Wear comfy shoes

You'll be exploring and engaging in activities, so comfort is key!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Roald Dahl's Writing Hut

Roald Dahl's Writing Hut

The Story Centre

Step into the actual writing hut where magic happened, complete with his original desk and personal items.

Instagram
Chocolate-Scented Doors

Chocolate-Scented Doors

Entrance to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory exhibit

A whimsical and sensory experience that transports you straight into Willy Wonka's world.

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Interactive Storytelling Sessions

Interactive Storytelling Sessions

The Story Centre

Engaging sessions where actors bring Roald Dahl's beloved characters and stories to life, encouraging audience participation.

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The BFG's Dream-Blower

The BFG's Dream-Blower

Exhibition Hall

A life-size illustration that captures the imagination, a must-see for fans of the Big Friendly Giant.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Peak Times

While not overwhelmingly large, the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre can get busy, especially during school holidays. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. Consider visiting on a weekday if possible for a more relaxed experience.

Embrace the Interactive Fun

This isn't a 'look but don't touch' museum! The Story Centre is designed for hands-on engagement. Come prepared for storytelling sessions, dressing up, and creative crafts that bring Roald Dahl's worlds to life for all ages. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons, weekdays
Why
Storytelling sessions are often scheduled
Crowd
Medium
When
School holidays, weekends
Why
More activities, but busier
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The story is called Lamb To The Slaughter by Roald Dahl #BookTok #lambtotheslaughter #englishclass #fyp #shortstory
@doodle655
463K likes • 3.9M views

🎯 Book tickets online

Secure your spot and avoid disappointment, especially during peak times. Instagram+1

👟 Wear comfy shoes

You'll be exploring and engaging in activities, so comfort is key! Instagram

It’s finally here! The recipe for my long awaited Chocolate Cake. The requests for the recipe for this decadent cake have been constant, so I decided to make a full length video for it. I wasn’t expecting people to yearn for such a simple concept of a recipe, so I initially wasn’t gonna share it due to its normally. I soon realized that even though chocolate cake isn’t peculiar, it is definitely m...
@nikkalcaraz
178.2K likes • 2.2M views
If there are any Roald Dahl fans watching then add his museum and story centre in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire in the English countryside to your bucket list #travel #seetheworld #roalddahl #literature #books #homeeducation #worldschool #worldschooling #creative #author #childrensbooks #
thisparentingthing
19 likes • 438 views

🎨 Get hands-on in the Story Centre

Embrace the crafts, dress-up, and interactive exhibits – it's what the museum is all about! Instagram+1

📚 Stock up at the gift shop

Fair prices and a great selection of books, perfect for extending the magic. Reddit

AD Come and join us at this ‘whizzpopping’ family day out where we visited our favourite author’s museum and story centre. Here’s what you can do on this magical day out: 🎥Step through Wonka’s gate(replica from the film) 🍫Enter through chocolate-scented doors 📖 Dress up and Storytelling sessions 💣Visits from the characters e.g Miss Trunchball (set dates) ✂️ Art & Craft and Movie making As an a...
adorn_my_home_across_seas
232 likes • 3.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book tickets online

Secure your spot and avoid disappointment, especially during peak times. Instagram+1

👟 Wear comfy shoes

You'll be exploring and engaging in activities, so comfort is key! Instagram

🎨 Get hands-on in the Story Centre

Embrace the crafts, dress-up, and interactive exhibits – it's what the museum is all about! Instagram+1

📚 Stock up at the gift shop

Fair prices and a great selection of books, perfect for extending the magic. Reddit

☕ Cafe options

Limited savory choices in the cafe, but Great Missenden town offers more options. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre for its engaging and interactive exhibits, particularly for families. The staff are frequently highlighted for their passion and friendliness, enhancing the overall experience. While the museum is compact, it effectively captures Roald Dahl's spirit and encourages creativity. Some minor points of feedback include limited savory options in the cafe and occasional inconsiderate visitor behavior in craft areas.

"Honestly couldn't recommend this place enough. As much as my 6 year old loved it too, she didn't love it for the reasons I did, I was interested in roald dahl, she was interested in the arts and crafts haha so next time, I'll go without her - and that's not in a mean way, it's just that I feel I couldn't really do the part I wanted to do without feeling mum guilt... maybe I'll wait till she's older and take her back... thing is, she knows his work, I've read his books to her alot ... sadly, they've been bed time stories so once she falls asleep, I continue reading hahaha!
But, we left the museum with three new roald dahl books so I know what I'll be reading to her for a while 😄

I loved learning about him in more detail, I had read his autobiographies, but it's lovely seeing it all in person, his writing Hut etc.

The staff, wow! They are amazing, definitely have a passion for their job and it really shows!

Shout out to Helen for reading/narrating matilda so very well and getting all the kids involved, I am like her, I have several voices when I read and really go all out so it's nice to know I'm not alone there haha
The kids all loved your narration and everyone, adults and children got involved with acting out the parts you encouraged us all to play.

I also need to say, the souvenir shop, wow - the prices are extremely fair! I didn't expect to be leaving with what I did for the price! I'm very impressed and I can't wait to return! - even just to buy more books 😆 they put a stamp inside the book so you can show off to friends and family that you've been to the museum, or just for a keepsake for yourself!

They haven't done what most places do when they know they have a very niche thing going on and bump prices up, even the cafe was reasonable! I do hope it stays that way!

Thank you ever so much for keeping Roalds spirit alive! I hope you continue to do what you do for a very very long time!"

Linds

"We had a great time at the Roald Dahl Museum. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The museum isn't huge but had lots of fun things to keep the kids entertained. We listened to a story and did the Easter egg hunt which was a lovely addition! The exhibits were interesting and child friendly, though it would be nice to have a few more activities that younger visitors would understand and could introduce them to the world of story writing. The craft room was fab, though it was such a shame that other visitors were so inconsiderate and did not tidy up after themselves. This is no reflection on the staff or museum though! The cafe didn't have many savoury options which was a shame, but it was good that we could go out to the town for lunch and then return to the museum."

Amber Summers

"A small, well-organised museum, particularly suited to families with young children. The interactive exhibits are engaging and designed to capture the imagination."

Pervin M.C.

What People Like

Engaging interactive exhibits
Passionate and friendly staff
Roald Dahl's writing hut

What People Dislike

Limited savory cafe options
Inconsiderate visitor behavior

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire. You can reach it by train from London Marylebone to Great Missenden station, which is a short walk from the museum. Instagram Driving is also an option, with parking available in the town. Instagram

Yes, there are several car parks in Great Missenden town centre, which is a short walk from the museum. Some street parking may also be available. Instagram

Absolutely! It's a popular day trip from London, easily accessible by train in under an hour. Instagram+1

Many families opt for the train for a stress-free journey, especially with younger children. Chiltern Railways often has family-friendly ticket options. Instagram

Yes, Great Missenden train station is within walking distance, and local bus services also serve the area. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary for adults, children, and concessions. It's best to check the official Roald Dahl Museum website for the most up-to-date pricing and to book your tickets in advance. Instagram

It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons and school holidays, to guarantee entry. Instagram+1

Opening hours can vary seasonally. Always check the official Roald Dahl Museum website for the most current opening times before your visit. Instagram

The museum typically offers concessions for seniors, students, and children. Family tickets may also be available. Check their website for details. Instagram

Refund and exchange policies are usually detailed on the booking platform or the museum's website. It's advisable to review these before purchasing tickets. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore exhibits on Roald Dahl's life and work, step into his writing hut, enjoy interactive storytelling sessions, participate in crafts, and dress up as characters. Instagram+2

Yes, it's very family-friendly with many interactive elements designed to engage children and spark their imagination. InstagramReddit+1

Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the museum and participating in activities. You can easily spend longer if you get involved in all the craft and storytelling sessions. Instagram

The museum frequently hosts special events, workshops, and literary festivals, especially during school holidays. Check their website for upcoming events. Instagram+1

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always check signage. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe on-site. However, some visitors note that savory options can be limited. Reddit

The museum offers an indoor picnic area, making it a great option to bring your own lunch. InstagramReddit

Great Missenden town has several cafes and restaurants offering a variety of dining options if you prefer to eat out. Reddit

The cafe typically offers snacks, drinks, and some light meal options. It's best to check their current menu on arrival. Reddit

Reviewers have found the cafe prices to be reasonable, especially compared to other attractions. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the whimsical chocolate doors, Roald Dahl's writing hut, and the interactive exhibits. The BFG's dream-blower illustration is also a popular spot. TikTokInstagram+1

Professional photography or filming for commercial purposes usually requires prior permission. For personal snaps, it's generally fine. TikTok

Many visitors love the entrance with the replica Wonka gate and the chocolate-scented doors. The craft area also offers fun, candid shots. Instagram+1

The museum is generally well-lit, with a mix of natural and artificial light. Some areas might be more atmospheric, so be prepared for varying light conditions. TikTok

A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm equivalent, would be useful for capturing both wider shots of exhibits and details. A prime lens with a wide aperture can be good for low-light situations. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is a dream destination for families. The Story Centre is the main draw, packed with hands-on activities, craft stations, and interactive exhibits that will keep children entertained for hours. Instagram+1 Don't miss the storytelling sessions, where actors bring beloved characters to life in an engaging way. Instagram+1

Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in their designated area, as the cafe's savory options can be limited. Reddit The museum is designed to spark imagination and a love for reading, making it an educational and fun outing. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to ensure entry, especially during school holidays. Instagram

📚 Book Lovers & Adults

For adults who grew up with Roald Dahl's books, the museum offers a wonderful trip down memory lane. Exploring Roald Dahl's writing hut and seeing his personal artifacts provides a unique insight into the man behind the magic. InstagramReddit The museum delves into his life, his inspirations, and his creative process, offering a deeper appreciation for his literary genius. Instagram

Even without children, the museum is a worthwhile visit. The quality of the exhibits and the passion of the staff, particularly during storytelling sessions, are highly praised. Reddit The gift shop also offers a fantastic selection of books at fair prices, perfect for adding to your collection. Reddit

🎨 Creative Minds & Aspiring Writers

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is an inspiring place for anyone with a creative spark. The craft activities in the Story Centre encourage experimentation and imagination, allowing visitors to create their own unique pieces inspired by Dahl's worlds. Instagram+1 The museum's focus on storytelling and narrative development can be particularly motivating for aspiring writers. Instagram

Seeing Roald Dahl's writing hut and learning about his process can demystify the act of creation and encourage visitors to explore their own storytelling potential. The museum's interactive nature makes it a place where creativity is not just observed but actively practiced. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of the Story Centre

The heart of the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is undoubtedly its dedicated Story Centre. This is where the magic truly comes alive for younger visitors and the young at heart. It's a space designed for active participation, moving beyond passive observation. Here, you'll find a vibrant craft area stocked with materials for creating your own Dahl-esque masterpieces, encouraging children to express their creativity. Instagram+1

Beyond crafts, the Story Centre hosts regular interactive storytelling sessions. These aren't just readings; they are immersive experiences where actors bring Roald Dahl's characters to life, often encouraging the audience to join in with voices, actions, and even dramatic interpretations. It’s a fantastic way for children to connect with the stories on a deeper level and understand the power of narrative. Instagram+1

Visitors consistently praise the Story Centre for its ability to spark imagination and make learning fun. It’s a testament to Roald Dahl's enduring appeal and the museum's commitment to keeping his spirit alive through engaging, hands-on activities. InstagramReddit

Roald Dahl: The Man Behind the Magic

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre offers a unique glimpse into the life and mind of one of the world's most beloved storytellers. Beyond the fantastical characters and mischievous plots, the museum delves into Dahl's personal journey, from his childhood in Wales to his experiences as a fighter pilot in World War II. Instagram+1

A significant highlight is the recreation of Roald Dahl's actual writing hut. This intimate space, preserved as it was, allows visitors to see his original desk, his tools, and even the objects that inspired his stories. It’s a powerful reminder that behind the extraordinary tales were an ordinary man with an extraordinary imagination. InstagramReddit

Through manuscripts, letters, and personal artifacts, the museum paints a picture of Dahl's creative process, his unique writing style, and his enduring impact on literature. It’s an enriching experience for adults who grew up with his books and a fascinating introduction for younger generations. Instagram

Great Missenden: A Charming Setting

The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is nestled in the picturesque village of Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire. This charming English countryside setting itself adds to the magical experience, providing a tranquil backdrop to the whimsical world of Roald Dahl. Instagram+1

Wandering through Great Missenden, you can almost imagine yourself stepping into one of Dahl's stories. The village retains a traditional feel, with quaint shops and historic buildings. It’s a delightful place to explore before or after your museum visit, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to soak in the local atmosphere. Instagram

Many visitors comment on how the village complements the museum, creating a complete, immersive experience. The proximity to nature and the quiet charm of Great Missenden enhance the feeling of stepping into a storybook world, making the visit even more memorable. Instagram+1

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