“Those who don’t believe in magic, will never find it”. The famous words by Roald Dahl, printed on the entrance wristbands for the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden, in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside.
I made the trip by train, from London, Marylebone, with my daughters and fellow children’s author friend, Maria Cuesta. If you do come by train on Chiltern Railways, make sure to take advantage of the 2-for-1 ticket offer. Check out the “Getting Here” links on the museum website.
The museum is an absolute delight for all ages and my particular favourite was sitting in the famous chair of the big man, in the Story Centre. Having grown up with Roald Dahl stories and reading them again with my children, I was totally in my element. There is plenty of memorabilia to look at and stories of Roald Dahl’s life, many of which influenced his story creations. I couldn’t help but notice the petrol pump station on the way from the railway station to the museum, that formed the setting for “Danny, the champion of the world”. We all spent a considerable amount of time in the Story Centre and I for one, could not resist the temptation to create a few “things” and try on a few hats and cloaks. What an added delight to see Quentin Blake’s illustrations decorating the walls and I did find myself chuckling at times.
It was a bonus to be allowed to go explore outside and come back. The walk up to Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, where Roald Dahl was buried, is worth it.
It was the magical day, I had hoped for and cannot wait to go back.