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Magical Matilda Summer Activities

Thursday 24 July to Sunday 31 August

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Get stuck into a host of extra activities, included with your admission!
The Fantabulous Noise Machine

Play with our new sound machine, created for the Museum’s 20th birthday! Find our Fantabulous Noise Machine in the courtyard and discover some swashboggling sounds.

Our colourful sculpture was created by artists Aprille McShane and Tony Broomhead to celebrate our 20th birthday. Shout through the BFG ears to turn the handle to hear lots of marvellous sounds and recordings.

All ages

 

Crunchem Hall Playground

Play your favourite garden games in our courtyard – all with a Roald Dahl twist!

Inspired by Matilda’s school, Crunchem Hall, you can enjoy some traditional games with a Roald Dahl twist. Play games such as Matilda V Miss Trunchbull giant Connect 4, Splat the Snozzcumber or Dream Jar Hoopla.

Takes place every day we are open from Thursday 24 July to Sunday 31 August. The Museum is closed on Mondays, except for Monday 25 August when we are open for the bank holiday!

All ages

 

Matilda Storytelling

Join in with a live storytelling from the Museum’s expert storytellers.

You’ll hear extracts from one of Roald Dahl’s best loved books, Matilda. There are plenty of opportunities to join in with actions and noises, or just sit back and let the words wash around you like music…

Takes place every day from Thursday 24 July to Saturday 30 August, at 11.30am, 12.15pm, 2pm and 2.45pm – listen out for announcements when you’re here. No storytelling on Mondays as the Museum is closed (except for 25 August as we’re open for the bank holiday!).

All ages. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

 

Roald Dahl Countryside Trail & Matilda’s Missenden Trail

Explore the village that inspired Roald Dahl on Matilda’s Missenden Trail, or head out into the woods that inspired Fantastic Mr Fox on the Countryside Trail.

Head up to the woods with our self-guided Countryside Trail. Pick up a free leaflet from the ticket desk this summer and get out and explore. The trail leads you into the woods which inspired stories such as Danny the Champion of the World and Fantastic Mr Fox. There are suggested family activities along the way including Woodland Bingo and Ranger’s Radio. You’ll walk through glorious ancient beech woodland in Angling Spring Wood and Atkins Wood, see some of the beautiful Chilterns countryside that Roald walked in and take a break from the summer sun under the trees.

The whole circular route takes about 1 hour (plus extra if you do the activities), but you can head up to the woods and back in about 30 minutes if you’d prefer.

Alternatively, pick up our limited edition, self-guided Matilda’s Missenden Trail and explore the village with Matilda. You’ll discover some of the sights that inspired the book including Matilda’s library, head up to the churchyard where Roald Dahl is buried and swing past the storytelling chair by the playground (why not stop for a play while you’re here?). Along the way you can read some extracts from the story and learn some fascinating facts.

The walk takes about 45 minutes along pavements and over grass.

Ages 6+

 

Pick Out The Partygoers Trail

Spot the Roald Dahl characters who’ve made the trip to celebrate 20 years of the Museum!

Pick up your free Pick Out The Partygoers sheet from the ticket desk and head off to explore the village. Scattered around are a number of Roald Dahl characters – from the iconic Oompa Loompas to George Kranky!

Ages 6+

 

 

Thank you to the local businesses involved with the trail for their generosity!

Missenden Abbey

Missenden Abbey is a 12th century former medieval abbey with 10 acres of private grounds, offering stunning spaces, accommodation and catering for weddings, conferences, celebrations and more!

Fan Fan Pizza

Fan Fan serve authentic, hand stretched sourdough pizzas from their restaurant on the High Street.

Kinton Pharmacy

Buckinghamshire’s oldest pharmacy, Kinton Pharmacy, is situated in the heart of Great Missenden. Established in the mid-1700s, Kinton Pharmacy has evolved with time to serve the needs of the local people.

The Cross Keys

This wonderful 16th century pub is the perfect example of a historic English alehouse – with low beamed ceilings, cosy corners and the constant flow of top-class ale. Expect a warm welcome, fine fare, and good old fashioned service with a smile.