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Local area

Village and Countryside Trails

The village and countryside surrounding the Museum inspired so many of the stories. Set out from the museum on foot and find out more.

Great Missenden was home to Roald Dahl for 36 years until his death in 1990. He wrote all of his children’s books and many of his adult short stories in the Writing Hut he had built in his garden. Many of Roald Dahl’s stories are based in, or inspired by, the surrounding area. The village of Great Missenden is also in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) so you don’t have to stumble far until you see a glorious vista!

The houses looked

bent and crooked

like houses in a fairy tale

The BFG

Our Village and Countryside Trail leaflets help you to explore the local area and point out key sights that relate to Roald Dahl’s books and life.

The Village Trail leaflet will lead you to Danny’s dad’s petrol pumps (from Danny, the Champion of the World), the house that was the inspiration for Sophie’s orphanage in The BFG, Matilda’s library and Roald Dahl’s grave.

Head further afield on our Countryside Trail leaflet and explore some of the Chiltern countryside that Roald Dahl loved. Visit Angling Spring Wood, said to be the inspiration for Fantastic Mr Fox, and try out activities and games such as Woodland Bingo and Ranger’s Radio.

You can download our free self-guided walks from the links below or pick them up at the Museum.

Find out more about the Chilterns

Find out more about the Chilterns by visiting the Chilterns AONB and Visit Chilterns websites.