days out

How many museums have chocolate doors? We can think of only one – the fantabulous Roald Dahl Museum packed full of surprises and delights for readers of all ages. It's easy to see why this little gem has won a string of awards, including Enjoy England's Best Small Visitor Attraction in 2008. 

The two main biographical 'boy' and 'solo' galleries are full of interesting and quirky details about Roald Dahl's life and books, all presented in an imaginative and interactive way. The clever Visitor's Guide is full of quiz questions, activity suggestions and discussion points to help families explore together, while budding authors over five can scribble in their own Ideas Book.

By the time you reach the Story Centre you'll be ready to create your own version of the BFG's gobblefunk, before refuelling at Café Twit and browsing in the irresistible museum shop. If you're making a day of it, there's even a village trail to help you explore Great Missenden, home to the Dahl family.

During school holidays, visitors can enjoy free craft activities and story-telling sessions, as well as special events (see website for details, pre-booking advisable for some workshops).

Highlights

• dressing up as some of Roald Dahl''s characters and exploring the story sacks
• creating photo-fit characters in the Ideas Book
• sitting in Roald Dahl''s chair and exploring his famous writing hut
• writing a short story on the automatic grammatizator and seeing it up in lights
• the delicious Illy coffee, light lunches (sandwiches, salads, jackets, panini) and delumptious home-made cakes at Café Twit (try the Bogtrotter chocolate cake)
  

Admission (2010): adults £6, children 5 to 18 and concessions £4, family ticket £19 (2 adults and up to 3 children), Freedom Pass Holders free. Annual Big Friendly Tickets (BFTs) available.