Summer is all but over judging by the weather forecast but it’s not time to hibernate in your house just yet! Give the kids (and yourself) a treat with a Roald Dahl themed day out.

Roald Dahl is a childhood favourite of mine and he is as popular today as ever, with the remake of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and the Fantastic Mr Fox both helping the author to reach new audiences. The books are perfectly illustrated by Quentin Blake which just helps to bring the magic alive and with these two museums you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the world of the BFG, Willy Wonka and more.

Road Dahl Children’s Gallery

by EG focus

Part of the Buckinghamshire Museum in Aylesbury, the museum has featured on numerous TV programmes and even boasts specially commissioned artwork by Quentin Blake. Start off by catching dreams like Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant, but watch out for Grandma’s head! Remember to look up in search of the Twits’ upside-down house, loads of people miss it because of all the exciting things on the ground. You can even send yourself by television like Mike TV!

Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

by alecea

Situated on the historic high street in Great Missenden, just a short distance from where Roald Dahl lived until his death, this museum offers loads of exciting classes and workshops, plus story readings, which can leave you free to enjoy the quaint shops in the village. Explore the museum and don’t forget to take the village tour so you can see all the places that inspired Dahl to write his stories, like Danny the Champion of the World’s garage pumps and Matilda’s library. The tour ends at Roald Dahl’s grave which is reached by following the BFG’s footsteps.

by tpholland

Watch the Films or Read the Books

by cdrummbks

If it all seems like there is too much rain lashing down then why not curl up for a family read-along, listen to audio books whilst making your own Roald Dahl inspired artwork or watch one of the films. Danny The Champion of The World is a classic adaption, Matilda is perfect with her vile family and choose from the old or new versions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I love the new one, but which is your favourite? For animated fun Fantastic Mr Fox, James and The Giant Peach and of course The BFG are great.

top image by carmichaellibrary