Local area
Local places to visit
Things to do in and around Great Missenden
In Great Missenden
Roald Dahl Village and Countryside Trails
Pick up our free trails from the Museum and head off to explore some of the local areas that inspired the stories. The Village Trail will take you around Great Missenden to see sights that inspired Matilda and The BFG. The Countryside Trail will lead to Angling Spring Wood to see the landscape that inspired books such as Fantastic Mr Fox and Danny the Champion of the World.
Buryfield playground
Head just a few minutes from the Museum and you’ll find the Buryfield (if you drove to the Museum the chances are that you’ve parked nearby). Enjoy a huge open space for play and picnics as well as two playgrounds – one for older kids and one for under 5s – and a tennis court.
Great Missenden Library
This was the very library that inspired Matilda. Pop-in and imagine that you’re Matilda reading all those amazing stories, then take time to explore the books in the excellent kid’s section.
Angling Spring Wood
You can visit as part of the Countryside Trail or head up to explore independently. This ancient woodland is just a short stroll from the Museum and is a lovely tranquil place to explore. These woods helped inspire books such as Billy and The Minpins and Fantastic Mr Fox.
St Peter and St Paul Church
There’s been a church on this site in Great Missenden for over 900 years, but the current building dates back to the 14th century. It’s a pleasant walk along Church Street to reach the site, and you can visit Roald Dahl’s grave in the churchyard. Look out of events at the church such as music recitals and cream teas.
Boug’s Meadow
A small wildflower meadow that’s open to the public. Developed and maintained by volunteers from Prestwood Nature. There are benches and a nature information board – great space for a bit of time out before getting back in the car.
Missenden Abbey
Set in glorious grounds, this former abbey has an 800-year long history. Open as a hotel and conference venue primarily, but keep an eye out for special events running throughout the year including summer fairs and Christmas light trails.
Great Missenden Food Festival
Usually at Easter and the summer bank holiday weekend. A fun, family event located on a showground just outside the village.
greatmissendenfoodfestival.co.uk
Local shops
Great Missenden’s historic High Street is a delight to wonder down. There’s lots of lovely little gift shops so keep your eyes peeled as you walk down to the Museum – don’t miss Big Sky, Alphabet Soup, Indigo Lilly and Annie’s. If you have a beloved dog at home you might want to pop into Woody and Friends dog boutique too.
Further afield
If you’re looking for a nearby attraction so you can really make a day or weekend of it, take a look at some of these excellent places to visit.
Adventure and play
Wendover woods
Forestry England managed woodland with a café, fitness trails and Gruffalo orienteering. There’s also a Go Ape course for thrill-seekers.
25 minute drive.
Aston Clinton, Aylesbury, HP22 5NQ
forestryengland.uk
Thomley
Thomley is a recreational centre for disabled children, their families, friends, and schools. Features indoor and outdoor play, sensory rooms, an art room and much more. A café, as well as accessible camping pods and pitches, are available on-site.
35 minute drive.
Worminghall
thomley.org.uk
Animals and nature
The Horse Trust
A short, 15 minute drive from the Museum. See retired horses, ponies and donkeys all cared for by the Horse Trust. Café on-site.
15 minute drive.
Speen
horsetrust.org.uk
Widmer Farm Park
A small farm park just 15 minutes’ drive from the Museum. Meet lots of animals such as bunnies, goats, alpacas and pigs.
15 minute drive.
Lacey Green
widmerfarmpark.co.uk
Natural History Museum at Tring
Explore over 4,900 specimens in this glorious Victorian Museum housing the private collection of Lionel Walter Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild (1868-1937).
30 minute drive.
Tring
www.nhm.ac.uk
For history buffs
Amersham Museum
Explore life in Amersham from Tudor times to the 1960s. Based in an old medieval hall house in Old Amersham, there’s also a medicinal herb garden to explore.
10 minute drive.
Amersham
amershammuseum.org
Bekonscot Model Village
Dating back to 1929 this is the world’s oldest original model village. Explore tiny worlds, a huge model railway and gardens. Café and playground onsite.
20 minute drive.
Beaconsfield
bekonscot.co.uk
Bucks County Museum
Discover the story of Bucks people and landscapes from 200 million years ago to today. You can also explore changing hands-on exhibitions and The Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery.
25 minute drive.
Aylesbury
discoverbucksmuseum.org
Chiltern Open Air Museum
Am outdoor living history museum with a collection of historical buildings, grounds and gardens. Adventure playground, café and trails on offer. Look out for a packed programme of special events.
25 minute drive
Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire
coam.org.uk
National Trust
Hughenden Manor
Country home of the Victorian statesman Benjamin Disraeli and a secret World War Two operation. House, grounds, gardens and wooded trails to explore. Café, natural play area regular family-friendly events.
20 minute drive.
High Wycombe
nationaltrust.org.uk
West Wycombe Park and village
Palladian mansion situated in the historic and picturesque National Trust village of West Wycombe. Grounds and gardens to explore. Café facilities are situated off-site in the village where you can also climb up West Wycombe Hill to discover the mausoleum and church and take-in the great views.
25 minute drive.
West Wycombe
nationaltrust.org.uk
Waddesdon Manor
Grand country house built in the neo-renaissance style. House, extensive grounds, gardens and an aviary to explore. Woodland playground, café and holiday activities make this great for kids.
40 minute drive.
Waddesdon
waddesdon.org.uk
Stage and screen
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Great town-centre theatre boasting a packed programme of West End productions, comedy, dance and children’s shows.
25 minute drive.
Aylesbury
atgtickets.com
Harry Potter Studio Tour
A little further afield, but worth the journey! A walk-through studio tour and exhibition featuring a whole host of costumes, props, and sets from the films located in the studios where the series was filmed. See the Great Hall, Platform 9¾ and Diagon Alley and maybe sample a butterbeer.
40 minute drive.
Leavesden
wbstudiotour.co.uk
Don't
Around with words
The BFG
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