If your child has ever announced they’re basically Matilda, chances are Roald Dahl is already part of family life. Which is exactly why we love the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden. It’s one of those rare attractions that genuinely appeals to bookworms, reluctant readers and parents who’ve had their fill of soft play. Think culture, creativity and tired children by teatime. The holy trinity.

Set in the pretty Chilterns village where Dahl lived and wrote for 36 years, the museum is gloriously hands-on. Forget dusty display cases and endless information panels. The museum has three main galleries, giving more space for immersive exhibits, interactive activities and a deeper dive into the life and imagination of the world’s greatest storyteller. The star attraction remains Dahl’s original Writing Hut, where classics including Matilda, The BFG and The Twits were brought to life, but there are also character encounters, dress-up stations, storytelling spaces and plenty of opportunities for children to play, create and get stuck in.

What really makes this place special is its focus on creativity. Alongside the galleries, there’s a lively programme of workshops, storytelling sessions and holiday activities that encourage kids to unleash their imaginations. The experience extends beyond the museum too, with family-friendly trails through the village and countryside that inspired many of Dahl’s best-loved tales. It’s educational, but sneakily, children won’t notice. Result.

The final golden ticket? Entry is valid for a whole year, making it an excellent value for local families. Adult annual passes cost £13.95, children’s passes (aged five to 18) are £9.95, and under-fives go free. Add a café for emergency coffee stops, a well-stocked gift shop and one of Buckinghamshire’s loveliest villages on the doorstep, and you’ve got a day out that’s every bit as magical as the books themselves.