Follow in the giant footsteps of the BFG and other beloved Roald Dahl characters
Release of The BFG movie and author's 100th birthday is cause to see these great sights
THE BFG is expected to be a gigantic box office hit this summer – and Roald Dahl fans can get an extra fix of his magic on a Big Family Getaway.
September 13 marks the 100th anniversary of the beloved writer’s birth and there are Dahl-themed festivities taking place all over the UK to celebrate.
You can also visit locations used in director Steven Spielberg’s film, which was released yesterday and stars Mark Rylance as that most amiable of giants.
Here, the Sun’s books editor NATASHA HARDING picks her favourite Dahl destinations.
Great Missenden
ROALD DAHL lived and worked in this Buckinghamshire village for 36 years and it should be at the top of any fan’s visiting wishlist.
Roald Dahl Day is on September 13 – check out the museum’s extra-special festivities on September 17. See .
Cardiff
THE author’s birthplace will be celebrating his centenary this year.
Roald Dahl’s City of the Unexpected is a weekend of stories, performances and singing on September 17 and 18, with more than 6,000 performers.
And The Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl exhibition moves from London’s South Bank to Cardiff Millennium Centre in August.
See and .
Cheshire
A DAY out at Tatton Park country estate is always enjoyable but this year its most “phizz-whizzing” of events features Dahl-themed trails and adventures.
Discover Danny, Champion of the World in the gardens, visit Fantastic Mr Fox at the farm and enter the mansion and the curious world of Matilda Wormwood. Or brave the jungle, where the Enormous Crocodile lurks.
See .
London
THE BFG Dream Jar Trail will be transforming London streets by bringing to life the hopes and dreams of celebrities and artists.
These well-known names include Steven Spielberg, the Delevingne sisters and Stephen Hawking.
The jars can be seen at spots around the city such as Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace until August 31.
See .
The Shard, London
PRESENTED in “Charlie’s Great Glass Elevator”, tea at Aqua Shard – the city skyscraper’s panoramic restaurant – is available until the end of September.
Visitors can make their selections from an edible menu that looks like a book, eat from crockery designed by illustrator Sir Quentin Blake and feast on sweet and savoury nibbles inspired by some of Dahl’s classic books.
See .
Oxfordshire
THE Italian Garden at Blenheim Palace features in the BFG film and will provide a wonderful day out for Dahl fans.
Visitors to Blenheim can enjoy exploring the 18th century mansion and its gardens. There are 2,000 acres of parkland, a giant maze and tropical butterfly house – as well as the wonderful landscapes to marvel at.
See .
