Great Missenden: History, Roald Dahl, Chilterns & Hidden Stories
Discover a historic Buckinghamshire village in the Misbourne Valley, where medieval heritage, Chiltern countryside and the literary world of Roald Dahl come together.
Great Missenden is one of the most distinctive villages in the Chilterns. Set in the valley of the River Misbourne, it combines an historic High Street, medieval religious heritage, wooded hills and one of Britain's best-known literary connections.
Its railway connection also makes Great Missenden an excellent starting point for car-free walks through Buckinghamshire and the Chiltern countryside.
Why Great Missenden Matters
Great Missenden has deep medieval roots. The village was granted a charter to hold an annual fair in the twelfth century, while Missenden Abbey was founded in 1133.
Its historic High Street retains old and listed buildings, including survivors from the period when the village stood on an important route between London and the Midlands.
A Village in the Chilterns
Great Missenden lies in the Misbourne Valley, surrounded by rolling hills, woodland and countryside characteristic of the Chilterns.
The combination of railway access and rural paths makes the area particularly well suited to linear walks connecting historic Chiltern towns and villages.
A Short History of Great Missenden
Places and Stories to Know
| Place | Why it matters | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Great Missenden High Street | Historic village centre with old buildings and former coaching inns. | Historic village |
| Missenden Abbey | Founded in 1133 as an Augustinian monastery. | Medieval heritage |
| St Peter & St Paul Church | Historic parish church overlooking the village. | Religious heritage |
| Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre | Explores Dahl's life, work and his long connection with Great Missenden. | Literary heritage |
| Misbourne Valley | The valley landscape surrounding Great Missenden and linking communities through the Chiltern countryside. | Natural landscape |
Roald Dahl and Great Missenden
Great Missenden has an exceptional literary connection with Roald Dahl. He lived in the village for 36 years until his death in 1990.
The surrounding countryside and village inspired elements of his stories, while his famous Writing Hut became the place where he wrote his children's books and many other works.
Today the Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre preserves and interprets this connection between the writer, his work and Great Missenden.
From Great Missenden to Amersham
Great Missenden and Amersham form a natural pairing for a linear Chiltern walk. Both are accessible by rail, while the countryside between them provides a journey through rural Buckinghamshire towards historic Amersham.
Old Amersham provides a contrasting finish. Its historic High Street and Market Square preserve the atmosphere of an old market town, including the Grade II* listed Market Hall built in 1682.
| Great Missenden | Amersham | |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Misbourne Valley and Chiltern countryside | Historic town surrounded by Chiltern hills |
| Character | Historic village | Historic market town |
| Heritage highlight | Missenden Abbey and Roald Dahl | Old Amersham and Market Hall |
| Walking use | Railway starting point | Linear-walk finishing point |
Walking Through the Chiltern Landscape
The countryside around Great Missenden is classic Chiltern terrain: rolling hills, woodland, farmland, valleys and historic paths. Conditions can become muddy after prolonged rain, so suitable walking footwear is recommended.
Walkers should follow public rights of way, respect farmland and livestock, close gates where necessary and take care on uneven or slippery ground.
Walk from Great Missenden to Amersham with us
Explore this landscape with Hiking in London Club on our Great Missenden to Amersham walk through the Chiltern countryside.
View the Great Missenden to Amersham Walk