Are you planning a trip to the UK because of the fantastic exchange rate? Of course, the recent Brexit referendum result saw a dramatic drop in the value of the UK Pound that may make travel around the UK cheaper if the pound stays down. It is a great excuse to visit.
If that isn't enough of a reason to start perusing quaint English cottages on Airbnb there is also an extended celebration during 2016 marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of writer Roald Dahl. That's two great reasons to plan a visit to Britain soon!
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Roald Dahl wrote classic novels for children such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda and James and the Giant Peach just to name a few. If you are a fan – or travelling with young family – and will be in Britain then there is an extended celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of this creative genius during 2016. Let's not forget you’ll also get more mileage out of your travel dollar with a great exchange rate at the moment.
The BFG was the name of a 1982 book by Roald Dahl about a Big Friendly Giant (7 metres tall) who befriends a precocious 10-year-old orphan named Sophie. The two team up to save the world from the not-so-friendly giants inhabiting Dream Country. The BFG is also a new Disney movie based on the book and directed by Steven Spielberg that was filmed in London, on the Isle of Skye, at Blenheim Palace and Bamburg Beach in Northumberland.
If you are planning a visit to the UK this northern summer, Visit Britain has launched a GIANT tourism campaign to coincide with the release of The BFG film, showing in Australian cinemas now and the 100th anniversary of Dahl’s birth. So they are showcasing to the world what makes Britain a GIANT – and family-friendly – tourism destination.
Between 9 July and 31 August Visit London has The BFG Dream Jar Trail. The details are currently secret but each jar will contain the dreams of people such as Steven Spielberg, Sophie Dahl (Roald’s granddaughter) and many others. They’ll be found from Trafalgar Square to Dahl’s home in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire – where the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is located in an old coaching inn.
The talents of three of the world’s greatest storytellers – Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg come together in The BFG film
As his Norwegian name suggests (think explorer Roald Amundsen, after who he was named), Roald Dahl was born in Cardiff, Wales to Norwegian parents. In World War II, the 1.98 cm tall Dahl was a flying ace and Squadron Leader in the RAF. His books often have unexpected endings and have sold more than 200 million copies worldwide.
Roald Dahl’s birthdate is 13 September 1916 so Cardiff is hosting City of the Unexpected – a birthday celebration that takes place on the weekend of the 17th and 18th of September. There are other many UK events throughout the year to celebrate this anniversary.
Three don't miss highlights are:
1. The Roald Dahl Estate in Great Missenden has a year of celebrations, especially around his birthday. It is definitely worth a visit.
2. Roald Dahl’s Tremendous Adventures at Tatton Park, near Cheshire in NW England has a range of fun activities around the estate.
3. The House of Illustration, Kings Cross, London has “The BFG in Pictures” with many of Quentin Blake’s illustration on display until 2 October, 2016.
There’s also a new Gobblefunk Dictionary, more properly the Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary, including more than 8000 words, some 500 of which were invented by Dahl (including Oompa-Loompa).
VisitBritain’s online and social media channels are adapting its #OMGB (Oh My GREAT Britain) to ‘Oh My GIANT Britain.’ The campaign also wants you to upload your own images of ‘giant’ experiences and locations in Britain to your social channels. Literature, film and social media combine here so perhaps it really is a giant affirmative experience at a particularly turbulent time in Britain’s history.
What are your favourite memories of Roald Dahl and his wonderful books? Let us know in the comments section below.