Revisit childhood

In all, 38 writers and places linked to them and their stories are featured in the Storybook England map Revisit childhood caption to go in this bit d=5,3,1Listen, I want to tell you a story about marvellous events and attractions linked to classical children's tales this autumn. Enjoy England, part of VisitBritain, has just launched a campaign encouraging families to visit an amazing diversity of attractions and places highlighted in much-loved children's books.

From Alice in Wonderland to Thomas the Tank Engine, it's an opportunity for everyone to rediscover the magical world of childhood and, in some cases, provides a glimpse into the creative lives of famous authors.

In all, 38 writers, from Lewis Carroll to Anthony Horowitz, and places linked to them and their stories, are featured in a full-colour, fold-out Storybook England map.

For example, one of the world's finest collections of childhood-related objects at the Museum of Childhood reopens in London on November 18 after a multi-million pound redevelopment.

The 130-year-old building has been restored to its Victorian glory and its opening exhibition, Happy Birthday Miffy, celebrates the 50th anniversary of Dick Bruna's popular rabbit character.

The museum also has a collection of cuddly teddy bears and explains the gestation of literary favourites including Rupert, Winnie-the-Pooh and Paddington. Admission to the museum, in Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, is free.

For further information, call 020 8983 5200 or visit the www.museumofchildhood.org.uk website.

Classic tales The Wind in the Willows, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland are all celebrated in special events in the Thames and Chiltern regions over the next few months.

The River and Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames has an excellent Wind in the Willows exhibition where visitors will experience life on the river as seen by author Kenneth Grahame. And there's a chance to see Badger's house - and hide from those nasty weasels.

At Toad's Christmas on December 20-21, children will be able to visit a festive Toad in his accommodating caravan where they can make some super Christmas decorations and help him decorate his Christmas tree.

The Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, is dedicated to the life and times of the world-famous children's author who would have been 90 this month.

Visitors can see a replica of his writing hut, in which he wrote some of his best-loved stories, and explore the countryside. Check the www.roalddahlmuseum.org website.

Or visit Christ Church College, Oxford, where Lewis Carroll first came into contact with Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for his little girl lost, Alice in Wonderland.

You will find many of the weird but wonderful characters from the book reflected in architecture and objects around the college.

The A-Z of Literary Oxford' runs from next February until July 2007, when the museum celebrates the city's literary connections with authors who have found inspiration there. Check out www.visitsoutheast.com For a novel taste of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, web surfers can download the new Bristol Quayside Adventure - a free pod-cast audio guide that takes them on the Treasure Island Trail. The harbourside trail takes in the city's cobbled streets and Georgian squares, explaining the connections between the novel Treasure Island and the location. See the www.visitbristol.co.uk website.

Meantime, the Avon Valley Railway plans a great day out with Thomas the Tank Engine on October 7-8, based around the Rev W. Awdry's original story.

For a free Storybook England map, call 0845 456 2332 or see the www.enjoyengland.com/storybook website.