A Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Adventure at Mottisfont

In the gallery: 

Dates: 19 July - 2 November

 

Head to the top floor of the house and follow Chitty’s high-flying story from page to picture:

The Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang exhibition is designed with families in mind, offering a fun and welcoming space for all ages to enjoy together.  Large-scale illustrations and artwork displayed at children’s eye level invite younger visitors to connect with the story visually.  Cosy reading areas with books allow families to dive deeper into the tale, while a free trail sheet is packed with interactive, family-friendly activities to help everyone engage with the artwork and story.  

Ian Fleming: The Story Begins
Best known for creating James Bond, Ian Fleming wrote Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang as a bedtime story for his son, Caspar.  Blending his passion for fast cars, gadgets, and classic storytelling, the book has fired imaginations for over 60 years. This gallery introduces the author and the roots of his classic tale.

The Original Adventure
Step into the visual world of illustrator John Burningham, whose bold and expressive images brought Chitty’s first journey to life in the original 1964 edition.  Packed with daring escapes, eccentric characters, and wild inventions, Burningham’s illustrations helped define the spirit of the story.

New Imaginations
See how today’s illustrators have reimagined Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang for a new generation.
• Steve Antony, known for Mr Panda and The Queen’s Hat, brings energy, humour, and colourful detail.
• Thomas Gilbert adds a dramatic, cinematic feel, with richly layered artwork and dynamic pictorial storytelling.

Wander through a space filled with floating clouds, discover 'peepo' boxes inside a 'hideout' cave, where more of Chitty’s illustrated adventures are waiting to be discovered. And don’t miss the custom-built Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang front end of the car, inspired by the original illustrations - the perfect selfie spot for budding inventors and adventure seekers!  

 

Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang BIG Family Trail:

Dates: 19 July - 7 September

 

Pick up your free family trail sheet at the Welcome Centre and set off on an adventure with Chitty and the Potts family!

Explore the gallery and gardens as you uncover clues, complete challenges and spot:

• Villains on the run

• Mysteries hidden inside a secret cave

• Chitty soaring through the clouds

Fun challenges include:

• Try your aim in the Archery Den and help catch the gangsters!

• Design your very own magical Chitty car and enter it into our special competition

• Take part in creative activities and have plenty of fun along the way!

Perfect for the whole family to get involved.  

 

Merry-go-Round-Storytelling

Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang 

Dates: 20 30 July, 6, 16, 20 August, 3 & 7 September 

Free interactive storytelling performances based on the retelling of Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang by Peter Bently, illustrated by Steve Antony. This adaptation stays true to the spirit of the original story and makes it more accessible for younger familes.  

Join Amanda Kane-Smith from Merry-go-Round Storytelling for lively, interactive storytelling that brings this much-loved story to life, packed with fun and perfect for families!

Ian Fleming and Mottisfont 

The story of Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang is uniquely linked to Mottisfont through a remarkable friendship.

Author Ian Fleming was a close companion of Maud Russell, the house’s former owner. He was a regular guest at Mottisfont in the 1930s - 40s, where lively weekends were filled with debate, croquet, and mushroom-picking. Maud introduced Fleming to key figures who shaped his early career, and later helped him purchase Goldeneye, his Jamaican home where he the James Bond novels. 

Discover more about their friendhip inside the house; and for the children, hidden miniature 'Chitty-Bang-Bang' style cars are waiting to be found!