Derwent Pencil Museum

Derwent Pencil Museum

Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago. A journey of graphite and pencil discovery from its humble beginnings as a cottage industry to modern day production. Discover our secret WW2 pencils with hidden maps; one of the largest colour pencils in the world measuring almost 8 metres; The Queen’s diamond Jubilee pencil; miniature pencil sculptures; and much much more! We also have a Derwent fine art retail shop, run art workshops and there is a coffee shop with free wi-fi. A great day-out for the family and we look forward to welcoming you. Opening Times & Prices: Mon-Sun (9.30-5pm). We are open every day (except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day).

Review

Having visited hundreds of attractions in the research of all of my travel guides, there are those that have been just exactly what I expected them to be and there are those that have completely taken me by surprise, the Derwent Pencil Museum as strange as it sounds fits both descriptions. I think what I mean by that statement is, I knew I would enjoy a trip around this museum, but I didn’t think I knew just how much I would enjoy it! This museum isn’t just home to the worlds first pencil, it is home to a journey that is still continuing today. Since the 1800’s, pencil making has been a huge part of Cumbrias heritage and Derwent, as a company has been at the heart of that story. All of this story and more is on display here at the museum and you will be blown away by just how many of the worlds greatest and cleverest have all owned a Derwent pencil.