Derwent Pencil Museum
Keswick, Cumbria
About Derwent Pencil Museum
Looking for a fun and unique family day out? The Derwent Pencil Museum (previously Cumberland Pencil Museum) in Keswick, Cumbria, is the perfect spot! Nestled in the beautiful Lake District, this one-of-a-kind museum is a great place for families with kids to explore, learn, and get creative together. Whether your little ones love drawing or discovering new things, the Pencil Museum offers a day filled with excitement, hands-on activities, and fascinating stories.
So, let's grab our pencils and dive into the colourful world of Derwent!
Things To Do
You might wonder, "What could be so interesting about pencils?" But trust us, the Derwent Pencil Museum is full of surprises! As soon as you step inside, you'll be greeted by the world's largest pencil that will catch the kids' attention. This sets the stage for an adventure through the history of pencils, starting from their humble beginnings right here in the Lake District.
Did you know that Keswick is home to the first pencil?!
The Pencil Museum is packed with fun facts and cool display boards that show the fascinating history of how pencils were made in the past and how they're crafted today within the pencil industry. Your kids will love hearing stories about the journey of pencil and graphite discovery and how it became a crucial part of art and writing. The museum makes learning fun, with plenty of interactive exhibits to engage young minds. You'll learn about each type of pencil they produce, from the late Queen's diamond pencil, the ordinary-looking pencil of course and even art pencils! Plus, you can learn the history of graphite mining, too.
Make sure you find the miniature pencil sculpture and how they hid maps inside pencils during WW2! There's even a pencil demonstration you can catch, and a fun quiz you can take part in - the challenging quiz will get you using all your coloured pencils as you start drawing!
Be amazed at the world's largest colour pencil, an 8 metre yellow pencil! Marvel at the James Bond-style World War II pencil, follow the history of pencil making in words, pictures and lovingly restored machinery, find out exactly how they get a lead into a pencil today, and there's a funky Kids Art Studio, where they hold art and crafts events throughout the year.
There is an ever-changing programme of free demonstrations, seasonal children's activities, tuition workshops, and fun family days designed to appeal to everyone, whether you are a doodler, a sketcher, or an aspiring artist. From art activities during the school holidays, weekend afternoons or an all-weather activity for it's a little gloomy.
A Family Membership Pass is available if you would like to visit regularly. It covers entry to the museum for 12 months and a 10 per cent discount in the retail shop.
Art Shop
For those who want to channel their inner artist at home, there are activity books, colouring books, an extensive range of coloured pencils and more Derwent products that you can bring home from the gift shop.
Food & Drink
When you need a break, there's a cosy onsite café where you can relax with a cup of tea or a delicious slice of cake. The café offers kid-friendly snacks and meals, so even the pickiest eaters will find something they like. Like homemade cakes and bakes - plus it's dog-friendly too!
The Derwent Pencil Museum is designed with families in mind, making it a stress-free day. The museum is fully accessible for prams and wheelchairs so that everyone can enjoy the exhibits with ease.
Explore the Beautiful Lake District
A trip to the Derwent Pencil Museum is also a great excuse to explore the stunning Lake District. After your visit, why not take a family walk around Derwent Lake? The lake is just a short stroll from the museum and offers some of the most picturesque views in the area. There are plenty of easy trails that are perfect for families with young children, as well as more challenging routes if you're up for an adventure.
If your family enjoys cycling, there are several family-friendly cycling routes nearby. It's a fantastic way to soak up the natural beauty of the Lake District while getting some fresh air and exercise. And don't forget to explore the charming town of Keswick, which is full of lovely shops, cafés, and restaurants where you can unwind after a fun day.
Why the Derwent Pencil Museum is a Must-Visit for Families
In a world where screens often take centre stage, the Derwent Pencil Museum offers a refreshing change of pace. It's a place where families can learn, create, and spend quality time together. The museum's focus on pencils might seem a bit different, but that's exactly what makes it so special!
Whether you're local to the Lake District or visiting on holiday, the Derwent Pencil Museum is a must-see attraction. It's more than just a museum – it's an experience that will inspire your family, spark creativity, and leave you with wonderful memories. So next time you're planning a family day out, why not pencil in a visit to the Derwent Pencil Museum? It's a colourful adventure waiting for you and your little ones!
Discover The Giant Pencil
As soon as you step into the museum, you'll be greeted by a massive pencil that's over 8 metres long! It's a fantastic photo opportunity and the perfect way to kick off your pencil-powered adventure.
Kids will love posing with this enormous writing tool, and it’s sure to set the tone for the fun day ahead.
Get Creative At The Kids' Art Studio
Let your little artists’ imaginations soar in the Kids' Art Studio, where they can draw, doodle, and create their very own masterpieces using Derwent's world-famous pencils.
Whether they are scribbling out a quick sketch, crafting a colourful creation or drawing anything that comes to mind! It’s a brilliant way to keep them entertained and inspired.
Uncover The Secret WWII Pencils
Discover the fascinating story of the secret WWII pencils, which were designed with hidden compartments to smuggle messages during the war.
It’s like something straight out of a spy movie, and kids will be thrilled to learn about these sneaky gadgets while exploring the museum! It's not just about the process of making pencils here....
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Dog Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Opening Times
- Monday, 09:30 - 00:00
- Tuesday, 09:30 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 09:30 - 17:00
- Thursday, 09:30 - 17:00
- Friday, 09:30 - 17:00
- Saturday, 09:30 - 17:00
- Sunday, 09:30 - 17:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (3-15) : £5.00
- Adult (16-18+) : £6.50
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Derwent Pencil Museum by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
You can enjoy freshly baked goods, scones, sandwiches and a range of drinks, from coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cold drinks.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Cumberland Pencil Museum
Southey Works
Main Street
Keswick
Cumbria
CA12 5NG
England
Tel: 01768773626
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
By Car:
If you're driving, the Derwent Pencil Museum is conveniently located just a short distance from Keswick town centre. Here’s how you can get there:
From the North (Carlisle): Take the M6 southbound and exit at Junction 40 for Penrith. Follow the A66 west towards Keswick. Once in Keswick, follow the signs for the town centre, then look out for signs directing you to the museum, which is located on Southey Hill.
From the South (Lancaster): Head north on the M6 and exit at Junction 40 for Penrith. Follow the A66 westbound towards Keswick. After arriving in Keswick, follow the town centre signs, then continue following the directions for the museum on Southey Hill.
By Bus:
If you prefer public transport, several bus routes serve Keswick, making it easy to reach the Derwent Pencil Museum:
From Penrith: You can catch the Stagecoach Bus X4 or X5, which runs from Penrith (including stops at Penrith Railway Station) to Keswick. The bus journey takes around 40 minutes.
From Workington or Cockermouth: The Stagecoach Bus X5 also runs from Workington and Cockermouth to Keswick. The journey from Workington takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, and from Cockermouth, it takes around 30 minutes.
In Keswick: Once you arrive at the Keswick Bus Station, the museum is just a 10-minute walk away. Follow the signs towards the town centre, then head towards Southey Hill where the museum is located.
By Train:
While Keswick itself doesn’t have a train station, you can easily reach the museum by taking a train to a nearby station and then completing your journey by bus or taxi:
From Penrith Railway Station: Penrith is the nearest mainline station to Keswick, located about 17 miles away. Trains from major cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow regularly stop at Penrith. From Penrith Railway Station, you can catch the Stagecoach Bus X4 or X5 directly to Keswick, as mentioned above. The bus journey from Penrith takes around 40 minutes.
From Windermere Railway Station: If you’re coming from the southern part of the Lake District, you can take a train to Windermere Railway Station. From there, you can catch a bus or taxi to Keswick, though this route is longer and might take up to 2 hours depending on connections.
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