Derwent Pencil Museum, Keswick
Explore the birthplace of the pencil in Keswick, where history, art, and innovation meet in the unique Derwent Pencil Museum.
Located in Keswick, Cumbria, the Derwent Pencil Museum celebrates over 150 years of pencil making heritage in the Lake District. Visitors enter through a replica graphite mine, exploring the evolution of pencils from early cottage industry origins to modern production. Highlights include the world’s largest coloured pencil, secret WWII pencils with hidden maps, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee pencil. The museum offers an engaging, family-friendly experience showcasing artistic innovation and local history.
A brief summary to Derwent Pencil Museum
- Southey Works, Keswick, Cumbria, UK, CA12 5NG, GB
- +441768773626
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays outside of winter closures (closed Mondays and Tuesdays in winter) for a quieter experience.
- Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum’s exhibits and watch the informative videos.
- Check out the world’s largest coloured pencil and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee pencil for unique photo opportunities.
- Purchase tickets on-site; the museum does not offer online booking.
- Be mindful that parking near the museum is managed separately and requires payment via ANPR cameras.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Local bus services from Keswick town center to Southey Works run frequently, with a journey time of approximately 10–15 minutes. Buses operate daily but check schedules for seasonal variations. Tickets cost around £2–£4 GBP.
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Car
Driving from Keswick town center to the museum takes about 5 minutes via local roads. Parking is available nearby but is managed separately with ANPR cameras requiring payment on arrival. Parking fees vary; expect around £2–£5 GBP for a few hours.
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Walking
Walking from Keswick town center to the museum is a pleasant 25-minute route over mostly flat terrain, suitable for most visitors. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for typical Lake District weather conditions.
Derwent Pencil Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Derwent Pencil Museum
Origins of Pencil Making in Keswick
The Derwent Pencil Museum is situated in Keswick, the historic heart of the pencil industry, where graphite was first discovered in the nearby Borrowdale Valley in the early 16th century. This discovery sparked a cottage industry of pencil making that evolved into a commercial enterprise by the late 18th century. The museum’s entrance mimics a graphite mine, giving visitors a tangible connection to the mineral that shaped the region’s economy and culture. Early pencil production was artisanal, with local craftsmen hand-making pencils before the industrialization of the process in the 19th century.A Journey Through Pencil Innovation
Inside, the museum traces the development of pencils from simple black leads to the introduction of coloured pencils in 1932 by the Cumberland Pencil Company, which later became part of the Derwent brand. Exhibits include miniature pencil sculptures, one of the largest coloured pencils in the world measuring nearly 8 metres, and the specially crafted Queen’s Diamond Jubilee pencil, which features intricate calligraphy and diamond embellishments. The museum also highlights Derwent’s ongoing innovation in art materials, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques.Secret Stories and Wartime Ingenuity
One of the museum’s most fascinating stories is the secret production of WWII pencils containing hidden maps, designed to aid prisoners of war. This covert operation involved drilling out pencil interiors to insert rolled maps and tiny compasses, then resealing them to look like ordinary pencils. The museum features a video recounting this history and displays reproductions of these ingenious tools, underscoring the pencil’s unexpected role in wartime intelligence.Local Heritage and Resilience
The museum stands near the original factory site, preserving Keswick’s rich industrial heritage. Despite suffering severe flood damage during Storm Desmond in 2015, which destroyed many artefacts, the museum has salvaged much of its collection and continues to celebrate the region’s pencil-making legacy. The story of graphite smuggling and the ‘black market’ origins of the pencil trade adds a layer of local intrigue, reflecting the mineral’s historical value and impact on the community.Visitor Experience and Facilities
The Derwent Pencil Museum offers a family-friendly environment with interactive displays and educational content suitable for all ages. Visitors can enjoy exploring the exhibits, watching informative videos, and viewing unique pencil artworks. The museum operates seasonally with winter closures on Mondays and Tuesdays, and tickets are purchased on-site. Nearby amenities include parking (with separate management and charges), restrooms, and a gift shop offering art supplies and souvenirs.Artistic Inspiration and Cultural Significance
Beyond its industrial story, the museum serves as a cultural hub for artists and writers, celebrating the pencil as a tool of creativity and expression. Derwent’s commitment to quality and innovation continues to inspire artists worldwide, with the museum standing as a testament to the enduring importance of this humble instrument in art and history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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The Wild Duck Inn
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The Conservatory Restaurant at The Melbreak Hotel
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Dodds Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Family Friendly
- Educational
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
