Derwent Pencil Museum
Fee required
Wheelchair accessible
A museum in Keswick, Lake District, dedicated to the history of the pencil, featuring World War II spy pencils and the world's largest colored pencil.

📜 Museum in Keswick, Cumbria, home of the first pencil.
🔍 Traces pencil making from graphite discovery to modern production.

Why Go

🕵️ Discover secret WW2 spy pencils with hidden maps
📏 See the world's largest colored pencil (almost 8 meters/26 feet long)
⛏️ Enter through a replica graphite mine
🎨 Explore the history of the Cumberland Pencil Company, established 1832 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All-weather activity with seasonal children's activities and product demonstrations

Why Avoid

🅿️ Car park not owned by museum, payment required on arrival
🗓️ Closed Mondays and Tuesdays during winter, and some holidays

Tips

🚶 Easy 5-minute walk from Keswick Bus Station.
💳 Tickets can only be purchased on site.
🛍️ Gift shop and coffee shop with free Wi-Fi available. Online gift store available.

Cost

💰 Adults £6.60, children £5.80, seniors/concessions £5.
50. Family tickets and yearly membership available.

Hours

🕒 Daily 09:30-17:00 in summer; closed Mon/Tue in winter. Last admission 4pm. Closed Dec 24-26, Jan 1.

🅿️ Parking Parking with charge, ANPR cameras installed. Accessible parking available.

🚻 Facilities Gift shop, coffee shop with free Wi-Fi, baby changing facilities. Accessible toilet, level access, hearing loop, high chairs. Dogs accepted.

Last updated 1 day ago

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