Derwent Pencil Museum
Cumberland Pencil Museum
View on Google MapsPhoto: Derwent Pencil Museum
About Derwent Pencil Museum
Discover the fascinating story behind pencil production at this Keswick museum, home to a record-breaking giant coloured pencil and hands-on creative workshops for all ages.
What's nearby
- Pencil Factory next door
- Keswick Ministries next door
- Keswick Extreme next door
- Greta Motor Body Works Ltd 150m away
- Booths, Keswick 200m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Facilities
Opening hours
- Monday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
I'm a pencil collector and always keep one in my hat. I love vintage pencils and the graphics used to market them, so this place was right up my alley. I took my date here, who isn't quite the pencil fanatic I am, and she had a great time as well. They give you a clipboard and pencil to do a kind of information scavenger hunt based on the info you learn about during the museum walk. It's a great idea and makes the museum more interactive. She was really into it because she's the kind of girl who wants to complete every task she’s given to 100%. They have a lot of nice examples of old pencil packaging in great condition. The van outside as you leave has some great hand lettering on it. Recommended for a fun visit if you're into stationery or arts supplies.
· via Google
An excellent museum. It shouldn't be missed. Adults and children will all find something interesting here. Gift shop and café. Gluten free snacks available. Disabled access to the museum was excellent. N.B. Toilet is outside the museum in the car park area.
· via Google
A great museum where you won't be disappointed. Its exhibits are very varied and informative. I guarantee you'll learn loads here. The quiz they give you really ensures you're engaged with the exhibits, and there's even a prize at the end. By the time the both of us got a prize and kept our 'ticket'pencils, we must've been near the cost of an entrance ticket. The only disappointment is the fact that the shop is actually more expensive than elsewhere. I would have thought this was a place to get some products not available anywhere else or that products were factory price. I ended up not buying anything when I was looking forward to it. Otherwise, a brilliant little museum and you'll easily spend 2 hours here.
· via Google
This one one of those attractions we found just by browsing places to go to near to where we were. We do like visiting places that are a bit unusual but we were not sure what to expect here. I am glad we went, your ticket is a pencil which you get to keep as a souvenir (one for each member of your party). I am not going to go into much of what we experienced as not going to spoil it for anyone but we had a great time. I had no idea where pencils originated from or how oddly fascinating their history is. One you have made your way around the museum it leads you tot he gift shop which also has a tearoom for soup, sandwiches and cakes as well as hot or cold drinks to wash them down with. If you are looking for something a little different or just a place to visit while in the area, then I highly recommend a wee trip here. We really enjoyed it and the food was good too.
· via Google
Visitors say this museum offers fascinating insights into the history of pencils, including their manufacturing process and wartime uses, with engaging exhibits and a fun quiz. They also highlight the reasonable admission price, friendly staff, and the well-stocked gift shop and cafe.
Some reviews mention it can be crowded.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Southey Works, Keswick, Cumbria, UK, CA12 5NG Get directions
- Category
- Museums & Galleries
- Guest rating
- 4.4 / 5 (3,170 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Suggested visit
- 2-3 hours
- Setting
- Indoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Keswick