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The Pencil Museum
About
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; the Guinness World Record for the largest colour pencil 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 wifi.
Derwent Retail Shop
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our world famous products with something to suit all ages and interests. Renowned across the globe for generations of the highest quality pencils, the Derwent brand still leads the way for school children and professional artists alike.
The amazing choice of pencils is not all you will discover, with a varied selection of books and specialist pencil art items you will have an absorbing retail experience.
Our knowledgeable staff have won critical acclaim for being "delightfully charming and funny" and will help you find just the right gift for someone special, or pencil products that will inspire and entertain you.
Seasonal sales throughout the year.
The Cumberland Pencil Company - The home of pencil perfection since 1832.
Museum Coffee Shop
It is open daily from 09.30am offering drinks, homemade cakes and snacks. Café closes at 4.30pm.
Book Tickets
Opening Times
| Winter (1 Nov 2022 - 31 Mar 2023) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Tuesday | Closed | |
| Wednesday - Sunday | 09:30 | - 17:00 |
| Summer (1 Apr 2023 - 31 Oct 2023) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Sunday | 09:30 | - 17:00 |
* Last admissions to the Museum is 4pm.
Closed 25th and 26th December, 1st January
Guide Prices
Entrance prices:
Adult £5.75
Child £4.35
Concession/Student £4.95
2 adults 1 child £14.35
2 adults 2 children £16.65
2 adults 3 children £18.95
Yearly Membership £25.00
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Catering
- Picnic site
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
Groups
- Education/study area
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
Parking
- Parking with charge
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Gift shop
- Smoking not allowed
Site Features
- Regional Tourist Board Member
- Welcome Host
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Tripadvisor
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Map & Directions
Road Directions
From M6 Junction 40 - Follow signs for A66 Keswick. Ignore first sign for Keswick after approximately 16 miles. Continue on the A66 to the next roundabout take first exit. Continue to T junction turn left towards Keswick Town Centre. You will now see the factory on your left. Take first left and follow the signs to the museum.
Public Transport Directions
By train - Our nearest train station is Penrith, approximately 17 miles away. It is on the West Coast Main Line and is regularly served by trains from the north and south. A bus service taking approximately 40 minutes connects Penrith Station with Keswick Bus Station. Keswick Taxis will meet trains by prior arrangement. By bus - The main bus station is located approximately 5 minutes walk away. There are regular bus services to and from Keswick from the surrounding area.
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