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You are here: Home > Things to Do > The Pencil Museum

The Pencil Museum

Exhibits at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
  • Exhibits at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
  • Exhibits at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
  • Exhibits at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
  • Exhibits at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
  • Pencils and Art Supplies at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
  • Pencils and Art Supplies at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
  • Pencils and Art Supplies at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
  • Pencils and Art Supplies at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
  • The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District
  • Exterior at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake District

Type:Museum

Southey Works, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5NG

Add The Pencil Museum to your Itinerary

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Call direct on:

Tel017687 73626

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

Summer Opening 2025 (25 Mar 2025 - 27 Oct 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday09:30 - 17:00
Winter Opening 2023/24 (30 Oct 2025 - 24 Mar 2026)
DayTimes
Monday - TuesdayClosed
Wednesday - Sunday09:30 - 17:00

* Last admissions to the Museum is 4pm.

Closed 24th, 25th, 26th December and 1st January.

Guide Prices

Adult £6.40
Child £4.95
Concession / Student £5.55
2 Adults & 1 child £15.95
2 Adults & 2 children £20.50
2 Adults & 3 children £24.95

Yearly Membership including 10 % off Derwent Products and coffee shop purchases £30.00

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Accessible Toilet
  • Changing Places
  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets
  • Level Access

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

  • Accessible 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

Access Information

Attractions Self Assessment

Accessibility NotesThe Car park at the museum site no longer belongs to the Museum. Pay and display owned by Keswick Ministries

Entrance

Entrance is well lit

Public Areas

Baby changing facilities
Contrast markings on clear surfaces such as glass doors
Good contrast between the floor and walls
Hearing loop installed in public areas
Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
From the entrance to reception / ticket area
To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
To the gift shop

Food

Good contrast between the floor and walls
High chairs for children
Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift to cafeteria
Restaurant / cafe provide meals for visitors with special dietary requirements:
Gluten free (coeliacs)
Nut free
Vegetarian
Seating suitable for wheelchair users, ie moveable and good height for person sitting in a wheelchair

Parking

Designated parking for guests with disabilities
Within 50 metres approx. of entrance
Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
The route from the parking area to the entrance:
Is flat (i.e. without steps)
The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
is solid

General

Audible alarm system
Clear signage
Displays at suitable height for wheelchair users / children
Hearing loop system
Routes/pathways suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility
Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
Visual alarm system

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

Tripadvisor

Awards

  • Cumbria AwardsMember of Cumbria Tourism Member of Cumbria Tourism 2016

Related

Exhibits at The Pencil Museum in Keswick, Lake DistrictDerwent Retail Shop at The Pencil Museum, KeswickThe fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…

Map & Directions

Map Link

Click here to view map

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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