This summer, while you’re not busy colouring, why not organise a visit to The Derwent Pencil Museum? Located in the home of the first pencil – Keswick, Cumbria – the museum is a celebration of all things pencil. Do you think you know everything there is to know about pencils? Think again!
The Derwent Pencil Museum is sure to make a fun and fascinating day trip for any colouring pencil enthusiasts.
Take a mysterious and intriguing journey into the past, and follow the story of the humble pencil, from its origin as a cottage industry all the way to modern day production.
Marvel at the world’s largest colouring pencil (measuring almost 8 metres!), discover the magic of the “spy stationery” that played a role in helping prisoners-of-war in World War 2, and admire the detail of miniature pencil sculptures!
As if that’s not enough to get you booking your tickets, you can also visit the Derwent Fine Art Pencils retail shop, offering a wide range of some of the best colouring pencils on the market. You can even chat to Derwent’s knowledgeable staff – known for being friendly, welcoming and informative – to help you find the right pencil for you.
There is also a lovely coffee shop with drinks, homemade cakes and snacks.
The Derwent Pencil Museum is based in Keswick, in Cumbria. The museum is open 9.30am to 5pm every day (with last admissions at 4pm, and the cafe closing at 4.30pm).
As well as individual tickets available to buy for adults, children or senior / students, there are also some family tickets available and a yearly membership option.. Tickets can only be purchased on site.
Yes! The museum is dog friendly (with dogs on lead), and they can also sit in the outside area of the cafe.
Derwent have been manufacturing pencils in the Lake District in the UK since 1832. As a result, they have become known across the world for creating beautiful, high quality pencils and art tools, aiming to “meet the requirements of every artist” and “keep pushing our boundaries so that artists can keep pushing theirs”.
The Derwent Pencil Museum was opened in 1981 to celebrate this rich heritage, and now receives over 80,000 visitors from across the world. It is especially fondly thought of in the county of Yorkshire, as pencil production was so important for the local economy.
We’ll definitely be planning a trip to The Derwent Pencil Museum this summer – and of course, we’ll be popping into the shop as well!
If you love colouring pencils as much as we do, don’t miss our roundup on the best colouring pencils you can buy, and if you’re a fan of Derwent, take a look at their new pencil range in collaboration with the National Trust.
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