Derwent UK - Derwent Pencil Museum

Update 15th Oct: Temporary museum closure due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Due to the current situation with Covid-19, regretfully, we have had to take the decision to close the Derwent Pencil Museum until further notice.

We look forward to welcoming visitors back, please subscribe to our Newsletter and follow us on social media for updates about re-opening.

Derwent Pencil Museum

Home of the world's first pencil!

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; one of the largest colour pencils in the world 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 Wi-Fi. A great day-out for the family and we look forward to welcoming you.