Fodor's Expert Review Derwent Pencil Museum

Keswick Family

Legend has it that shepherds found graphite on Seathwaite Fell after a storm uprooted trees in the 16th century. The Derwent company still makes pencils here, and the museum contains the world's longest colored pencil (it takes 28 men to lift it), a pencil produced for World War II spies that contains a rolled-up map, and displays about graphite mining. There's a café and plenty of opportunities for kids to draw, so it's a good, family-friendly option on a rainy day.

Family Specialty Museum

Quick Facts

Carding Mill La.
Keswick, Cumbria  CA12 5NG, England

01768-773626

www.pencilmuseum.co.uk

Sight Details:
Rate Includes: £4.99, Closed Nov.–Mar.

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