Keswick is of historic importance today as the site of the first pencils ever made, after graphite was discovered in the Seathwaite Valley. The Cumberland Pencil Company began in 1832, and still manufactures the Derwent Fine Art pencils used by artists worldwide. The Cumberland Pencil Museum presents exhibits relating to the history of pencils, drawing over 100,000 visitors yearly. Open all year; groups welcome. Tel: +44 (0)1768 773 626
