Keswick in the English Lake District - Pencil in a visit!!

****Historic times****

Let me take you back for a moment to Saturday 2nd July 2005, a time of truly historic and significant global happenings at we reached the defining point of the Make Poverty History campaign. On that day, the inspirational Live 8 concerts bringing together people all across the world united in a common message of hope that real progress could finally be made in addressing the chronic injustice of third world debt....

Meanwhile, my good lady wife and I were visiting the Cumberland Pencil Museum in Keswick.

****Pencilled in for weeks****

In our humble defence, we'd booked our trip to the Lake District some months in advance, and the vibrantly picturesque town of Keswick has long been a regular fixture of our annual Lake District short breaks.

In my wife's defence, after I had happened upon the existence of such a wonderfully specific museum whilst listening to BBC Radio 5's breakfast show, I had insisted that next time we were in the Lakes we just had to check it out. And as she was heavily pregnant at the time the prospect of a nice quiet potter around followed by a bit of Lakeside fresh air was appealing enough!

Keswick is situated in the heart of the Northern Lakes, and it's very easy to find. Travelling locally from Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere follow the A591, or from further afield, leave the M6 at Junction 40 and follow the A66 to the centre.

Whenever we visit, we always follow the signs through the town centre to the car parking nearest to DerwentWater, where there's a delightful Parkland area called Hope Park, offering beautiful views across the Lake, regular boat trips, and its very own Theatre on the Lake.

A short stroll into town later we were at the place loving christened by its owners as the "home of pencil perfection since 1832"

So we paid the refreshingly modest entrance fee (current prices are £3 and adult , £1.50 a child) and made our way in. Firstly you walk through a replica of the original mine where graphite was first discovered right here in Keswick some 350 years ago. Word of warning, if you are over 6ft, be prepared to crouch a little, word of warning if you are pregnant - don't let your husband come up with crackpot suggestions for days out...

****I'm dreaming of a lead Christmas****

But for me once inside it just got better and better. There's actually loads of displays covering the history of pencil making and the manufacturing process (its still a working factory on the same site), and opportunities for kids to take part in quizzes and do some drawing with the Fine Art Pencils now being produced.

For my lady wife, the chance to have a sit down in the Video Theatre was too good to miss. Even better, they were showing the ever enchanting Snowman by Raymond Briggs, because yes you guessed it, all of it was drawn using Lakeland pencils - wowsa!

So soothing was the experience, as we cuddled up and watched, she actually fell fast asleep- aww bless!!

Finally, the grand finale, the piece de resistance, the pinnacle of pencil perfection...they've only got the world's largest pencil on display - Guinness Book of Record verified and all - can it get better than that?

****Scribble it in your diary****

So naturally I realise that by now you are just bursting to get over there and see the wonders for yourself, well rest assured that it is open 7 days a week from 9.30am to 4pm , 362 days a year, a true all weathers attraction.
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Opening Times:- 9.30am - 4pm Last admission 7 days a week
Closed 25th and 26th December and 1st January
Special rates for groups and coach parties
The Museum has a FREE car park, and is an all weather activity
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****You want more excitement?****

Well I must admit, it's hard for me to imagine anyone wanting to squeeze any more factual based delights into a day after experiencing the ultimate in high octane excitement, but if you still have lead in your pencil, you could do a lot worse than check out the "Cars of the Stars" museum, conveniently located just up the road.

First opened in May 1989 and officially opened by the mighty Gerry Anderson of Thunderbirds fame in 1990, the museum boasts a stellar collection of famous cars that have all featured in films and television programs. Not only can you see the likes of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bond's original Aston Martin, KITT from Knight Rider and Del Boy's mighty 3 wheeler, there's rides for the kiddies, and all sorts of memorabilia on sale in the shops.

Whilst it's easy to walk round with good disabled access, perhaps understandably the cars are well protected, so make sure you keep an eye on your kids in case they are tempted to hop on board!

Current advertised admission prices are £5.00 for adult, £3.00 for kids 3-15, opening times are seasonal - half terms in February, then from Easter to December, weekends only in December.

****Time to relax****

That's more than enough adrenaline for one day I'm sure you'll agree, and what better place to unwind than back at the Lake, and particularly at one well renowned beauty spot - Friars Crag.

To get there, you simply walk down from the Theatre Car Park, straight along quite a decent path suitable for wheelchairs, past the nice Mr Men and Ladies from the National Trust, follow it all along the shoreline, and after a quarter a mile or so, you are rewarded with a corner of the Lake that is I promise you is truly breathtaking.

Apparently Friars Crag is so named because it was understood to be the original embarkment point for monks making a pilgrimage to St Herbert's Island just over the water. Naturally the bonus ball is (when its free of course) there's a lovely big bench to sit and enjoy the rest. Depending on how high the Lake is, there are also a few rocks along the shore line which provide a perfect spot to sit and contemplate the sheer wonder of nature all around you.

****All aboard for Cream Tea perfection****

Now for the more energetic among you, you'll be pleased to know you can actually walk all around the Lake, through more gorgeous parkland. However, on this day of days, despite her delicate condition, there was no way my good lady was going to miss out on her favourite Lakeland treat.

Fortunately, the Lake was in a millpond kind of state, and close at hand there's a regular boat service that runs across the Lake to a place called Nickel End. There you will find an inconspicuous looking little hut, which just happens to sell some of the largest and tastiest scones you'll ever meet. These things are the size of Saucers I kid you not and I most heartily recommend the cherry variety.

The perfect end to a glorious Lakeland summers day.

****My final thoughts****

So, next time you are planning a visit to the Lake District, I strongly suggest you put a day trip to the splendid town of Keswick high on your list. The combination of unique attractions and spellbinding scenery makes it a very special kind of place, to enjoy even on the most momentous of globally significant occasions!!