The Helena Thompson is both a museum and a community venue serving the town of Workington and the surrounding area.
This elegant Georgian house is a Grade II listed building was bequeathed to the town by the late Helena Thompson. Originally the building was in the care of the local authority but it is now managed by Workington Heritage Group.
The museum, which is accredited by the Arts Council, reflects the area’s history, industry, culture and social life through displays, interactive audio and visual information units and digital information. More than just a museum, the Helena Thompson is now home to groups with a wide variety of interests and activities and is a popular venue for wedding ceremonies, children’s days, exhibitions, parties, concerts and other events.
A new much larger toilet block has been added to the building as well as a disability-friendly new front car park and ramp access. The reception and servery area is much more wheelchair friendly. Many new artifacts have been added to the front entrance highlighting some of the area’s industrial past.
An interactive virtual tour of the museum is available to view on a tablet for anyone unable to use the stairs to the first floor.
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We are very proud to announce that in 2016 the Helena Thompson volunteers were awarded the ‘Queens Award for Volunteers’ and were included in the Queens Birthday Honours list.
This award is the equivalent of an MBE for volunteers. Presentation of the Award by the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria was made to Pat Martin, one of our long-serving volunteers, and Sue Hayman, former local Member of Parliament.



Limited availability for most sessions now! Call into the museum for tickets ... See MoreSee Less
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Museum closed Thursday 30th and Friday 31st to visitors. 2 full days of Halloween 🎃 events to those who have purchased tickets ... See MoreSee Less
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Sunday 30th November
Christmas fayre
NOT TO BE MISSED
10am until 4pm
Fantastic stalls! ... See MoreSee Less
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Wednesday 22nd October. Please note the museum will be closed to visitors as every room is booked out. Our cafe will still be open but with limited tables, and we will also be open for event ticket collection ... See MoreSee Less
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Wednesday 29th October
Halloween disco, 6pm until 7.30pm with the wonderful imagination parties. Tickets on sale from the museum. ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Helena Thompson Museum's post ... See MoreSee Less
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Tickets on sale from the museum ... See MoreSee Less
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Always sells out !Friday 19th December
Polar express 😌 ... See MoreSee Less
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