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.
Subscribe to our Newsletter

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.



Sunday 8th March, tickets on sale now from the museum ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Week commencing 9th February
Museum open 10-3.30 Monday Tuesday Wednesday and Friday
Cafe open 10-2 Monday Tuesday Wednesday ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Helena's snippets (February)
Helena and workington infirmary ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Museum closed to general public Friday 6th February and reopen Monday 9th February due to private bookings ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Coming events. Tickets on sale from the Museum ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Wednesday 28th January due to unforeseen circumstances there will be no food served in the cafe today. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Week commencing 26th January opening hours
Museum open Monday Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday 10-3.30
Cafe open Monday Tuesday Wednesday 10-2 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Week commencing 19th January opening hours
Museum open Monday Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday 10-3.30
Cafe open 10-2 Monday Tuesday Wednesday ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Tuesday 27th January 10am until 3pm ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook