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.



Museum closed from Wednesday 25th March, school visit 26th March.
We will then reopen on Tuesday 7th April after the Easter Break ... See MoreSee Less
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Wednesday 25th March
Cafe open today 10-1
Closing early today due to a private booking ... See MoreSee Less
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It's definitely a toasted sandwich day today in the cafe! ... See MoreSee Less
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Today Thursday 19th March we are closed to hold the London college of music exams, if you are wanting to collect tickets for any of our events we will be open tomorrow 10-3 ... See MoreSee Less
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Week commencing 16th March opening hours
Museum open Monday Tuesday Wednesday and Friday 10-3.00
Cafe open Monday Tuesday Wednesday 10-2
We are closed on Thursday for London college of music exams ... See MoreSee Less
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March snippets! ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you to the staff at Workington Town council for yet another fantastic event in the park. Thank you for inviting the Helena Thompson Museum along with artifacts from through the years.
We had a wonderful day talking to many people who came and asked about the Museum. Great day had by all ... See MoreSee Less
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Friday 10th April ... See MoreSee Less
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How lucky are we???
Beautiful museum/venue for any occasion.
Lovely private gardens front and back. How very lucky we are. The hidden gem 💎 of Workington ... See MoreSee Less
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