Museum

Reflecting our area’s history, industry and culture through displays, interactive audio and visual information units and digital information

Community Venue

Need to book a meeting room or looking to hire a venue for a wedding or special event? Please take a look at what we have to offer

The Stables Cafe

Come and enjoy a coffee, snack or lunch at The Stables Café . Now open – Monday to Wednesday  – 10.00am to 2.00pm

Heritage Group

Take a look. Are you interested in knowing a bit more about Workington Heritage Group and the work we do to preserve local heritage?

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 under licence from Allerdale Borough Council.

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 Stephen Jones, another valued volunteer together with Sue Hayman, former local Member of Parliament.

A MUSEUM AND SO MUCH MORE...

Find out about the range of services the Helena Thompson provides. It is a museum but it is also a popular venue for a whole range of activities and events, from weddings to children’s days, from exhibitions to concerts. Learn more about what’s on offer here:

LEARN MORE

What Our Visitors Say...

Absolutely fantastic party last night for my mum’s 60th. Tricia and all the staff were fantastic. The room looked amazing, the buffet was great and excellent bar prices! Thank you so much. We went for a little look around today as my niece had a school project on Victorian Workington. We were surprised to find it was free and all Helena Thompson ask for is donations! The volunteers were beyond helpful and it’s amazing to find such a gem on our doorstep.

Emma Chapman

Thank you so much for all your hard work that went into the christening party for our daughter, it really could not have gone any better!

Veronica, Craig, Cecilia and Arabella

Absolute pleasure to set up wedding cake. What a beautiful venue and a hidden gem. The grounds are stunning ideal for the champagne reception – attention to detail outstanding!

Beckys Bakes

I honestly couldn’t say enough positive things about the service we received for our daughters’ Christening earlier this year. The room was beautifully decorated, the tables nicely laid out and the service was amazing, we wanted for nothing all day!! We would highly recommend Helena Thompson for an event venue (and as a museum as my family from away enjoyed looking around, as did the children) – top notch!!

Lucy Connolly Ross

Huge thank you to all the staff for the lovely service yesterday. The room was amazing as was the afternoon tea. All the staff were really welcoming. Will definitely be recommending to my friends.

Emma Scott

We had a wonderful time at today’s Easter event, friendly people and great activities that kept the kids entertained, this was the second event I have been to and my daughter loved both of them and can’t wait to visit again soon, thanks for a great afternoon!

Christopher Casson

A beautiful day today at Helena Thompson Museum for my lovely friend’s baby shower. Top class service. Would recommend afternoon tea as ours was fab. Staff are very welcoming and friendly.

Annette Minshaw

Huge thank you to all the staff at Helena Thompson for lovely service yesterday. The room was amazing as was the afternoon tea. All the staff were really welcoming. Will definitely be recommending to my friends.

Emma Scott

Recent News

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Helena Thompson Museum
5 days ago
Helena Thompson Museum

Museum closure dates.
Please note that the museum will close today Friday 12th August at 4pm and not reopen until Tuesday 30th August at 10am. The Stables Cafe will not reopen until Monday 5th September at 10am. This is due to staff/volunteers holidays and maintenanc. ... See MoreSee Less

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Helena Thompson Museum
1 week ago
Helena Thompson Museum

Café open Mon, Tues and wed 10am until 2pm
Today's specials, steak pie mash peas and gravy. Veg and mince beef pie and lasagne, and all the usual menu as well. See you later 😀 ... See MoreSee Less

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Helena Thompson Museum is feeling fantastic.
2 weeks ago
Helena Thompson Museum

Well where do I start !! We have had an extremely busy few weeks, that hectic I have not had chance to post on our page so apologies for that ! The museum has seen many visitors from far and wide. It's been great to see so many children visit who are really interested in local history!! The cafe has been busy and it's been great to get outside in the garden for meals. We have had parties, meetings, private bookings, weddings and christenings I will post a selection of photos. This week cafe open Mon tues and wed 10am until 2pm. Museum open Mon Tues wed and Thurs 10 until 4pm. We are closed Friday to set for a wedding on Saturday ... See MoreSee Less

Well where do I start !! We have had an extremely busy few weeks, that hectic I have not had chance to post on our page so apologies for that ! The museum has seen many visitors from far and wide. Its been great to see so many children visit who are really interested in local history!! The cafe has been busy and its been great to get outside in the garden for meals. We have had parties, meetings, private bookings, weddings and christenings I will post a selection of photos. This week cafe open Mon tues and wed 10am until 2pm. Museum open Mon Tues wed and Thurs 10 until 4pm. We are closed Friday to set for a wedding on SaturdayImage attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment
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Great achievements

I was just thinking of a 1950s wedding reception. There would always be a HP Sauce bottle on each table. 😂

Looks amazing! xx🥰

Lovely as always 💖

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