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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:

What Our Visitors Say...

Recent News

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Wow! What a fantastic selection of stalls we have today at the Helena Thompson Museum Spring Fair.
OPEN 10-4
... See MoreSee Less

Wow! What a fantastic selection of stalls we have today at the Helena Thompson Museum Spring Fair. 
OPEN 10-4Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

This Sunday 10am until 4pm.
Over 20 stalls, not to be missed!!!
Stall holders, please share the poster so as many people as possible know about the fair!!!
... See MoreSee Less

This Sunday 10am until 4pm.
Over 20 stalls, not to be missed!!!
Stall holders, please share the  poster so as many people as possible know about the fair!!!

3 CommentsComment on Facebook

Spirit & Flame Holistics will be there. Launching 11 new scented aromatherapy candles and wax melts. Shared!

I'll be taking my knitwear, including my new designs and a selection of reduced knits too.

Annie Moon Makes will be there! Shared!

Lovely day with Victoria Junior school looking at how buildings have changed over the years ... See MoreSee Less

Lovely day with Victoria Junior school looking at how buildings have changed over the yearsImage attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

We had a fantastic day with the children from Victoria Junior school.

Another excellent day for a visiting school 👍

Great day with St Mary's Catholic Primary school ... See MoreSee Less

Great day with St Marys Catholic Primary schoolImage attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

3 CommentsComment on Facebook

We had an amazing day with lovely children. 😊

That looks amazing they have had a lovely time ☺️

Katie Nichola

SPRING FAIR
SUNDAY 23RD MARCH
10AM UNTIL 4PM
OVER 20 STALLS, NOT TO BE MISSED!!!
... See MoreSee Less

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Lauraine Moore

Great night, so much fun. can't wait to arrange the next one! ... See MoreSee Less

Great night, so much fun. cant wait to arrange the next one!Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

It was great, I really enjoyed it & a bonus of a curry too! Thank you ❤️

It was fabulous - thanks organising!

Jayme Lea

What was it? Could we have a description pretty please?

Sunday 11th May. ... See MoreSee Less

Sunday 11th May.

Vacancies for 2 more children ... See MoreSee Less

Vacancies for 2 more children

Sunday 23rd March.
Not to be missed
Free on-site parking
Free entry
... See MoreSee Less

Sunday 23rd March. 
Not to be missed 
Free on-site parking 
Free entry
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