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.



Not to be missed ! ... See MoreSee Less
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Please note that this week is the start of our schools victorian Christmas
workshops. When we have school visits, we close the museum to visitors.
We are open tomorrow (Tuesday) 10-3.30 and cafe open 10-2, then we are closed for the rest of the week. We reopen on Monday at 10 am ... See MoreSee Less
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Wednesday 19th Thursday 20th and Saturday 22nd November. 3 wonderful events ! ... See MoreSee Less
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Friday 7th November museum closed. Reopen Monday 10th.
Museum open 10-3.30
Cafe open 10-2 ... See MoreSee Less
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Week commencing Monday 3rd November, days when museum will be closed to visitors.
The months of November and December are very busy with our victorian Christmas workshops for our local schools.
Museum open Monday Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday 10-3.30pm
Cafe open Monday Tuesday Wednesday 10-2 ... See MoreSee Less
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Christmas afternoon tea now fully booked ... See MoreSee Less
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What a day!!!! ... See MoreSee Less
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REMINDER OF THE TIMES FOR TOMORROW
6PM 7PM 8PM ... See MoreSee Less
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Limited availability for most sessions now! Call into the museum for tickets ... See MoreSee Less
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