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.



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
Week commencing 12th January opening hours
Museum open Monday Tuesday Wednesday and Friday 10-3.30
Cafe open Monday Tuesday Wednesday 10-2 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
January snippets. Enjoy ! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
6th January and 13th January at the Helena Thompson Museum ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Helena's snippets ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Hope you have all had a lovely Christmas, wishing you all a great 2026, from Patricia and all at the Helena Thompson Museum. Thank you to everyone who has supported us again this year it is very much appreciated.
Museum will reopen on Monday 12th January
Museum 10-3.30
Cafe 10-2
Brand new menu available, for those already asking, yes we will still be serving your favourites!
Happy New Year 🎉 ... See MoreSee Less
28 CommentsComment on Facebook
Polar express has now sold out again ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Due to cancellations, we now have some tickets come available ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook