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.



Stables cafe at the Helena Thompson Museum. Open 10am until 2pm Monday Tuesday and Wednesday. Always check with us though as if we have a private function on the cafe may be closed ... See MoreSee Less
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26th 27th September ... See MoreSee Less
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Christmas tea ... See MoreSee Less
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Christmas meal ... See MoreSee Less
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Always sells out very quickly! ... See MoreSee Less
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Over 20 stalls. Not to be missed! ... See MoreSee Less
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Week commencing Monday 14th September
We are making some changes to our cafe menu, great selection of hot and cold food from breakfast to lunches, cakes and drinks.
We are also adding sweet and savoury afternoon tea to our menu (by popular demand)this must be booked 48 hrs before. Takeaway also available 😋 ... See MoreSee Less
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We are now fully booked. Over 20 wonderful stalls ... See MoreSee Less
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Harrington Marina funday
Special thanks to Angela & Paul and everyone who has worked hard to put on Harrington Marina day, we have had a fantastic day, extremely busy talking to people about the museum, answering questions about the heritage of the town. Thank you to everyone who came over to see us. ... See MoreSee Less
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