Home - The Helena Thompson Museum
Source: https://www.helenathompson.org.uk
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:41
Home - The Helena Thompson Museum
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The Helena
Thompson
Museum
MUSEUM / CONFERENCES / COMMUNITY VENUE
CONTACT US TODAY
Community
Venue
FUNCTIONS & EVENTS SPACE TAILORED TO YOU!
FIND OUT MORE
The Way We Used To Live
BOOK YOUR VISIT
FIND OUT MORE
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.
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.
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...
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
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
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
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
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
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
This is the perfect venue for a variety of occasions. We have just spent a fabulous afternoon celebrating my mum and dad’s Diamond Wedding.
Everything was absolutely perfect – attention to detail went far beyond my expectations. All the ladies were so helpful and friendly nothing was too much trouble. The food was delicious -loved the rum butter! Everyone had a lovely time.
Elaine Thwaites
Recent News
21
Jul 21
We are open again for visitors from 19 July 2021 and looking forward to welcoming you to the updated Helena Thompson Museum. Call in at the new Stables Cafe for…
Read more
17
May 20
Wonderful news - we are a finalist in The County Bride Awards. Thank you to all who voted for us and thanks to Tricia and our hard-working team of volunteers,…
Read more
Helena Thompson Museum
1 day ago
April snippets!
...
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0
Comments:
0
Shares:
9
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0 Comments
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Helena Thompson Museum
3 days ago
Week commencing 20th April
Museum open Monday Tuesday Friday 10-3
Wednesday 10-1
Cafe open Monday Tuesday 10-2
Wednesday 10-1
...
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love
4
Comments:
1
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2
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1 Comments
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Helena Thompson Museum
6 days ago
It was a privilege to host Today's funeral tea for a lovely family who have lost their lovely husband, dad, grandad and greatgrandad 💔and a friend to many. RIP Pat
...
See More
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+
View Comments
likes
love
24
Comments:
2
Shares:
3
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2 Comments
Comment on Facebook
Helena Thompson Museum
1 week ago
Friday 17th April we will be closed for a funeral tea.
Museum and cafe reopen on Monday at 10am
...
See More
See Less
View Comments
likes
0
Comments:
0
Shares:
4
Share
Share on Facebook
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0 Comments
Comment on Facebook
Helena Thompson Museum
1 week ago
Week commencing 13th April
Museum open 10-3.00 Monday Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday
Cafe open 10-2 Monday Tuesday and Wednesday
...
See More
See Less
View Comments
likes
4
Comments:
0
Shares:
3
Share
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linked In
Share by Email
0 Comments
Comment on Facebook
Helena Thompson Museum
2 weeks ago
Sunday 10th May
Sethera brass band playing songs from the musicals.
Tickets on sale from the museum, don't miss out on a wonderful afternoon!
...
See More
See Less
View Comments
likes
9
Comments:
0
Shares:
36
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Share on Facebook
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Share on Linked In
Share by Email
0 Comments
Comment on Facebook
Helena Thompson Museum
2 weeks ago
Wednesday 8th April
Please be aware that the museum will be extremely busy due to a large funeral tea and there may be a delay from 12.00 in the cafe while service is provided to the funeral party
...
See More
See Less
View Comments
likes
3
Comments:
0
Shares:
1
Share
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linked In
Share by Email
0 Comments
Comment on Facebook
Helena Thompson Museum
4 weeks ago
Museum closed from Wednesday 25th March, school visit 26th March.
We will then reopen on Tuesday 7th April after the Easter Break
...
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View Comments
likes
2
Comments:
0
Shares:
4
Share
Share on Facebook
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Share on Linked In
Share by Email
0 Comments
Comment on Facebook
Helena Thompson Museum
4 weeks ago
Wednesday 25th March
Cafe open today 10-1
Closing early today due to a private booking
...
See More
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View Comments
likes
0
Comments:
0
Shares:
0
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0 Comments
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Load more
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
We are asking that Tesco customers support us by placing blue tokens in the relevant bin at our local store, in doing so it helps us acquire resources for school workshops which we hold on a regular basis within the Helena Thompson Museum. The museum holds a Learning Outside the Classroom Award, which is a recognised quality education provider Award.
Please support your local museum each time you make a visit to Tesco and if you are not offered their blue tokens then ask for some.
On behalf of the museum thank you for your support.
LEARN MORE
©
2026 Helena Thompson Museum. Web design by
M.O.D
Search
Museum Notice
Museum closures
April & May 2026
30 April
1st May, 2nd, 3rd, 4th May
(Bank Holiday weekend)
7th & 8th May
14th, 21st & 25th May (bank holiday)
Please note we are not open Saturday & Sunday,
unless
by appointment, or if there is a special event in the museum
Skip to content
The Helena
Thompson
Museum
MUSEUM / CONFERENCES / COMMUNITY VENUE
CONTACT US TODAY
Community
Venue
FUNCTIONS & EVENTS SPACE TAILORED TO YOU!
FIND OUT MORE
The Way We Used To Live
BOOK YOUR VISIT
FIND OUT MORE
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.
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.
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...
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
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
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
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
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
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
This is the perfect venue for a variety of occasions. We have just spent a fabulous afternoon celebrating my mum and dad’s Diamond Wedding.
Everything was absolutely perfect – attention to detail went far beyond my expectations. All the ladies were so helpful and friendly nothing was too much trouble. The food was delicious -loved the rum butter! Everyone had a lovely time.
Elaine Thwaites
Recent News
21
Jul 21
We are open again for visitors from 19 July 2021 and looking forward to welcoming you to the updated Helena Thompson Museum. Call in at the new Stables Cafe for…
Read more
17
May 20
Wonderful news - we are a finalist in The County Bride Awards. Thank you to all who voted for us and thanks to Tricia and our hard-working team of volunteers,…
Read more
Helena Thompson Museum
1 day ago
April snippets!
...
See More
See Less
View Comments
likes
0
Comments:
0
Shares:
9
Share
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linked In
Share by Email
0 Comments
Comment on Facebook
Helena Thompson Museum
3 days ago
Week commencing 20th April
Museum open Monday Tuesday Friday 10-3
Wednesday 10-1
Cafe open Monday Tuesday 10-2
Wednesday 10-1
...
See More
See Less
View Comments
likes
love
4
Comments:
1
Shares:
2
Share
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linked In
Share by Email
1 Comments
Comment on Facebook
Helena Thompson Museum
6 days ago
It was a privilege to host Today's funeral tea for a lovely family who have lost their lovely husband, dad, grandad and greatgrandad 💔and a friend to many. RIP Pat
...
See More
See Less
+
View Comments
likes
love
24
Comments:
2
Shares:
3
Share
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linked In
Share by Email
2 Comments
Comment on Facebook
Helena Thompson Museum
1 week ago
Friday 17th April we will be closed for a funeral tea.
Museum and cafe reopen on Monday at 10am
...
See More
See Less
View Comments
likes
0
Comments:
0
Shares:
4
Share
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linked In
Share by Email
0 Comments
Comment on Facebook
Helena Thompson Museum
1 week ago
Week commencing 13th April
Museum open 10-3.00 Monday Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday
Cafe open 10-2 Monday Tuesday and Wednesday
...
See More
See Less
View Comments
likes
4
Comments:
0
Shares:
3
Share
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linked In
Share by Email
0 Comments
Comment on Facebook
Helena Thompson Museum
2 weeks ago
Sunday 10th May
Sethera brass band playing songs from the musicals.
Tickets on sale from the museum, don't miss out on a wonderful afternoon!
...
See More
See Less
View Comments
likes
9
Comments:
0
Shares:
36
Share
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linked In
Share by Email
0 Comments
Comment on Facebook
Helena Thompson Museum
2 weeks ago
Wednesday 8th April
Please be aware that the museum will be extremely busy due to a large funeral tea and there may be a delay from 12.00 in the cafe while service is provided to the funeral party
...
See More
See Less
View Comments
likes
3
Comments:
0
Shares:
1
Share
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linked In
Share by Email
0 Comments
Comment on Facebook
Helena Thompson Museum
4 weeks ago
Museum closed from Wednesday 25th March, school visit 26th March.
We will then reopen on Tuesday 7th April after the Easter Break
...
See More
See Less
View Comments
likes
2
Comments:
0
Shares:
4
Share
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linked In
Share by Email
0 Comments
Comment on Facebook
Helena Thompson Museum
4 weeks ago
Wednesday 25th March
Cafe open today 10-1
Closing early today due to a private booking
...
See More
See Less
View Comments
likes
0
Comments:
0
Shares:
0
Share
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linked In
Share by Email
0 Comments
Comment on Facebook
Load more
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
We are asking that Tesco customers support us by placing blue tokens in the relevant bin at our local store, in doing so it helps us acquire resources for school workshops which we hold on a regular basis within the Helena Thompson Museum. The museum holds a Learning Outside the Classroom Award, which is a recognised quality education provider Award.
Please support your local museum each time you make a visit to Tesco and if you are not offered their blue tokens then ask for some.
On behalf of the museum thank you for your support.
LEARN MORE
©
2026 Helena Thompson Museum. Web design by
M.O.D
Search
Museum Notice
Museum closures
April & May 2026
30 April
1st May, 2nd, 3rd, 4th May
(Bank Holiday weekend)
7th & 8th May
14th, 21st & 25th May (bank holiday)
Please note we are not open Saturday & Sunday,
unless
by appointment, or if there is a special event in the museum