Helena Thompson Museum

About the museum

Park End was built around 1740 as the home of the steward of the Curwen family, whose estates were centred on nearby Workington Hall. From 1806 it was the home of the solicitor and steward Benjamin Thompson and his descendants. His granddaughter Helena Thompson, born in 1855, grew up in the house, became a magistrate and local benefactor, and collected historic costume.

Helena bought the property in 1934 with the aim that it should become a museum for Workington. After her death in 1940 it passed to the local authority for that purpose. Today the building is managed by a local charity, Workington Heritage Group, and is accredited by Arts Council England.

The displays cover the history, industry and social life of the Workington area, including the Curwen family and Workington Hall, the Victorian household, Harrington’s shipbuilding, and local sport. The museum also serves as a community venue for meetings, events, weddings and children’s activities.

Highlights

• The Luck of Workington, an agate cup linked to Mary, Queen of Scots
• Models, a door and a window from Workington Hall
• Victorian Parlour set out for tea
• Rugby League and local sport memorabilia
• Award-winning gardens and the Stables Cafe

Permanent exhibitions

• Curwen Room – The Luck of Workington, a window and a door from Workington Hall, two models of the hall and a digital display on the Curwen family and local industry.
• Victorian Parlour – A typical Victorian parlour laid out ready for tea.
• Harrington Room – Memorabilia from Harrington and a visual display of the ships built there.

Founded

1940

Operated by

Workington Heritage Group Ltd

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free; donations are welcome.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A larger toilet block, a disability-friendly front car park and a ramp have been added, and the reception and servery area is wheelchair friendly. The first floor is reached by stairs; visitors who cannot use them can see an interactive virtual tour of the museum on a tablet, and an interactive display unit is available on the ground floor.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children’s activity days and free film shows are held during school holidays, and the venue can host birthday parties. School programmes include a Victorian Christmas, Victorian toys and games, and a Museum Curator for a Day.

Getting there & parking

The house stands next to Workington Hall.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Wi-Fi

The Stables Cafe serves hot and cold food cooked in-house, open Monday to Wednesday 10am to 2pm (hours can vary with events; telephone before a special journey). Free wi-fi throughout the building.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The Exhibition Hall, Costume Gallery and Education Zone can be hired for meetings, conferences, parties and celebrations. The museum holds a licence for civil wedding ceremonies and a liquor licence, and caters for funeral teas.

Plan your visit