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The Atkinson

Type:Gallery

Lord Street, Southport, Lancashire, PR8 1DB

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1088 reviews1088 reviews

Tel: 01704 533 333

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The Atkinson

A busy arts centre providing fun, creativity and a varied day out.  It's free too.

May 2023 marked ten years since The Atkinson re-opened as a combined arts centre following a multi-million pound refurbishment.  What a ride it has been, and they are only just getting started.  The Atkinson presents an exciting variety of live music, comedy, theatre, art, history, and literature from this beautiful Grade II listed venue.  There really is something for everyone.

The traditional theatre and dynamic studio space present an outstanding programme of music, comedy and performing arts.  Families can enjoy seasonal pantomimes, magic shows, music and dance, as well as adaptations from best-selling authors.  Every seat in the auditorium has a great view of the stage and accessible seating is available.

Be inspired in the art gallery and discover an impressive variety of work including paintings, sculpture, digital art and more.  Five galleries feature work from The Atkinson’s own art collection, local artists and exhibitions delivered in partnership with other cultural organisations.

The stunning Egyptology museum takes visitors on a journey through ancient Egypt, showcasing Anne Goodison’s personal artefacts in an interactive display.  Mrs Goodison was one of a handful of wealthy Victorian ladies in the north west, who were fascinated by ancient Egypt, and The Atkinson are lucky to have her collection to show you.

The local history museum, Between Land and Sea, tells the story of Sefton from prehistoric times to the present day.  Bring objects to life by scanning QR codes with your phone, send a digital postcard from sunny Southport and take a selfie in a historic costume from the dressing up wall.

The Atkinson is home to Southport Library who offer a range of services to the local community and visitors alike.  Oh, and not to mention there is an award-winning café and a fabulous gift shop too.

The building itself is fully accessible, with lifts to access all areas.  There are toilets on all floors, baby changing facilities on the ground floor as well as full adult changing places facility on the first floor.

​​​​​​You are sure to enjoy discovering all The Atkinson has to offer.

Book Tickets

Opening Times

Galleries and museum (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Saturday10:00 - 16:00*
SundayClosed*
Bank HolidayClosed
Library (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Saturday10:00 - 17:00
SundayClosed
Bank HolidayClosed
Cafe (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Saturday10:00 - 16:00
SundayClosed
Bank HolidayClosed

* The library is open but unmanned from 2pm on Saturday

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Events

Saturday, 7th September 2024 - Saturday, 18th January 2025

Windrush: Our Story, Our CommunityThis project celebrates the contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants to our community, from healthcare to arts and culture.  
more info

Thursday, 17th October 2024 - Thursday, 17th October 2024

The Cavern Beatles
more info

Friday, 18th October 2024 - Friday, 18th October 2024

Ian Prowse & Amsterdam
more info

Wednesday, 23rd October 2024 - Wednesday, 23rd October 2024

Kevin Bloody Wilson INTERNATIONAL DILLIGAF DAY – 40 years of KEVIN BLOODY WILSON
more info

Thursday, 24th October 2024 - Thursday, 24th October 2024

The Nutcracker
more info

Saturday, 26th October 2024 - Saturday, 26th October 2024

Gigspanner Big BandThe Gigspanner Big Band are a unique force in British folk music.
more info

Tuesday, 29th October 2024 - Tuesday, 29th October 2024

King King
more info

Thursday, 31st October 2024 - Thursday, 31st October 2024

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly
more info

Friday, 1st November 2024 - Friday, 1st November 2024

Murder Mystery: The Crown Duels
more info

Saturday, 2nd November 2024 - Saturday, 2nd November 2024

The Sound of Springsteen​​​​​​​Get ready to experience the legacy of The Boss and rock the night away.
more info

Tuesday, 5th November 2024 - Wednesday, 6th November 2024

Dracula
more info

Wednesday, 6th November 2024 - Wednesday, 6th November 2024

Grateful Fred's: Americana & Roots Music
more info

Thursday, 14th November 2024 - Thursday, 14th November 2024

Ruby Wax: I'm Not As Well As I Thought I Was
more info

Friday, 15th November 2024 - Friday, 15th November 2024

Count Arthur Strong is Charles Dickens in 'A Christmas Carol'
more info

Thursday, 21st November 2024 - Thursday, 21st November 2024

The BandThe Band is a quirky, humorous display of desperate ambition and blind affection told through awe-inspiring dance, theatre and circus.
more info

Friday, 22nd November 2024 - Friday, 22nd November 2024

Oh! What A Night
more info

Saturday, 23rd November 2024 - Saturday, 23rd November 2024

A Christmas CarolThe most heart-warming production imaginable, to melt the hearts of even the sternest of Scrooges.
more info

Wednesday, 4th December 2024 - Wednesday, 4th December 2024

Grateful Fred's: Americana & Roots MusicGrateful Fred's have been pioneering Americana and Roots music in Formby, Southport and Liverpool since 2010 and during that time have presented some of the best US, Canadian and world artists.
more info

Friday, 6th December 2024 - Tuesday, 31st December 2024

Sleeping Beauty: Christmas PantomimeThis traditional family panto will captivate audiences of all ages.
more info

Thursday, 16th January 2025 - Sunday, 26th January 2025

Cinderella: A Modern Family Pantomime
more info

Wednesday, 29th January 2025 - Wednesday, 29th January 2025

Pretty Vacant
more info

Friday, 31st January 2025 - Friday, 31st January 2025

80s Mania​​​​​​​So it's time to dig out your 80s fashions and party.
more info

Friday, 7th February 2025 - Friday, 7th February 2025

Phil Walker: Happy BunnyHe's a husband, a dad, a man in the middle of life frantically striving to stay relevant in the rapidly changing world around him. 
more info

Friday, 7th February 2025 - Saturday, 8th February 2025

A Man and His CircumstanceTom Cain presents his new, one act, crude comedy A Man and His Circumstance, in his hometown of Southport.
more info

Wednesday, 12th February 2025 - Wednesday, 12th February 2025

Far From The Madding CrowdFar from the Madding Crowd demonstrates live, vibrant theatre at its very best.
more info

Tuesday, 18th February 2025 - Tuesday, 18th February 2025

Taylormania: Taylor Swift Eras Ultimate TributeAn award-winning extravaganza that pays tribute to one of the leading contemporary artists of our time. 
more info

Friday, 21st February 2025 - Friday, 21st February 2025

Dinosaur Adventure LiveAn awe-inspiring interactive stage show that captivates both young and young at heart, immersing audiences in the enthralling and realistic world of dinosaurs.
more info

Thursday, 27th February 2025 - Thursday, 27th February 2025

Johnny Cash Roadshow: Through the Years TourThe only show to be endorsed by the Cash family.  The Johnny Cash Roadshow is back and better than ever.
more info

Friday, 28th February 2025 - Friday, 28th February 2025

New date: Clinton Baptiste: Roller GhosterSolo again, Britain's most celebrated clairvoyant medium psychic from Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights returns with his brand new hilarious one-man stand up show.
more info

Friday, 28th February 2025 - Friday, 28th February 2025

Tiny Fragments of Beautiful Light: Relaxed ShowTiny Fragments of Beautiful Light is one woman's journey of self-discovery, a celebration of the joy that comes when we live as we truly are.
more info

Saturday, 1st March 2025 - Saturday, 1st March 2025

Adult Panto: The Wizard of Oz
more info

Friday, 7th March 2025 - Friday, 7th March 2025

Peter Andre In The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four SeasonsA spectacular high-pitched celebration of timeless music from one of the biggest selling groups of all time.
more info

Saturday, 8th March 2025 - Saturday, 8th March 2025

The Mersey BeatlesFans of The Beatles prepare to be wowed by the world's favourite Liverpool-born tribute to the Fab Four.
more info

Wednesday, 12th March 2025 - Saturday, 15th March 2025

Rita, Sue & Bob Too!The record breaking hilarious 1987 cult classic Rita, Sue & Bob Too!
more info

Friday, 21st March 2025 - Saturday, 22nd March 2025

The Very Hungry CaterpillarThe Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is a vibrant celebration of Eric Carle's adored classics and the perfect introduction to live theatre.
more info

Thursday, 27th March 2025 - Thursday, 27th March 2025

Tom Ball: SpotlightThe vocal sensation who's racked up 85 million views and has been working with Grammy-winning writers.
more info

Friday, 28th March 2025 - Friday, 28th March 2025

Northern Live: Do I Love YouKeeping the faith to the original sounds of the underground movement that started on the dance floors in the north and eventually swept the nation.
more info

Tuesday, 1st April 2025 - Tuesday, 1st April 2025

That Knave, RaleighThis is a journey through the astonishing highs and lows of one of Britain's most famous men from history.
more info

Wednesday, 2nd April 2025 - Wednesday, 2nd April 2025

Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers: In Time 30th Anniversary TourJoin the celebration of Mugenkyo's landmark 30th anniversary, with a very special show of big beats, visual treats and vital energy.
more info

Thursday, 3rd April 2025 - Thursday, 3rd April 2025

Dave Spikey – Life in a Northern Town
more info

Saturday, 5th April 2025 - Saturday, 5th April 2025

Chesney Hawkes
more info

Thursday, 10th April 2025 - Saturday, 12th April 2025

Everybody's Talking About JamieWitness Jamie's journey as he defies expectations and embraces his true identity. 
more info

Wednesday, 16th April 2025 - Wednesday, 16th April 2025

John Power: Cast, The La's, and Me
more info

Saturday, 19th April 2025 - Saturday, 19th April 2025

The Wizard of OzFly over the rainbow with this exciting adaptation of The Wizard of Oz.
more info

Thursday, 24th April 2025 - Thursday, 24th April 2025

Simply DylanNo ordinary interpretation, Simply Dylan is a remarkable and exceptional project which promises to delight Dylan fans young and old.
more info

Friday, 25th April 2025 - Friday, 25th April 2025

Justin Moorhouse: The Greatest Performance Of My LifeA poignant exploration of comedy, intertwined with the essence of life's ups and downs.
more info

Wednesday, 30th April 2025 - Thursday, 1st May 2025

The BaddiesMeet the very worst Baddies in the world.
more info

Thursday, 8th May 2025 - Thursday, 8th May 2025

George Lewis: The Best Thing You'll Ever DoDescribed as 'the funniest dad on Instagram', stand-up comedian George has racked up hundreds of millions of views for his hilarious online sketches about the big things in life.
more info

Tuesday, 13th May 2025 - Wednesday, 14th May 2025

Seven Drunken Nights: The Story Of The DublinersThe Story of the Dubliners brings the ultimate feel-good Irish show to The Atkinson.
more info

Friday, 16th May 2025 - Friday, 16th May 2025

Mike Peters, from The Alarm: Love Hope StrengthExpect acoustic hits, remarkable stories, and an intimate evening with one of rock's great survivors.
more info

Wednesday, 21st May 2025 - Wednesday, 21st May 2025

Aled Jones: Full Circle
more info

Gradings

  • VAQAS VB Attraction
VAQAS VB Attraction

Awards

  • Sub-Regional AwardsPartner of Visit Lancashire Partner of Visit Lancashire 2018

Directions

Road Directions

From the south, take the M6 to exit 26; the M58 will take you to Ormskirk and then take the A570 to Southport. From the north, follow the A59 from Preston (exit 31 from the M6) and then follow the signs to Southport. For direct routes please visit the AA route planner. Park & ride services - there are three operating park and ride services in Southport; the Esplanade, Kew and Fairways.  Parking - there is on-road pay and display parking around Southport as well as a number of off-road car parks.  For more detailed car parking information in Southport please visit Sefton website for car parking information.

Public Transport Directions

With a network of travel centres across Merseyside, Merseytravel operate a number of bus services to and from Southport. National Express coaches serve Southport from all major UK towns and cities making the town easily accessibly by coach. W​​​​​ith two airports less than an hour away, Southport is easily accessible by air.  Liverpool John Lennon Airport is one of the UK’s longest established operational airports, and is located seven miles from Liverpool city centre, with major operators including KLM, Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air.  Liverpool John Lennon Airport is fully integrated into the north west’s public transport system and located just ten minutes from the major motorway network making it easily accessible.  ​​​​Manchester International Airport is one of the UK’s most accessible international gateways, operating to more than 200 destinations.  You can connect to the airport via a number of options including train, coach and road links.​​​​​ Daily ferry crossings arrive into Liverpool from Belfast, Dublin and the Isle of man.  There are also sailings from Dun Laogshire to Holyhead.

Facilities

Other

  • Family Fun
  • Indoor Attraction
  • Toilets

Catering

  • Café

Children & Infants

  • Baby Changing Facilities

Parking & Transport

  • Close to motorway network
  • Close to rail network

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre
  • Promenade/Seaside Location

Venue Facilities

  • Theatre

TripAdvisor

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