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The Atkinson

Type:Gallery

Lord Street, Southport, Lancashire, PR8 1DB

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1026 reviews1026 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

Friday, 26th April 2024 - Friday, 26th April 2024

Fastlove – The George Michael Tribute
more info

Saturday, 27th April 2024 - Saturday, 27th April 2024

Construction Club at The AtkinsonJoin in and let your imagination run wild on the last Saturday of the month.
more info

Saturday, 27th April 2024 - Saturday, 27th April 2024

Geoff Norcott: Basic Bloke
more info

Wednesday, 1st May 2024 - Wednesday, 1st May 2024

Evening Talk 'The Fiction of Forgery' A Talk by Julia Clayton
more info

Wednesday, 1st May 2024 - Wednesday, 1st May 2024

Grateful Fred's: Americana & Roots Music
more info

Friday, 3rd May 2024 - Friday, 3rd May 2024

The Magic of Terry Pratchett
more info

Saturday, 4th May 2024 - Saturday, 4th May 2024

Tommy Blaize: Lead Singer of Strictly Come Dancing
more info

Thursday, 9th May 2024 - Thursday, 9th May 2024

The Manfreds
more info

Friday, 10th May 2024 - Saturday, 11th May 2024

Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of The Dubliners
more info

Tuesday, 14th May 2024 - Tuesday, 14th May 2024

That'll Be The Day!
more info

Thursday, 16th May 2024 - Thursday, 16th May 2024

Illegal Eagles
more info

Friday, 17th May 2024 - Friday, 17th May 2024

Paul Smith: Pablo
more info

Saturday, 18th May 2024 - Saturday, 18th May 2024

Treasure Island
more info

Wednesday, 22nd May 2024 - Wednesday, 22nd May 2024

Newton Faulkner: Feels Like Home Tour 2
more info

Thursday, 30th May 2024 - Thursday, 30th May 2024

The McCartney Songbook
more info

Friday, 31st May 2024 - Friday, 31st May 2024

Nurse Georgie Carroll – Sista Flo 2.0
more info

Saturday, 1st June 2024 - Saturday, 1st June 2024

The Lancashire Hotpots: Non Stop Saturday Night Tour
more info

Monday, 3rd June 2024 - Monday, 3rd June 2024

Cake & Classical Music The Schubert Octet in F major. D803
more info

Wednesday, 5th June 2024 - Wednesday, 5th June 2024

Grateful Fred's: Americana & Roots Music
more info

Saturday, 15th June 2024 - Saturday, 15th June 2024

The Counterfeit Sixties
more info

Wednesday, 19th June 2024 - Wednesday, 19th June 2024

John Lydon: I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right
more info

Thursday, 20th June 2024 - Thursday, 20th June 2024

Mark Simmons: Quip Off The Mark
more info

Saturday, 22nd June 2024 - Saturday, 22nd June 2024

Carousel: Music Brings People Together
more info

Wednesday, 3rd July 2024 - Wednesday, 3rd July 2024

Evening Talk LM 756, F-Freddy- A Lancaster Bomber Memorial Story
more info

Wednesday, 3rd July 2024 - Wednesday, 3rd July 2024

Grateful Fred's: Americana & Roots Music
more info

Monday, 8th July 2024 - Monday, 8th July 2024

Cake & Classical Music Calderbank Duo
more info

Tuesday, 9th July 2024 - Tuesday, 9th July 2024

Wednesday, 10th July 2024 - Wednesday, 10th July 2024

Zog and the Flying Doctors
more info

Thursday, 1st August 2024 - Thursday, 1st August 2024

Pride and Prejudice
more info

Friday, 2nd August 2024 - Friday, 2nd August 2024

The Unravelling Wilburys
more info

Wednesday, 7th August 2024 - Wednesday, 7th August 2024

Grateful Fred's: Americana & Roots Music
more info

Friday, 6th September 2024 - Friday, 6th September 2024

The UK Rock Show
more info

Tuesday, 10th September 2024 - Tuesday, 10th September 2024

Makings of a Murderer 2: The Real Manhunter
more info

Saturday, 21st September 2024 - Saturday, 21st September 2024

Someone Like You: The Adele Songbook
more info

Tuesday, 24th September 2024 - Tuesday, 24th September 2024

Wishbone Ash
more info

Wednesday, 25th September 2024 - Wednesday, 25th September 2024

G4 – 20th Anniversary
more info

Tuesday, 1st October 2024 - Tuesday, 1st October 2024

ABBAMANIA: 25 Anniversary Show
more info

Thursday, 3rd October 2024 - Thursday, 3rd October 2024

Dr Louise Newson: Hormones and Menopause – The Great Debate
more info

Saturday, 5th October 2024 - Saturday, 5th October 2024

Pete Firman – Triktok
more info

Tuesday, 8th October 2024 - Tuesday, 8th October 2024

Wednesday, 9th October 2024 - Wednesday, 9th October 2024

Dear Zoo
more info

Thursday, 10th October 2024 - Thursday, 10th October 2024

PP Arnold: Soul Survivor
more info

Saturday, 12th October 2024 - Saturday, 12th October 2024

The Drifters
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

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

King King
more info

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

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

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

Oh! What A Night
more info

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

Pretty Vacant
more info

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

Dave Spikey – Life in a Northern Town
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

TripAdvisor

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