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The Atkinson

Type:Gallery

Lord Street, Southport, Lancashire, PR8 1DB

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1116 reviews1116 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. ...Read More

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.

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Book Tickets

Opening Times

Galleries and museum 1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025
DayTimes
Monday - Saturday10:00 - 16:00*
SundayClosed*
Bank HolidayClosed
Library 1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025
DayTimes
Monday - Saturday10:00 - 17:00
SundayClosed
Bank HolidayClosed
Cafe 1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025
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, 26th October 2024 - Saturday, 25th October 2025

Egyptian Faience: An Alchemy for AfterlifeAn eternal journey where shabtis would serve as tireless companions, performing labours in the afterlife. 
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

Saturday, 29th March 2025 - Saturday, 29th March 2025

Kate Butch: Wuthering Shites
more info

Saturday, 29th March 2025 - Saturday, 29th March 2025

The Adele Show: Hometown Glory Candlelit Concert
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

Grateful Fred's: Americana & Roots Music
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

Friday, 4th April 2025 - Friday, 4th April 2025

China Crisis: Y Stop Now? Tour 2025​​​​​​Join Eddie, Gary and their band in 2025 as they get back on the road again performing chart toppers that defined a generation to hidden gems that have lingered in the hearts of devoted listeners.
more info

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

Chesney Hawkes
more info

Saturday, 5th April 2025 - Saturday, 31st May 2025

The Sefton Open 2025The exhibition takes over The Atkinson's art gallery in an eclectic salon-style hang and features a wide variety of works from individual artists and local groups. 
more info

Monday, 7th April 2025 - Monday, 7th April 2025

Cake & Classical: Trio CalderbankCake & Classical Music takes place on the first Monday of each month, with a different ensembles, individuals and musicians performing 45 minute, lunchtime concerts.
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

Tuesday, 15th April 2025 - Tuesday, 15th April 2025

An evening with Paul Merson: Laid BareJoin an evening with Paul Merson, as the football star discusses his illustrious career with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and England. 
more info

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

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

Thursday, 17th April 2025 - Thursday, 17th April 2025

The Story Forge: Make Your Own MythSenior professors of history, and rather silly men, Lee Hithersay and Robert Rhys Bond, forge three new myths from the unhinged minds of their audience and a boatload of cardboard props. 
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

Tuesday, 29th April 2025 - Tuesday, 29th April 2025

Steeleye Span
more info

Wednesday, 30th April 2025 - Wednesday, 30th April 2025

The Dark RoomFilled with stand-up, appalling prizes and more audience chanting than you'd get at a protest, it's a gut-busting rock n' roll geek experience for everyone who buys a ticket.
more info

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

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

Thursday, 1st May 2025 - Thursday, 1st May 2025

Evening Talk - Hot Jets in the Cold War
more info

Friday, 2nd May 2025 - Friday, 2nd May 2025

Simon Evans: Have We Met?Evans skilfully weaves comedy, pathos and narrowly averted cancellation into an unforgettable two hours of unique entertainment.
more info

Friday, 2nd May 2025 - Friday, 2nd May 2025

The FloodHonest and touching with a dash of northern humour, The Flood is a love letter to a town that refused to give in to the volatility of nature.  
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

Friday, 9th May 2025 - Friday, 9th May 2025

Diane's Deli: A Tale from Paradise Heights
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

*Cancelled* Mike Peters, from The Alarm: Love Hope StrengthPlease note: this event has been cancelled.  
more info

Saturday, 17th May 2025 - Saturday, 17th May 2025

An Evening with King KingUsually known for their electrifying, high-energy performances, King King is slowing it down for a special acoustic show.
more info

Tuesday, 20th May 2025 - Tuesday, 20th May 2025

A Shoddy Detective and The Art of DeceptionA laugh-out-loud slapstick whodunnit, featuring four actors, a dozen characters and a whole load of chaos.
more info

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

Aled Jones: Full Circle
more info

Thursday, 22nd May 2025 - Thursday, 22nd May 2025

*Cancelled* The Elton John ShowThis event has been cancelled.
more info

Saturday, 24th May 2025 - Saturday, 24th May 2025

Ray Quinn: King Of Swing
more info

Thursday, 29th May 2025 - Thursday, 29th May 2025

The Enchanted Princess Ball
more info

Friday, 30th May 2025 - Friday, 30th May 2025

Exciting Science​​​​​​​Exciting Science.  Prepare to be amazed.
more info

Saturday, 31st May 2025 - Saturday, 31st May 2025

Something About Lennon: The John Lennon Story
more info

Monday, 2nd June 2025 - Monday, 2nd June 2025

Cake & Classical: Music for Wind & StringsThe Atkinson is working in partnership with L'Orchestra dell' Arte to bring high quality, accessible classical music to Southport.
more info

Thursday, 5th June 2025 - Thursday, 5th June 2025

Gary Murphy's Original 'Guitar Legends'
more info

Saturday, 7th June 2025 - Saturday, 7th June 2025

Alfie Moore – A Face for Radio
more info

Saturday, 14th June 2025 - Saturday, 14th June 2025

An Evening with Crissy Rock: From Bedlam to Benidorm
more info

Wednesday, 18th June 2025 - Wednesday, 18th June 2025

Kai Widdrington: EvolutionStrictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington is set to dazzle audiences across the UK and Ireland with his highly anticipated 2025 dance tour. 
more info

Thursday, 19th June 2025 - Saturday, 21st June 2025

Just Between Ourselves
more info

Friday, 27th June 2025 - Friday, 27th June 2025

Barbara Dickson with Nick Holland
more info

Monday, 7th July 2025 - Monday, 7th July 2025

Cake & Classical: Percussion Without LimitsStep into the world of rhythm with Percussion Without Limits, a 45-minute concert that pushes the boundaries of sound and creativity.
more info

Tuesday, 8th July 2025 - Wednesday, 9th July 2025

Spot's Birthday Party
more info

Wednesday, 23rd July 2025 - Wednesday, 23rd July 2025

Country SuperstarsThis truly unique show tells the diverse story of country music.
more info

Thursday, 24th July 2025 - Thursday, 24th July 2025

Barry Steele's Roy Orbison StoryDirect from the West End's Adelphi Theatre, The Roy Orbison Story takes you on a musical journey.
more info

Friday, 25th July 2025 - Friday, 25th July 2025

Fleetwood BacFleetwood Bac were the world's first and are regarded as the UK's most authentic Fleetwood Mac tribute show.
more info

Saturday, 26th July 2025 - Saturday, 26th July 2025

Romeo and Juliet at The Atkinson (UK Tour)
more info

Friday, 1st August 2025 - Friday, 1st August 2025

Flowers and Friendship BraceletsThe ultimate pop concert.
more info

Tuesday, 2nd September 2025 - Tuesday, 2nd September 2025

Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre at The Atkinson (UK Tour)
more info

Saturday, 13th September 2025 - Saturday, 13th September 2025

CroonersPacked with personality and humour, Crooners has been wowing audiences with its witty and exhilarating show
more info

Wednesday, 17th September 2025 - Wednesday, 17th September 2025

Rat Pack LiveThey were the definition of cool during their fifties and sixties Vegas heyday, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr.
more info

Friday, 19th September 2025 - Friday, 19th September 2025

Ireland The ShowIf it's all things Irish you like, then this is the one stop show for you that's guaranteed to take you to Ireland and back in one night.
more info

Tuesday, 23rd September 2025 - Tuesday, 23rd September 2025

Wishbone Ash
more info

Wednesday, 24th September 2025 - Wednesday, 24th September 2025

Stewart Copeland: Have I Said Too Much​​​​​​​In this fascinating 'Evening With', Stewart will talk about his incredible life as a performer, musician, entertainer, and writer.
more info

Thursday, 25th September 2025 - Thursday, 25th September 2025

Friday, 26th September 2025 - Friday, 26th September 2025

Pirates Love Underpants
more info

Friday, 3rd October 2025 - Friday, 3rd October 2025

Nik Kershaw: Musings and LyricsAn intimate evening of songs, stories and silliness in the company of Nik Kershaw.
more info

Saturday, 4th October 2025 - Saturday, 4th October 2025

Cally Beaton: Namaste Motherf***ersCombining Cally's comedic and storytelling prowess, with extracts from her provocative, stereotype-busting book of the same name
more info

Thursday, 9th October 2025 - Thursday, 9th October 2025

Annabel Croft: From Tennis Balls to Glitter BallsAnnabel Croft takes fans on journey through her extraordinary career. 
more info

Wednesday, 22nd October 2025 - Wednesday, 22nd October 2025

Kerry Ellis: Queen of the West EndFrom My Fair Lady to We Will Rock You, from Les Miserables to Wicked, in both the West End and on Broadway, she has starred in musical theatre's biggest roles.
more info

Friday, 24th October 2025 - Friday, 24th October 2025

This Flight Tonight: Songs of Joni MitchellAn intimate acoustic tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell, with a full and comprehensive performance of Joni's most beloved album Blue in its entirety.
more info

Saturday, 25th October 2025 - Saturday, 25th October 2025

Johns' Boys Welsh Male Choir
more info

Wednesday, 29th October 2025 - Wednesday, 29th October 2025

T.Rextasy
more info

Thursday, 30th October 2025 - Thursday, 30th October 2025

Dino TalesPut on your safari hats and get ready for some ranger danger and roarsome routines. 
more info

Friday, 7th November 2025 - Friday, 7th November 2025

Focus​​​​​​​Each song breathtakingly unique, and each performance different to the one before.
more info

Saturday, 8th November 2025 - Saturday, 8th November 2025

Vincent Simone: Tango PassionsArgentine Tango king and Strictly Come Dancing legend, Vincent Simone, returns to the stage in 2025 and 2026 with Tango Passions.
more info

Wednesday, 3rd December 2025 - Wednesday, 3rd December 2025

Grateful Fred's: Americana & Roots Music​​​​​​​An evening that promises to be thought-provoking, moving, and filled with unforgettable music.
more info

Friday, 20th February 2026 - Friday, 20th February 2026

Pop Princesses: World TourA magical show where beautiful princesses become pop stars.  They just love to sing.  It's the perfect mix.  
more info

Friday, 27th February 2026 - Friday, 27th February 2026

Mark Simmons: Jest To Impress
more info

Saturday, 28th February 2026 - Saturday, 28th February 2026

Paul Merton and Suki Webster's Improv Show
more info

Thursday, 5th March 2026 - Thursday, 5th March 2026

Geoff Norcott: Basic Bloke 2, There's No Bloke Without FireThere's No Bloke Without Fire is the latest tour from comedian, author, podcaster and radio host Geoff Norcott and Geoff's first under a Labour government.
more info

Saturday, 21st March 2026 - Saturday, 21st March 2026

Pete Firman – Tricks & Giggles
more info

Friday, 17th April 2026 - Friday, 17th April 2026

Scott Bennett: Stuff
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/
...Read More

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
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TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

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