The Lowry

Creative Tourist
The Lowry Theatre and Gallery in Salford Quays Manchester.
Image courtesy of Visit Britain

With two theatres, galleries and a studio space, award-winning Quayside arts centre The Lowry combines the performing and visual arts to impressive effect.

The Lowry is named after Laurence Stephen Lowry (1887 – 1976) – an artist who spent much of his life in Salford and whose work is strongly associated with the city. Salford Museum & Art Gallery had been a long-standing collector of his work and some 400 individual works – as well as an extensive archive of photographs, press cuttings and exhibition catalogues – were transferred to The Lowry on its opening in April 2000. Alongside the famous LS Lowry Collection, The Lowry hosts a vibrant programme of special exhibitions, often with a focus on digital arts.

But it’s theatre that’s arguably the main draw of The Lowry, and it hosts a dizzying array of productions, from West End smashes to outside-the-box shows, including lots of dance, and many family productions.

Sitting opposite Media City (and just a stone’s throw from the Media City tram stop, making it easily accessible from the city centre), The Lowry also boasts a decent café (with good options for kids), a highly-rated restaurant and terrace bar, plus shop. For kids, there are activity backpacks and a small, dedicated activity area within the galleries.

Pier 8, Salford QuaysSalfordM50 3AZ View map
Telephone: Box office: 0843 208 6000 Visit Now

Accessibility

Fully accessible

Admission Charges

Free (prices to performances vary)

Children and Families

Activity packpacks, kids' menu, dedicated play space, plus specific children's performances as per programme

Commercial and Hire Services

Venue available for hire

Services and Facilities

Exhibitions, theatre, live music, food and drink, shop, comedy

Opening Hours

  • Monday10:00am - 6:00pm
  • Tuesday10:00am - 6:00pm
  • Wednesday10:00am - 6:00pm
  • Thursday10:00am - 6:00pm
  • Friday10:00am - 6:00pm
  • Saturday10:00am - 6:00pm
  • Sunday10:00am - 6:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on at The Lowry

Outpatient at The Lowry
TheatreMediaCityUK
Outpatient at The Lowry

Following a sell-out Edinburgh Fringe, Crowded Room return to Salford with Outpatient, a solo show exploring the fragility of the human body.

from £14.00

What's on near The Lowry

Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions
Until
ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00
Until
ComedyManchester
The Comedy Vault

Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.

free entry
Until
ComedyManchester
Comedy Balloon

Every Wednesday at Ape & Apple, Manchester’s official underground comedy club, Comedy Balloon’s friendly and warm comedy night takes place.

free entry

Where to go near The Lowry

Bailey's
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Bailey’s Cheese & Charcuterie

Serving exceptional meats, cheeses and wines from all over the world, Bailey’s Cheese & Charcuterie offers a laid-back, sophisticated experience you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Blackpool.

The Buccaneer
Blackpool
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The Buccaneer

Set in Coral Island, The Buccaneer isn’t just family-friendly, it’s above above-and-beyond family-friendly, thanks to the very generous kids eat free offer.

Coral Island Sign
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Coral Island

When you think of Blackpool, Coral Island is the type of place that takes front and centre: big, bold and flat-out fun.

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Hobo Kiosk

Hobo Kiosk is an independent pub in the heart of the Baltic Triangle, celebrating all things bohemian with its décor, drinks and events.

Doric Hotel Blackpool
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Doric Hotel

Previously ranked TripAdvisor’s number 1 family hotel in the UK, Blackpool’s bright and airy Doric Hotel offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea.

Cliffs Hotel
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Cliffs Hotel

A hit with families seeking the all-inclusive treatment, this Baroque-style hotel on the north shore is one of Blackpool’s oldest and most popular.

King's Boutique Hotel
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King’s Boutique Hotel

Set in a Victorian townhouse, Blackpool’s King’s Boutique Hotel is within walking distance of Blackpool’s main attractions, but not so close that you won’t get a decent night’s sleep.

Boulevard Hotel
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The Boulevard Hotel

With its own signature restaurant, two bars and a sleek lounge, this award-winning hotel on New South Promenade offers visitors to Blackpool luxury in spades.

The Big Blue Hotel
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Big Blue Hotel

At The Big Blue Hotel, guests have some of the UK’s most exciting rides right on their doorstep – and can even get free Blackpool Pleasure Beach day tickets.

The Lawton Hotel
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The Lawton

Thanks to its lime green-painted brick frontage, this family-friendly guest house certainly stands out from the crowd in Blackpool.

The Ruskin Hotel
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The Ruskin

Sitting in the shadow of the town’s famous Blackpool Tower, this established three star hotel is popular for its handy location and family-friendly pricing.

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