The Atkinson

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
The Atkinson

We’re pleased to report that The Atkinson, Southport’s very own multi-arts institution, has reopened and is looking forward to safely welcoming visitors back.

You can now visit the library, museum, gallery, box office, shop and café, which are all now open from 11:00 – 16:00 Monday to Saturday.

The Atkinson, which opened in 1878, was built as a result of a £6,000 donation by cotton manufacturer William Atkinson: it started life as an art gallery and library. Over the years, the 19th Century buildings have undergone an extensive refurbishment. The venue is now well-renowned for its cultural offering: music, theatre, art, poetry, literature, history and film.

Browse the gift shop, selling gifts and contemporary crafts, and enjoy the delicious sandwiches, light bites, cakes and coffee on offer in the café. The library is now open for ‘click & collect’ services too.

The Atkinson also proudly incorporates a museum, showcasing the history of Southport and Sefton, and a gallery. The impressive collection holds over 3500 artworks and 25,000 artifacts of social history. And although the theatre and studio remain closed at this time, the box office team will be on hand to help with any enquiries during your visit.

An exciting destination for families, culture seekers and art lovers, The Atkinson is a welcoming and contemporary venue offering a varied seasonal programme of exhibitions and events.

Lord Street, SouthportSouthportPR8 1DB View map
Telephone: 01704 533333 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Monday11:00am - 4:00pm
  • Tuesday11:00am - 4:00pm
  • Wednesday11:00am - 4:00pm
  • Thursday11:00am - 4:00pm
  • Friday11:00am - 4:00pm
  • Saturday11:00am - 4:00pm

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

What's on near The Atkinson

DaDaFest International 40 at Bluecoat
Until
ExhibitionsCity Centre
DaDaFest International 40

Celebrating 40 years of groundbreaking disability and Deaf arts, DaDaFest returns for 2025 with a bold and unapologetic programme.

free entry
Eleanor Rees
LiteratureLiverpool
Eleanor Rees at Open Eye Gallery Liverpool

Launching her shiny new volume of selected poems in Liverpool, where much of it was dreamed up, Eleanor Rees will be reading live and also chatting about the production.

free entry
Two people sitting playing a video game.
Until
ExhibitionsCity Centre
Art Plays Games at FACT

Art Plays Games is a new show at FACT, celebrating games created by digital artists and independent video game developers.

free entry

Where to go near The Atkinson

Southport
Tourist Attraction
Town Hall Gardens

The Town Hall Gardens is a perfect spot to recharge your batteries whilst out and about in Southport.

Southport
Southport Pier

Southport Pier opened in 1860, making it the oldest iron pier in Great Britiain. It is also the second-longest in the country.

Southport Seafront
Southport
Beach
Southport Seafront

As well as being home to the Southport Air Show, there are many nostalgic seaside delights on Southport’s seafront, including the iconic pier.

Southport
Park
Victoria Park

In Southport’s town centre is Victoria Park, home to the famous Southport Flower Show, Southport Food and Drink Festival and the British Musical Fireworks Championship

Beach
Formby Beach

A beautiful National Trust beach which emerges from glorious coastal pinewoods. The ideal spot for walking the dog and spying red squirrels.

Ring O'Bells
Restaurant
Ring O’Bells

Popular country pub based in Ormskirk, serving classic British food and local ales.

Ormskirk
Restaurant
Moor Hall

Fine dining in a renovated grade II listed manor house. Offering some of the country’s most innovative dishes in beautiful surroundings.

Exterior of fish and chip shop
Blackpool
Restaurant
Harrowside Fish & Chips

Winner of the Good Food Award’s coveted Chippy of the Year award on multiple occasions, Harrowside is a great choice for fish and chips in Blackpool.

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Cinema in the North

David Lynch, International Women's Day and Manchester Film Festival are amongst our cinematic highlights this March.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

DaDaFest’s 40th anniversary line-up, contemporary reimaginings and outlandish fringe, check out our top theatre picks for spring onwards.

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Exhibitions in the North

From precarious ceramics to photography festivals, spring is here and brings with it a breath of fresh air in visual art and exhibitions.

Poet Imtiaz Dharker. Photo by Ayesha Dharker
Literature Events in the North

It's like the Woolies pick'n'mix counter this month in live literature land – so much choice, we're not sure where to start digging in.

Classical Music in the North

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