The AtkinsonSouthport
Gallery, theatre, café, and library in a Victorian building on Lord Street. Free gallery entry. The cultural heart of Southport, and one of the best reasons to visit the town.
Terry's Take
The Atkinson Makes You Proud of Southport
I have been saying to visitors for years: if it is raining, go to The Atkinson. I have taken my kids there more times than I can count. But it deserves better than being on the rainy day list, it is genuinely good all the time. The gallery holds its own against much bigger institutions. The programme they put on is consistently interesting.
The building itself is worth noting. It is a proper Victorian building that was refurbished properly, not cheaply, not half-heartedly. The gallery spaces work. The café is decent. The Southport Library is in there too if that is what you need. It is doing a lot of things under one roof and doing most of them well.
The Sefton Open runs April to June, the annual open exhibition from local and regional artists. Make It! workshops run in the school holidays. Story and Rhyme Time for under-5s runs regularly. It is not just an art gallery: it is a working cultural venue that the town uses.
What's Inside
What to Find at The Atkinson
The Gallery
Rotating exhibitions across multiple gallery floors plus a permanent collection. Covers fine art, ceramics, decorative arts, and local history. Free entry. Currently featuring the Sefton Open 2026 (2 Apr–13 Jun).
The Theatre
Main theatre and intimate studio theatre. Professional touring productions, local companies (SONG Productions, Southport Dramatic Club), comedy, and music. Book through the Atkinson box office.
The Café
Ground floor café serving coffee, light lunches, and cakes. Open to all visitors, you do not need to be visiting the gallery or theatre. Good for a break from Lord Street shopping.
Southport Library
The main Southport Library is housed within the Atkinson building. Free to use, good facilities. Worth knowing if you need reference resources or internet access.
Make It! Workshops
Hands-on art and craft workshops for children and families, running regularly including in school holidays. Book through the Atkinson website, they fill up during peak periods.
Regular Events
Story and Rhyme Time (under-5s), drawing classes, evening talks, film screenings, and more. The full programme is on the Atkinson website and worth checking each month.
What's On Now
Current Programme
Before You Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Parking
Opening Times
Common Questions
The Atkinson Southport. FAQs
What is The Atkinson in Southport?
The Atkinson is Southport's main arts, culture, and heritage centre on Lord Street (PR8 1DB). It contains an art gallery with permanent and temporary exhibitions, a theatre that hosts professional touring productions and local companies, a café, and the Southport Library. Entry to the gallery is free.
Where is The Atkinson and what is the postcode?
The Atkinson is at Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB. It is on the main boulevard of Lord Street, approximately 10 minutes' walk from Southport railway station. Parking is available at Tulketh Street multi-storey (PR8 1EW, 5 min walk) and Eastbank Street car park.
Is The Atkinson free to visit?
The gallery is free to visit, no admission charge for the gallery floors and permanent collection. Some temporary exhibitions may have an entry charge but the majority are free. The café is open to all visitors. Theatre tickets must be purchased.
What is on at The Atkinson gallery?
The Atkinson hosts rotating exhibitions including the annual Sefton Open (April–June), touring exhibitions, and its own permanent collection. The gallery covers fine art, ceramics, decorative arts, and local history collections. Check the Atkinson website for the current programme.
What theatre productions are at The Atkinson?
The Atkinson hosts a regular programme of theatre including professional touring productions, local companies (SONG Productions, Southport Dramatic Club), comedy, music, and spoken word events. The main theatre and studio theatre have different capacities and produce different types of events. Book through the Atkinson box office.
Is The Atkinson dog friendly?
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome in The Atkinson. Pet dogs are generally not permitted inside the building, but the area around the building on Lord Street is accessible. The café does not admit dogs.
What are The Atkinson's opening times?
The Atkinson is typically open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. The café and library have their own hours which may differ. Check the Atkinson website for current opening times as they change seasonally and around events.
The Atkinson · Lord Street · PR8 1DB
Plan Your Visit
Gallery entry is free. Check what is on before you visit, the programme changes monthly.
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