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Looking for a day out that’s packed with creativity, imagination, and fun for all ages? The Atkinson is the place to be! This vibrant arts centre has a fantastic mix of exhibitions, performances, and hands-on activities, many of which are completely free.

From interactive exhibitions to colourful workshops and inspiring performances, there’s something to spark curiosity in every member of the family. Step into the galleries to explore a world of art and stories, journey to Middle-earth, get inspired by ice cream, or travel back in time to the 19th century! Kids will love dressing up in the local history museum and uncovering treasures in the Egyptology room. And don’t forget to drop into the free family workshops happening all through the summer holidays.

In The Atkinson’s Theatre, the fun continues with Flowers & Friendship Bracelets (1 Aug), a high-energy pop party where you can sing along to hits by Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sabrina Carpenter. And for families who love a bit of history with a twist, Horrible Histories: Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians (5 & 6 Sep) brings the past to life, with all the gory bits left in!

At Southport Library, little bookworms can climb aboard the magical reading ship in the extended children’s section and join the Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge. Kids can earn fun rewards like stickers and certificates just for enjoying their favourite stories.

The Atkinson is designed with families in mind, fully accessible for buggies and little legs, with lifts, rails, toilets on every floor, baby changing facilities, and a fully equipped Changing Places facility.

Located right in the heart of Southport’s iconic Lord Street and just a 3-minute walk from the train station, The Atkinson is your go-to destination for a creative, fun-filled family day out. Check out the full list of summer events and start planning your adventure today!

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23 February 2026

Galleries Temporarily Closed for Exciting Changeover

Our galleries are temporarily closed as we begin preparations for The Sefton Open 2026, one of the biggest annual celebrations of local creativity

18 February 2026

Powerful new ‘Where I Should Be’ exhibition by Ukrainian photographer Nina Karetska

A moving new photography and art exhibition at The Atkinson in Southport shines a light on the heartbroken yet resilient Ukrainian families who have moved to the UK while war wages in Ukraine.

12 February 2026

Lightport: Reflecting on The Atkinson’s Light‑Inspired Exhibitions

As Southport prepares to glow with the arrival of Lightport, we invite you to take a trip down memory lane to the light‑inspired exhibitions The Atkinson has showcased over the years.

21 January 2026

The Atkinson Awarded Museum Accreditation

The Atkinson is delighted to have received Accreditation status, administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation scheme.

19 January 2026

Chase the Rainbow: Southport Lights Up February Half Term

Southport is set to glow this February half term as Lightport, a brand-new free immersive light art experience, takes over the town’s iconic Lord Street.

16 January 2026

Blue Monday: How Comedy Can Beat the Blues

Discover why Blue Monday is called the most depressing day of the year and how laughter can turn it around.

16 December 2025

Christmas Gift Guide

A festive Gift Guide inspired by the unforgettable characters of our Christmas pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, with thoughtful gift ideas and experiences available right here at The Atkinson.

10 December 2025

Iconic Crosby Beach Images Land at The Atkinson

Stunning photographs of Crosby beach’s Iron Men, taken over two decades by Crosby photographer Ron Davies, goes on display on Saturday.

28 November 2025

Beauty and the Beast: Final Cast Announcement

The Atkinson in Southport is inviting audiences to “be their guest” this Christmas as it unveils the full cast for its 2025 pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.

15 November 2025

12 Days of Christmas Trail

Explore the town centre this Christmas and discover twelve handmade crochet displays, made by local group Southport Hookers

10 November 2025

Captioning Awareness Week 2025

We're proud to support this year's Captioning Awareness Week, led by Stagetext, a deaf-led charity bringing text-based deaf access to arts and culture through captions and subtitles. 

27 October 2025

Winners Announced!

Inspirations: Poetry & Creative Writing Competition

24 October 2025

A crochet Spitfire has landed outside The Atkinson!

The tribute is dedicated to the Polish Airmen who flew from RAF Woodvale during World War II and marks 80 years since the end the war.

18 October 2025

Harry Fletcher: A Review of the 150th Anniversary Exhibition

Portrait painter and art lecturer, Harry Fletcher, shares his experience of the 150th Anniversary Exhibition.

18 October 2025

New Exhibition -
Linny Venables: Sweet Factory

A major new exhibition celebrating the rich, shared histories of sweet making, working-class food traditions, and seaside culture.

17 October 2025

October Half Term

Looking for a day out that’s packed with creativity, imagination, and fun for all ages this Half Term? The Atkinson is the place to be!

15 October 2025

Exhibition Postponed

Etching Between The Lines: Lucian Freud and the Art of Studio Prints

6 October 2025

Annabel Croft:
I was lucky enough to see my childhood dreams come true

Annabel Croft lifts the lid on new touring show ‘Annabel Croft: From Tennis Balls to Glitter Balls’.

17 September 2025

Pick of Edinburgh Fringe at The Atkinson

Couldn’t make it to Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year? Don’t worry we’re bringing the laughter to Southport.

10 September 2025

A Beast of a Panto Awaits as First Cast Members are Announced!

With Christmas on the horizon, The Atkinson in Southport is inviting families to step into a tale as old as time with this year’s spectacular pantomime Beauty and the Beast.