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!
Plan your visit online at https://www.theatkinson.co.uk/
MUSEUM
The Atkinson’s stunning Egyptology museum showcases 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 & 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 our dressing up wall.
Young Curator Summer Sessions (Age 14 – 18)
Fri 15 Aug, Tue 19 Aug, Fri 22 Aug, Tue 26 Aug. 11am – 3pm. Free, lunch included.
Are you interested in the arts? Would you like to work in a museum in the future? Then The Atkinson want to hear from you! In these free summer sessions, you will work with industry professionals to develop your creative skills and understanding of museum collections.
ART GALLERY
Free Entry. Monday – Saturday. 10am – 4pm.
Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays.
https://www.theatkinson.co.uk/whats-on/exhibitions
Be inspired in The Atkinson’s art galleries and discover an impressive variety of work including paintings, sculpture, digital art and more. Families can get creative too. There are always craft activities for children in the gallery Art Box and regular artist-led workshops through school holidays.
The Magic of Middle-earth
Until 21 June 2025
Collector Matt Fox has assembled a captivating collection of rare artefacts that celebrate the rich and immersive fantasy world of J.R.R. Tolkien. Whether you’re a little halfling or a wizened wizard you won’t want to miss this one!
Chila Kumari Burman: I Love You Southport
Until 15 November 2025
The celebrated British artist was born in Bootle to Punjabi- Hindu parents and later studied at Southport Collage of Art. This exhibition includes artworks inspired by her father’s ice cream van, which travelled along the Sefton coast.
150th Anniversary Exhibition
Until 07 March 2026
This exhibition showcases The Atkinson’s fine art collection in the popular 19th century ‘Salon Hang’ style, when artworks were arranged from floor to ceiling.
Make it! Craft Workshops (All Ages)
Thursday 31 Jul, 07 Aug, 14 Aug, 21 Aug, 28 Aug. 11am-3pm. Free, drop in event.
Be inspired by The Atkinson’s museum, gallery and theatre programme in an arts and crafts workshop suitable for all the family. There’s something for all ages, with all materials supplied and all for free!
THEATRE
In The Atkinson’s Theatre, 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 booster seats are available for littluns. Children aged 12 months and under can sit on their parents or guardians lap for free.
Flowers & Friendship Bracelets
Friday 01 August. 2pm.
£22.50. Plus booking fees.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience packed with music, dance, and fun! Sing along to hits by Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sabrina Carpenter. A perfect pop party for kids and families, full of excitement, energy, and memories. Don’t forget your friendship bracelets and get ready to celebrate!
Horrible Histories: Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians
Friday 5 September. 4:30pm & 7pm.
Saturday 6 September. 11am & 2pm.
£17 / £15 Concessions / £60 Family of 4. Plus booking fees. Age 5+.
We all want to meet people from history! The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare for Horrible Histories live on stage with the acclaimed production of Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians! Don’t miss this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!
LIBRARY
Free Entry. Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm. Saturday 10am – 2pm
Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays.
Southport Library’s showpiece is the extended children’s section with room for activities and events, which includes a ship, specially made for the library, named after Kathleen – a real fishing boat built in Southport around 1900. There is also a teenage area. The space is family friendly with a number of reading, singing and arts and crafts activities taking place in the area.
Summer Reading Challenge
Until 30 September
Children aged 4 to 11 are invited to dive into the magical world of books with the Summer Reading Challenge! The 2025 theme, Story Garden, brings together the wonders of nature and the power of imagination. Kids can choose their own reading goals and enjoy rewards like stickers and certificates, just for reading the books they love. Pick up a free log book at Southport Library and let the reading adventure begin!
Construction Club (All ages)
Sat 26 Jul. Sat 30 Aug. (Last Saturday of every month). 10:30am – 12:30pm. Free, drop in event.
Young inventors, creators and builders are invited to drop in and play with The Atkinson’s massive supply of LEGO. Join us and let your imagination run wild!
Animal Visit
Friday 22 & 29 August. 10.30am – 11.30am.
£3 per child. On sale in the library from 8 Aug.
Southport Library have some special guests joining them this summer. Children will have the opportunity to hold a meercat, hedgehog, python, bearded dragon, and more! Suitable for ages 4-7. Limited places.
Story & Rhyme Time (Age 0-4)
Every Wednesday, 11:30am – 12:15pm. Free, booking required.
Explore stories through rhyme and help develop your child’s language and communication skills while meeting other parents and carers. Together with our friendly librarians, babies and under-fives will enjoy learning new songs, dancing, and making friends.
CAFÉ
Monday – Saturday. 10am – 4pm.
Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays.
A Great Little Place is nestled within the ground floor of The Atkinson. The award-winning café offer locally roasted artisan coffee and imaginative food created with locally sourced ingredients. The cozy interior creates a welcoming space for families, with highchairs available and plenty of room for prams. Weather you are stopping for a quick coffee or a hearty lunch, a great little place has plenty of options for adults and children.
THE ATKINSON
01704 533 333
The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB
Box Office
Monday – Saturday. 10am – 4pm.
Open one hour before performance start times.
Museum / Art Gallery / Shop / Café
Monday – Saturday. 10am – 4pm.
Southport Library
Monday – Friday. 10am – 5pm.
Saturday. 10am – 2pm.
The Atkinson is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
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