People will be able to explore Southport’s rich history and some of the town’s most fascinating landmarks when the Heritage Open Days Festival takes place this September.
This popular annual event takes place from Friday, 12th September to Sunday, 21st September 2025.
There are a number of tours and visits already available, including historic hotels, churches, theatres, parks, museums, and more.
This year’s festival is being organised by Southport Heritage Open Days Co-ordinator Heather Cook, with anyone keen to learn more about having their building involved either this year or in subsequent years invited to email her at: southport.hod@hotmail.com
Every September, thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture.
It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are free to explore.
Heather Cook said: “I am keen to get the word out to people about the Heritage Open Days Festival taking place in Southport. I have been working very closely with Sue Latimer, who ran this event last year.
“We have some great events taking place already but I’m happy to speak with anyone who’d like to know more.
“We have some amazing buildings which will be welcoming visitors during the festival.
“All details about the events that you can discover in Southport, and around the country, are available online: Homepage
“Our Southport Heritage Open Days Facebook page also has updates and the latest news if anyone would like to give it a follow!
“The Heritage Open Days Festival is a brilliant chance to get a behind the scenes look at some fascinating buildings in Southport.
“At The Atkinson, you can take a tour of the building, including the theatre and studios.
“The Prince Of Wales Hotel will be hosting tours, where people can learn more about the extensive renovation work they’ve been doing to the building. They are keen to engage with local people to show what they’ve been doing.
“The Masonic Hall on Duke Street will be hosting an Open Day – that’s a new venue for the festival this year. The Southport Town Crier will also be there!
“One of the great things about the Heritage Open Days Festival is that all the events are completely free.
“People can try a few different events, either throughout the festival, or even on the same day.
“We have some great places featured this year, but I would also love people to get in touch with your ideas and your suggestions about interesting buildings in Southport. It may be a shop with hidden features; it may be something that makes a building truly unique.
“There is so much to be proud of in Southport, so much rich heritage. I walk around and the architecture is beautiful.
“There are so many examples of different architecture in Southport town centre. If you walk along Lord Street for example and look up, it’s fascinating.
“The architecture in the Churchtown area goes even further back.
“Now more than ever we need to feel proud of Southport and what it offers.
“What I really love about the festival is that it puts a spotlight on all the things that make Southport so good and so unique.”
Southport Heritage Open Days Festival venues 2025:
1 – The Prince of Wales Hotel – Guided Tours
Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1JS
Multiple dates available In person. Pre-booking required
The hotel is inviting the local community to join them for guided tours around the beautiful Grade II listed Prince of Wales Hotel on Sunday 14th and Monday 15th of September 2025 from 10:30am until 2pm, with the main theme of architecture.
2 – Holy Family Catholic Church Southport
Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Brompton Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 6AS
Sunday 21st September 2025
In person. Pre-booking not required
Come and see inside the church, formally opened in 1912. Most of the stained-glass windows were commissioned from John Hardman and Co. of Birmingham beginning in 1912. There are three more modern windows designed by Patrick Reyntiens in the mid-70s.
3 – The Clue Is In The Architecture Tour
Cambridge Hall, Lord Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1DB
Thursday 18th September 2025
In person. Pre-booking required.
Join a walking tour of The Atkinson to uncover the architectural beauty and history of its three Grade II listed interconnected buildings. Explore their intricate details, both inside and out, while learning about their original purposes.
Hesketh Park, Park Crescent, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 9NW
Multiple dates available. In person. Pre-booking not required.
Visit this beautiful conservatory at the heart of the Grade II listed Hesketh Park and find out about its history and plans.
5 – Theatre and Studio Open House
The Atkinson, Cambridge Hall, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1DB
Thursday 18th September 2025
In person. Pre-booking is not required.
Ever wondered what The Atkinson’s theatre and studio spaces look like during the day? Come along and drop in to see the wonderful architecture of our building and how these spaces have changed throughout the years.
Hesketh Park, Albert Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 9LJ
Multiple dates available. In person. Pre-booking is not required.
Visit a genuine mid-Victorian wooden observatory containing a 6-inch aperture Cooke telescope manufactured in 1869, together with its original clockwork drive. The Observatory was installed in historic Hesketh Park in 1901.
Southport Masonic Hall, Duke Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1LS
Saturday, 13th September 2025
In person. Pre-booking is not required.
A rare opportunity to visit one of Southport’s hidden gems. Located on the corner of Duke Street and King Street.
8 – At The Cutting Edge – Unique Experience Tours at the British Lawnmower Museum
106-112 Shakespeare Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 5AJ
Friday 12th September 2025
In person. Pre-booking required.
See the biggest, the smallest, the fastest, the most expensive, and ‘Lawnmowers of the Rich & Famous’ from King Charles & Princess Diana, Queen’s Royal Rock legend Brian May to Top Gear’s James May, and many mower!
9 – St Philip & St Paul with Wesley, Southport
Scarisbrick New Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 6QF
Multiple dates available. In person. Pre-booking is not required.
St Philip and St Paul with Wesley is a Grade II listed building designed by the Manchester-based architect R.F. Tolson. It has stunning stained glass windows, woodwork, and alabaster font and pulpit. The building contains the best of old and new.
Please get in touch to take part and run your own event: southport.hod@hotmail.com
For a full list of Heritage Open Days events please visit: Homepage
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