From art exhibitions to creative workshops, the heart of Southport beats with brilliant local culture. Discover our Arts Trail, the perfect way for art lovers to uncover many of the town’s top treasures…
Southport is rich in cultural history, from museums and galleries such as The Atkinson and Arthouse to eye-catching outdoor art and sculptures.
Many local artists and world-famous creatives have made the town a home for their work, from public art pieces on the walls of buildings dotted around the community to exhibitions and galleries.
Here’s an overview of Visit Southport’s Arts Trail, a brilliant way for art lovers to enjoy the sights and explore Southport’s heritage and creative character.
Sculptures
Marine Parade Sculptures
Starting at the entrance to King’s Gardens, Marine Parade is adorned with an eye-catching collection of sculptures including a sun, shrimp and two famous daredevil pier divers.
Professor Powsey's Cycle Dive off Southport Pier
Albert Edward 'Bert' Powsey was known as Professor Powsey and enjoyed a spectacular career as a British high diver. Famous for diving from an 80-foot tower into a tank with four feet of water, he retired in Southport after his final dive in 1941.
The One-Legged Diver
Professor ‘Peggy’ Gadsby was another famous diver, not only for his end-of-pier spectacles but for having one leg, having had it amputated as a child. Although born in Nottingham, Peggy made some of his most daring acts in the north-west, including diving into the River Mersey from a plane.
Fish, Marine Drive
This tall piece of contemporary art on Marine Drive features a shoal of metal fish sitting atop metal poles. The direction they swim in changes depending on the wind.
Mermaid Fountain
Gifted to the town by local jeweller Walter Connard (1859–1946), this striking mermaid can be found on Lord Street, sitting in the centre of a small pool holding a large fish. Connard’s family firm, Connard & Sons, continues to trade nearby.
Galleries & Studios
ArtHouse, Eastbank Street
Run by Southport Contemporary Arts, ArtHouse can be found on Eastbank Street and runs frequent art exhibitions from local artists and visiting painters alongside creative workshops. The Summer Open Exhibition is one of its event highlights.
Gallery More
This bespoke framing, gallery and shop offers plenty for art collectors to discover. The gallery collaborates with individual artists, organisations and emerging talent alongside providing budding artists with the supplies to get creative.
David Booth
David Booth is an award winning artist with a contemporary art gallery in Wayfarers Arcade in Southport’s town centre. His gallery is a space for his own work, where visitors can view and purchase sculptures and paintings.
Gallery 1
Located on Lord Street, Gallery 1 provides an eclectic collection of fine art and handcrafted goods. According to the owners, these are for “those looking for the quirky and the unusual”.
The Atkinson
From its museum and art gallery to theatre and studio space, the Atkinson is the cultural centre of Southport, offering visitors plenty of local history and art exhibitions to enjoy. The family-friendly building is fully accessible with a great cafe for refreshments too.
Street Art
Red Rum and Audrey Hepburn
Paul Curtis is behind many popular pieces of public art across the north-west including two in Southport. His work includes film star Audrey Hepburn on London Street and a painting of Red Rum, the only horse to ever win the treble at the Grand National race in 1973, 1974 and 1977.
Floral Mural
Located on Wright Street in Southport, this floral-themed mural has been created by spray paint artist, Fauna Graphic.
Les Dodd’s Snooker Centre
A series of pool balls painted across the building lead to the front door of Les Dodd’s snooker shop. This retailer is full of pool tables and snooker-related products and accessories.
P&A Audio
London street artist Ben Eine is recognised as one of the world’s best with his distinctive contemporary take on typography art. You can see his work on the shutters of P&A Audio on Princes Street inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Sandgrounder Fish & Chip Shop
Another work from Ben Eine, the Sandgrounder fish and chip shop on Nevill Street has been an institution for different generations. Ben created the ‘S’ on its shutters.
Hunter S Thompson and Quicksilver Music
The acclaimed author and journalist is the inspiration for the public art piece adorning the shutters of Quicksilver Music on Market Street in Southport.
Wesley Street
Wesley Street is one of Southport’s most colourful streets, with its independent shops all painted in different colours. The thoroughfare is known for its community spirit and family-friendly events.
Shopping
The Royal Arcade
The Royal Arcade is a must visit for art collectors and antique hunters with more than 60 independent stalls. If you’re searching out unique vintage toys or memorabilia, then this is for you.
Lancashire Makers
Located on Botanic Road, Lancashire Makers is a community-focused company launched by a group of local artists and makers to showcase and sell their work and that of other creatives from the north-west.