Guides
What's on
Where to go
See all

Guides
What's on
Where to go
See all

Abingdon Studios

Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor

Visit now

Abingdon Studios

14 Abington Street, Blackpool, FY1 1DE
1234567890
Website Facebook
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Visit now
Abingdon Studios
Image courtesy of Abingdon Studios, Blackpool.
Book now

Abingdon Studios is a not-for-profit, artist-run contemporary art studios and project space situated in the heart of Blackpool town centre. Dedicated to providing a supportive environment, the studios provide a work space for both visiting artists and those already living and working in Blackpool.

Comprising 10 individual studios and the Project Space for exhibitions, Abingdon aims to be somewhere where artists can generate new work, drawing on the unique cultural landscape and histories of Blackpool. As the only dedicated contemporary visual arts studio in town, there is an emphasis on encouraging dialogue, new ideas and risk taking whilst nurturing developing artists.

The Studios are set just a few streets back from the promenade and North Pier, and within walking distance of the Grundy Art Gallery — meaning they are perfectly situated for visitors looking for an art-filled day in Blackpool. What’s more, Abington Street Market Food Hall is just paces away, offering a brilliant array of food and drink options.

Art lovers will want to check out the listings for public facing events such as artist talks, previews and exhibitions. In addition to the Project Space’s curated programme of exhibitions and for-hire events, each studio artist is afforded two weeks per year to schedule and programme activity in the Project Space as part of the public programme.

Given the variety in the practices and medium of the hosted artists, this means that visitors to Abingdon can expect anything from huge room-filling sculpture or text-based work, to large format photography, intimate drawing or experimental filmmaking.

The studios are hugely popular and there is usually a waiting list for studio space. There is a residency programme though, which has supported artists in residence developing new work for everything from one week to three months. Abingdon is also welcoming of external artists who might wish to hire the Project Space for exhibitions or to test new work.

Featured in

Museums and Galleries in Blackpool

Covering arty escapades, family head scratchers and everything in between, here’s our round-up of Blackpool’s best museums and galleries.

What's on near Abingdon Studios

Afternoon Tea at Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Until
Food and DrinkBlackpool
Afternoon Tea at Blackpool Tower Ballroom

Step into the majestic Blackpool Tower Ballroom for an experience like no other. With stunning architecture, live music and treats galore, Afternoon Tea here is highly recommended.

From £60.00
See all events

Where to go near Abingdon Studios

Abington Street Market
Blackpool
Restaurant
Abington Street Market Food Hall

Housing six independent food traders, two bars and a coffee shop, Abington Street Market Food Hall is a great choice for… choice! Great when you’re in a big (or fussy!) group.

Abington Street Market
Blackpool
Shop
Abington Street Market

Abington Street Market is a go-to for independent retail, housing 12 shopping units selling everything from handmade ceramics to clothing, crystals and cake.

Upside Down Blackpool
Blackpool
Café or Coffee Shop
Upside Down Coffee

Upside Down is a coffee shop with a vegetarian and vegan menu, that also sells range of house plants.

Image courtesy of Saoko Cocktail Bar.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Saoko Cocktail Club

This cocktail bar may be the new kid on the Blackpool block, but it’s already renowned for its excellent service and imaginative drinks that offer an ‘experience and a story’.

Mandarin
Blackpool
Restaurant
Michael Wan’s Mandarin

Think of Blackpool and what springs to mind? Whatever it is, it’s probably not top tier Cantonese dining. But a visit to Michael Wan’s Mandarin might just change that.

Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Shop
Aunty Social

Both a lifestyle store and a community arts hub, Aunty Social showcases the very best of Blackpool’s creative community. A great spot to pick up lovingly-made gifts.
West Coast Rock Cafe

Family owned restaurant that is famous for it’s burgers and brews its own beer, with a good location is close to the Winter Gardens. Its lockdown delivery menu offers everything you need for a family night in.

La Fontana
Blackpool
Restaurant
La Fontana

This cosy, family-run trattoria is perfect for couples and families alike, pairing lovingly-prepared plates of Italian classics with twinkling fairy lights, roman pillars and a fountain.

Twisted
Blackpool
Restaurant
Twisted Indian Street Food

Blackpool’s number one Indian restaurant, Twisted Indian packs a flavour punch and isn’t afraid to mix the traditional with the modern. Their motto? ‘Being normal is boring.’

Lancashire
Music venue
Bootleg Social

The live-music venue and bar is a hidden gem, standing out against the technicolour nightlife of Blackpool with its own understated edge.

Hauze Blackpool
Blackpool
Restaurant
Hauze

Dishing up European plates with plenty of fusion flare, Blackpool’s glitzy restaurant Hauze offers an extensive list of sushi alongside a selection of build-your-own burgers, and many a cocktail.

See all places

Lancashire District Guides

Blackburn Open Walls
Things to do in Blackburn

Our guide to the best sights, spots and locally sourced goods on offer in Blackburn and the surrounding area.
The Midland Hotel Morecambe
Things to do in Morecambe

Our guide to the seaside town of Morecambe, including places to eat and drink, shopping and cultural attractions.
Things to do in Lancaster

Our guide to the Heritage City of Lancaster, including the city’s historic castle, literature festival and Dukes theatre.
Thompson Park in Burnley
Things to do in Burnley

Our guide to the best things to do in Burnley, including places to eat and drink, shopping and cultural attractions.

Culture Guides

Textured portrait image of Jarman
Theatre in the North

Theatre across the North West splits between festive escape and sharp, urgent work exploring politics, power and resistance.

Music in the North

Manchester’s starting the new year with a run of gigs from some of the country’s best underground exports.

Food and Drink in the North

Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.

A doll with makeup peeks out of a hanging wall of butter yellow fabric. Red and black threads descend and cascade around the doll.
Exhibitions in the North

This season, exhibitions across the North West feel attuned to the world beneath the world – the forces and stories shaping how we see, feel and imagine.

A performer in a bright red costume sits on a snowy stage set, holding a large snowball between their legs with a surprised expression. The colourful winter backdrop features snowflakes, hills, a snowman, and a traffic light with glowing lights.
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.