Somerset House
Strand, London, Greater London, WC2R 1LA
Once a Tudor palace, Somerset House was redesigned by Sir William Chambers in 1776 as part of the city’s infrastructural improvements. Today, it’s a creative and cultural hub that hosts shows, events, and exhibitions year-round, as well as featuring cafés, restaurants, and a winter ice rink in its courtyard. Stop by for drinks in the riverside bar, browsing its art galleries, or attending music events or film screenings.
The Basics
Follow in the footsteps of movie stars on a cinematic tour, or visit on a walking or hop-on hop-off tour, according to your schedule. Travelers with more time can explore the grounds on a historical tour and gain insight into the royal, governmental, and public uses of the building over the years, or check out one of the events held here for an immersive experience of culture in the capital.
Things to Know Before You Go
Entry to Somerset House is free, though there is a fee for some exhibitions and shows.
The central courtyard is open-air, so remember to bring an umbrella or raincoat on rainy days.
Somerset House is a must-see for history buffs, culture vultures, and creatives.
Most of the site is wheelchair accessible; guests with access concerns are encouraged to call ahead.
How to Get There
Somerset House is a 5-minute walk from Temple underground station, and 10 to 15 minutes from Covent Garden, Charing Cross, or Waterloo. Many local and hop-on hop-off buses serve the Strand, Waterloo Bridge, or Aldwych, while river bus and hop-on hop-off cruises serve nearby Embankment Pier.
When to Get There
Special events at Somerset House are popular with residents and visitors alike. In winter, the outdoor ice skating rink and Christmas arcade provide festive fun in the city, while film screenings, concerts, and DJ sets are enjoyed during warmer months.
Stroll the South Bank
Conclude your visit to Somerset House with a walk across Waterloo Bridge and head into one of London’s cultural districts. Wander east along the river and discover prime Thameside views, as well as unique architecture, theatres, galleries, and English pubs to boot.
Ways to explore
Many travelers will come across Somerset House as they sightsee in London, thanks to its proximity to Covent Garden and its riverside location beside the Thames. It’s free to enter and look around the building, although certain areas are ticketed, such as The Courtauld Gallery and temporary exhibitions. The venue is popular with Londoners year-round; its courtyard fountains are a must for families in summer, while its winter ice rink is a festive staple in the city.
You can visit on walking tours, hop-on hop-off bus trips, or simply pop by to enjoy a drink by the river. If you have more time to explore, see the grounds on a historical tour and gain insight into the royal, governmental, and public uses of the building over the years, or check out one of the events held here for an immersive, Georgian-era experience of culture in the capital.
Accessibility
Most of Somerset House is wheelchair accessible; detailed information on its website outlines accessibility features across all areas of the site. Loan wheelchairs are available from the reception desk or can be booked in advance via email. There are accessible restrooms. Service animals are welcome.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Camera, refillable water bottle, reusable coffee cup
What to wear
Smart-casual clothing if dining, comfortable walking shoes
Not allowed
Smoking in Somerset House buildings, flash photography in The Courtauld Gallery
Amenities
Cafés, restaurants, restrooms, baby-changing facilities, information desk
Address
Somerset House is right beside the River Thames, moments from Covent Garden, Drury Lane, and more. It’s central and accessible, especially if you’re already visiting the nearby theaters and museums.
Driving
While Somerset House is located in central London, driving isn’t recommended due to limited parking and congestion charges. There’s no parking at Somerset House itself, and very little on-street parking nearby.
Public transportation
Public transportation is the most convenient way to reach Somerset House. The nearest tube stations are Temple, served by the Circle and District lines and a 5-minute walk away; Covent Garden via the Piccadilly line, which is an 8-minute walk; and Charing Cross by the Bakerloo and Northern lines, 10 minutes away on foot.
Best times to visit
This depends on whether you’re visiting for the galleries, drinks, or to eat in its restaurants or cafés. Weekday mornings, early afternoons, and evenings tend to be less crowded—parts of Somerset House are open until 11pm.
Best days to visit
Weekdays generally have fewer visitors than weekends. Check the events calendar before your trip; if there are summer concerts or film screenings, then it can be much busier than usual.
Best months to visit
Come in May to September for pleasant weather and summer activities, including the fountains in the courtyard. The winter holiday season has an ice rink and festive decorations.
Special events
Open-air concerts and outdoor film screenings take place in summer, and ice skating runs from November to January.
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