Somerset House: London’s Iconic Neoclassical Cultural Hub
Historic neoclassical landmark and vibrant cultural hub on the Thames, blending art, performance, dining, and innovation in central London.
Somerset House is a grand neoclassical building on the Strand in central London, overlooking the River Thames. It features an 18th-century courtyard with seasonal fountains and an acclaimed ice rink in winter. The site hosts the prestigious Courtauld Gallery, contemporary art exhibitions, live performances, and a vibrant program of cultural events. With restaurants, cafes, and creative studios, Somerset House blends historic grandeur with modern arts innovation.
A brief summary to Somerset House
- Strand, London, WC2R 1LA, GB
- +442078454600
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
- Thursday 10 am-7 pm
- Friday 10 am-7 pm
- Saturday 10 am-7 pm
- Sunday 10 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Courtauld Gallery for world-class art collections and rotating exhibitions.
- Enjoy the seasonal ice rink in winter or the dancing fountains in summer at the central courtyard.
- Check the events calendar for live performances, film screenings, and special exhibitions.
- Dine at Setlist, the riverside bar and restaurant, for live music and scenic views.
- Take a free guided tour to explore the building’s rich history and hidden spaces.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central, Northern, or District lines to Temple Station, approximately 8-12 minutes walk to Somerset House. The station is well-served and accessible, with step-free access available. Expect a fare of £2.50–£4.50 with an Oyster or contactless card.
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Bus
Bus routes 6, 15, 23, 139, and 176 serve the Strand area near Somerset House. Travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Buses are wheelchair accessible and cost £1.75 per journey with an Oyster or contactless card.
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Riverboat
Use the Thames Clippers riverboat service to Embankment Pier, a 5-minute walk from Somerset House. This scenic option takes 20-30 minutes from central piers like Westminster or London Eye. Tickets range from £6 to £12 one-way.
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Walking
From Covent Garden or Trafalgar Square, it’s a pleasant 15-20 minute walk along pedestrian-friendly streets and the Victoria Embankment. Terrain is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Somerset House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Somerset House
Architectural Grandeur and Historical Legacy
Somerset House stands as a majestic neoclassical landmark designed by William Chambers in the late 18th century. Built on the site of the former Tudor palace of Edward Seymour, the Duke of Somerset, it replaced the original building that witnessed pivotal moments in English history, including royal residencies and political events. The current structure’s imposing façade and elegant courtyard reflect its origins as one of the world’s first office blocks, originally housing government departments and learned societies. Its architectural significance is amplified by its riverside location, offering sweeping views of the Thames and the London skyline.A Thriving Centre for Arts and Culture
Today, Somerset House functions as a vibrant cultural hub. The Courtauld Gallery, located in the North Wing, showcases masterpieces from the Renaissance through the 20th century, alongside rotating exhibitions in the Embankment Galleries. The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, encircled by the building’s four wings, transforms seasonally—featuring dancing fountains in summer and London’s beloved ice rink in winter. Throughout the year, the courtyard and surrounding spaces host open-air concerts, film screenings, fashion events, and workshops, making it a dynamic venue for creative expression and public engagement.Creative Community and Innovation
Somerset House Studios accommodates over 300 creative professionals, fostering an environment of artistic innovation and collaboration. This working arts centre supports emerging and established artists across disciplines including visual art, design, performance, and music. The site regularly presents cutting-edge exhibitions and performances, such as the acclaimed Wayne McGregor: Infinite Bodies, and hosts major events like the London Design Biennale. The blend of historic spaces with contemporary creativity makes Somerset House a unique incubator for cultural innovation.Dining and Social Experiences
Visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options within Somerset House, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The riverside bar Setlist offers live music, DJ sets, and seasonal menus, creating a lively social atmosphere. Special events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations feature exclusive dining experiences with renowned chefs and spectacular views of London’s fireworks. The culinary offerings complement the cultural programming, providing spaces for relaxation and conviviality amid the historic surroundings.Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
Somerset House is committed to accessibility, offering ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets to accommodate visitors with disabilities. The information desk located in Seamen’s Hall provides assistance and details about exhibitions and events. The site is open daily with free general admission, though some exhibitions and events require tickets. Amenities include public restrooms, seating areas, and clear signage, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming visit.Seasonal Highlights and Events
The venue’s calendar is rich with diverse programming year-round. Summer brings the Film4 Summer Screen and dancing fountains, while winter features the iconic ice rink and festive markets. Special weekends like the Step Inside 25 celebrate Somerset House’s cultural evolution with family-friendly workshops, performances, and installations. The site also hosts international exhibitions, artist residencies, and community events, making it a focal point for London’s creative life.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Old Watch House
0.1 km
A quaint early 18th-century parish watch house on London’s Strand, offering a rare glimpse into pre-Metropolitan Police community policing.
Strand
0.2 km
Historic London thoroughfare linking Westminster and the City, famed for grand hotels, cultural landmarks, and hidden historical treasures.
Richard D’Oyly Carte Monument
0.3 km
A sculptural homage to Richard D’Oyly Carte’s theatrical and hospitality legacy, nestled in the serene Victoria Embankment Gardens.
Waterloo Bridge
0.3 km
Waterloo Bridge, London’s elegant Thames crossing, famed for its wartime women builders and breathtaking panoramic city views.
Bomber Harris Memorial
0.3 km
A solemn tribute to RAF Bomber Command’s leader and airmen, set within the historic St Clement Danes Church in London’s Temple district.
St Clement Danes Church
0.3 km
Historic London church and Central Church of the Royal Air Force, famed for its Wren architecture, RAF memorials, and iconic 'Oranges and Lemons' bells.
Henry Fawcett Monument
0.3 km
A serene Victorian fountain memorializing Henry Fawcett’s pioneering spirit in social reform and women’s suffrage, nestled in tranquil Embankment Gardens.
Cleopatra's Needle
0.4 km
An ancient Egyptian obelisk on London's Thames Embankment, bridging millennia of history and mystery in the heart of the city.
Major-General Lord Cheylesmore Monument
0.4 km
A serene stone tribute in Victoria Embankment Gardens honoring Major-General Lord Cheylesmore’s military and civic legacy.
Plaque: David Garrick
0.4 km
Honoring David Garrick, the 18th-century actor and theatre innovator, with a commemorative plaque in London’s historic theatre district.
King's Reach commemoration memorial
0.4 km
Historic riverside memorial honoring King George V’s Silver Jubilee and the naming of London’s Thames stretch as 'King’s Reach'.
John Adam St & Adam St
0.4 km
Explore John Adam Street & Adam Street, heart of the Adam brothers’ neoclassical Adelphi development, blending Georgian elegance with modern London vibrancy.
Bow St
0.4 km
Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
York Watergate
0.5 km
Discover the York Watergate, a rare 17th-century gateway marking the old Thames riverside and London's vanished aristocratic waterfront.
Prince Henry's Room
0.5 km
Discover a rare Jacobean timber-framed treasure on Fleet Street, rich with history, ornate plasterwork, and tales from London's past.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Courtauld Gallery
0.1 km
Discover world-class art masterpieces from the Middle Ages to Impressionism in the historic Somerset House setting.
King's College Chapel
0.1 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty and rich history of King's College Chapel, a must-visit Gothic masterpiece in the heart of London.
King's College London
0.1 km
Historic riverside campus blending classical architecture with modern academia in central London’s vibrant cultural heart.
National Trust - Strand Lane "Roman Bath"
0.1 km
Discover London’s hidden Tudor-era cold bath beneath the Strand, where myth and history intertwine in a unique urban relic.
St Mary le Strand Church
0.1 km
Discover the exquisite Baroque beauty and rich heritage of St Mary le Strand Church, a tranquil sanctuary and landmark in the heart of London’s Strand.
Victoria Embankment
0.1 km
Explore Victoria Embankment, a historic riverside promenade in London featuring iconic views, tranquil gardens, and rich Victorian heritage.
Hidden London - Aldwych Station
0.1 km
Step into London’s hidden past with exclusive tours of Aldwych Station, a disused Tube shelter rich in history and wartime stories.
Michael Faraday Statue
0.2 km
A bronze tribute to Michael Faraday, celebrating his revolutionary discoveries in electromagnetism at the heart of London’s engineering heritage.
Mamma Mia!
0.2 km
Experience the joyous ABBA musical Mamma Mia! at London’s Novello Theatre, a timeless West End celebration of love and laughter.
Novello Theatre
0.2 km
A classic West End theatre on Aldwych, home to Mamma Mia! and a refined Edwardian auditorium with excellent sightlines and intimate charm.
Temple Station
0.2 km
Step into history at Temple Station, a Victorian-era gateway to London’s medieval Knights Templar district and legal heritage.
Lyceum Theatre
0.2 km
Experience world-class West End theatre in the historic Lyceum Theatre, home to The Lion King and a jewel of London’s cultural scene.
Duchess Theatre
0.2 km
Discover the intimate charm and rich history of the Duchess Theatre, a West End treasure since 1929 with iconic productions and timeless elegance.
Aldwych Theatre
0.2 km
Experience timeless elegance and captivating performances at London’s historic Aldwych Theatre, a West End treasure with Art Deco charm.
Savoy Theatre
0.3 km
Historic West End theatre famed for Gilbert and Sullivan premieres, blending Victorian roots with stunning Art Deco elegance.
Essential places to dine
Ikoyi Restaurant
0.2 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
0.3 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Balthazar
0.3 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.3 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Sarastro
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Chez Antoinette
0.4 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Rules
0.4 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.4 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Wahaca Southbank
0.5 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.5 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Palm Court Brasserie
0.5 km
Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Inamo Covent Garden
0.5 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Margot
0.5 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Clos Maggiore
0.5 km
Experience London’s most romantic French restaurant with enchanting blossom-filled conservatory and an award-winning wine cellar in Covent Garden.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
0.6 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Store X
0.2 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
London Transport Museum - Shop
0.3 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Twinings - The Strand
0.4 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
0.4 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
The Moomin Shop London
0.4 km
Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
Floral Street
0.5 km
Contemporary floral fragrances crafted with purpose, sustainability, and joy in the heart of London.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
0.5 km
Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Gifts of London
0.6 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
0.6 km
Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
Sugar And Style
0.6 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
Rokit Covent Garden
0.6 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
0.6 km
Discover creative gifts, sustainable homewares, and arts-inspired souvenirs on vibrant Mandela Walk, opposite Royal Festival Hall—a stylish treat amid South Bank's cultural heartbeat.
Urban Outfitters
0.6 km
Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
St Martin's Courtyard
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and relaxation at St Martin's Courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
j-me original design ltd
0.7 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
0.2 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Beaufort Bar
0.2 km
Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
Plume Wine Bar
0.2 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
American Bar
0.2 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
0.3 km
Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
Be At One - Russell Street
0.3 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
0.3 km
Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
Crusting Pipe
0.4 km
Covent Garden wine bar pouring Davy’s finest ports amid live music, British classics and cosy nooks—perfect for pre-theatre indulgence or market rendezvous.
Upstairs At Rules
0.4 km
Discover Upstairs At Rules, a refined cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant, where Edwardian elegance meets expertly crafted drinks in Covent Garden.
Mrs Riot
0.4 km
Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
The Understudy
0.5 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
0.5 km
Step into a Victorian explorer’s world with inventive cocktails, immersive storytelling, and a mechanical mixologist in Covent Garden’s unique speakeasy.
All Bar One Covent Garden
0.5 km
Stylish Covent Garden wine bar serving shareable plates, extensive wines, and cocktails in a lively West End setting—ideal for pre-theatre drinks or group gatherings.
The Old Bank of England
0.5 km
Historic Victorian pub on Fleet Street housed in a former Bank of England branch with grand interiors and legendary London tales.
Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
0.5 km
Dive into Blame Gloria’s neon-lit retro cocktail haven in Covent Garden, where legendary rock vibes and wild themed brunches electrify your night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Proud Late
0.1 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Heaven
0.6 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
0.6 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
0.7 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Roxy
0.7 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.7 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Ivy Club
0.8 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
0.8 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.8 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
The Penthouse London
0.9 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Cirque Du Soul
1.0 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
1.0 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
TSQ Club
1.0 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Club49Soho
1.0 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly