Visit Somerset House — London’s riverside masterpiece for art, fashion, and history. Discover its grand courtyard, galleries, and creative energy.

Visit Somerset House London

Standing proudly beside the River Thames, Somerset House is one of London’s most elegant cultural landmarks. Once a royal palace and now a thriving arts centre, it blends centuries of history with cutting-edge creativity.

Whether you come for the art exhibitions, riverside views, or winter ice rink, Somerset House offers something for everyone — all within a setting of stunning Neoclassical architecture.

A Royal and Artistic Legacy

The site’s story begins in the 16th century, when Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset and uncle to King Edward VI, built a grand riverside palace. It later became home to royal residents, including Queen Elizabeth I, who used it as a base before ascending the throne.

By the late 18th century, the medieval palace was demolished to make way for the magnificent Neoclassical building you see today. Designed by Sir William Chambers and completed in 1801, it became a hub for the arts, sciences, and government.

Architecture and Design

Somerset House’s vast stone façade and central courtyard reflect the ideals of balance and grandeur that defined the Georgian era. The design features:

A grand riverside terrace overlooking the Thames.

The Fountain Court, lined with 55 jets that dance and sparkle by day and light up at night.

Majestic colonnades and sweeping staircases that frame the building’s symmetrical beauty.

Inside, elegant galleries, vaulted corridors, and high ceilings create a timeless backdrop for art and events.

Art, Culture, and Creativity

Today, Somerset House is a vibrant centre for contemporary culture. It hosts exhibitions, performances, and festivals that celebrate art, design, film, and music.

The Courtauld Gallery

Located in the North Wing, the Courtauld Gallery houses one of the UK’s finest art collections. Masterpieces include works by Monet, Van Gogh, Manet, and Cézanne, alongside medieval and Renaissance treasures.

Somerset House Studios

A home for London’s creative community, Somerset House Studios provides space for artists, musicians, and designers to collaborate and experiment.

Seasonal Events

Summer: Open-air cinema, courtyard concerts, and exhibitions.

Winter: The famous Somerset House Ice Rink, one of London’s festive highlights.

Year-Round: Talks, pop-ups, design fairs, and installations that transform the courtyard and galleries.

A Riverside Landmark

The terrace of Somerset House offers panoramic views across the Thames to the South Bank. Once reserved for courtiers, it’s now open to everyone — a perfect spot for photographs, reflection, or simply soaking in the atmosphere.

Cafés and restaurants line the courtyard, serving everything from afternoon tea to seasonal menus, making the palace as lively today as it was in its royal heyday.

Things to Do Nearby

Somerset House lies in the heart of London’s West End, close to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks:

The National Gallery – World-class art on Trafalgar Square.

Covent Garden – Historic market halls filled with shops, dining, and street performances.

The Royal Opera House – One of the world’s great performance venues.

Temple Church – A medieval gem tucked just behind the Strand.

South Bank – Walk across Waterloo Bridge for theatres, galleries, and riverside views.

Plan Your Visit

Managed by: Somerset House Trust

Entry: Free public access to courtyard and exhibitions; charges apply for some events.

Location: Strand, London WC2R 1LA.

Transport: Nearest stations – Temple, Embankment, or Covent Garden.

Opening Hours: Typically 10am–6pm; seasonal variations for events.

Facilities: Restaurants, cafés, shop, restrooms, and accessible routes.

for more information, please visit Official Somerset House website

Why Visit Somerset House?

The Somerset House London experience brings together history, architecture, and creativity. Once a palace of power, it’s now a palace of art — where Georgian grandeur meets modern innovation.

Whether you come for fine art at the Courtauld Gallery, the thrill of skating under the stars, or the calm of the river terrace, Somerset House is one of London’s most inspiring cultural spaces.

Step through its arches — and discover how this historic palace continues to shape the city’s artistic heart.