Somerset House, London

Name: Somerset House
Address: The Strand, London, WC2R 1LA, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 7845 4600

#114 among attractions in London

Museum, Vernacular architecture, Georgian architecture, Art museum, More...

Gallery (17)

Map

Gallery

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Facts and practical information

Somerset House is a grand neoclassical building nestled on the south side of the Strand in central London, England. This cultural and arts center, with its magnificent courtyard and stately rooms, stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage and vibrant contemporary arts scene. Originally built in the late 18th century, Somerset House was designed by Sir William Chambers as a public office building and has since evolved into a hub for art, culture, and entertainment.

Visitors to Somerset House are treated to a diverse array of attractions. The building houses the Courtauld Gallery, renowned for its impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, as well as other fine art. It also plays host to a variety of temporary exhibitions and installations, featuring everything from fashion and design to photography and multimedia art.

During the winter months, Somerset House's courtyard is transformed into a picturesque ice-skating rink, offering a unique and enchanting experience against the backdrop of the historic architecture. In the summer, the same space becomes a venue for open-air concerts and film screenings, making it a year-round destination for entertainment.

Educational workshops, guided tours, and interactive events are regularly scheduled, providing insights into the history of the building and its role in the cultural life of London. The site also offers a selection of cafes and restaurants, where visitors can relax and enjoy the ambiance of this iconic London landmark.

Alternative names: Architectural style: NeoclassicismCoordinates: 51°30'39"N, 0°7'3"W

Address

The StrandCity of Westminster (St. James's)London WC2R 1LA United Kingdom

Contact

+44 20 7845 4600

Website

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London

Day trips

Somerset House – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: London Transport Museum, Victoria Embankment Gardens, Courtauld Institute of Art, Waterloo Bridge.

~950 ftNW
Vintage London buses, trains and trams
London Transport Museum, London
5 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum offers a captivating journey through the evolution of London's iconic transport system. This museum, a treasure trove for transport enthusiasts and history buffs alike, is housed in a charming Victorian...
~580 ftSW
Park, Garden
Victoria Embankment Gardens, London
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of London, Victoria Embankment Gardens offers a serene respite from the hustle and bustle of the city’s busy streets. This charming public park, situated along the north bank of the River Thames, provides locals and tourists alike with a...
~330 ftN
Museum
Courtauld Institute of Art, London
2 min walk • Nestled in the heart of London, the Courtauld Institute of Art is a prestigious college specializing in the study of art history, conservation, and curating. It is renowned for its distinguished faculty and an exceptional collection of artworks housed in the Courtauld...
~860 ftS
Bridge
Waterloo Bridge, London
5 min walk • Waterloo Bridge stands as a graceful testament to London's architectural and historical richness. This arch bridge, spanning the River Thames, connects the bustling areas of the Strand to the south bank of the river, near the Southbank Centre and the National Theatre.
~790 ftNW
Shopping, Shopping district
Tavistock Street, London
4 min walk • Tavistock Street is a street in the Covent Garden area of London which runs parallel to the Strand between Drury Lane and Southampton Street just south of the market piazza.
~1050 ftSW
Memorial, Monuments and statues, Sculpture
Cleopatra's Needle, London
6 min walk • Cleopatra's Needle in London is an Egyptian obelisk located in the City of Westminster, on the Victoria Embankment near the Golden Jubilee Bridges. It is close to the Embankment underground station.
~1180 ftNE
Christopher Wren, Church, Baroque architecture
St Clement Danes, London
6 min walk • St Clement Danes is an Anglican church in the City of Westminster, London. It is situated outside the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand.
~300 ftN
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
The Courtauld Gallery, London
2 min walk • The Courtauld Gallery is an art museum in Somerset House, on the Strand in central London. It houses the art collection of the Courtauld Institute of Art, a self-governing college of the University of London specialising in the study of the history of art.
~610 ftNW
Theater, Concerts and shows
Lyceum Theatre, London
3 min walk • The Lyceum Theatre is a West End theatre located in the City of Westminster, on Wellington Street, just off the Strand in central London. It has a seating capacity of 2,100. The origins of the theatre date to 1765.
~870 ftNE
Church, Baroque architecture, Georgian architecture
St Mary le Strand, London
5 min walk • St Mary le Strand is a Church of England church at the eastern end of the Strand in the City of Westminster, London. It lies within the Deanery of Westminster within the Diocese of London.
~210 ftN
Monuments and statues
Statue of George III, London
2 min walk • The statue of George III, Somerset House, formally titled George III and the River Thames, is a Grade I listed outdoor bronze sculptural group depicting King George III and Neptune or Father Thames, located in the quadrangle of Somerset House, London, England. The sculptor was John Bacon, and the statue was erected between 1778 and 1789.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Somerset House open?

Somerset House is open:

Monday 8 am - 11 pm
Tuesday 8 am - 11 pm
Wednesday 8 am - 11 pm
Thursday 8 am - 11 pm
Friday 8 am - 11 pm
Saturday 8 am - 11 pm
Sunday 8 am - 11 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Somerset House?

Nearby attractions include Civil Service Rifles War Memorial, London (1 min walk), Statue of George III, London (2 min walk), The Courtauld Gallery, London (2 min walk), Courtauld Institute of Art, London (2 min walk).

How to get to Somerset House by public transport?

The nearest stations to Somerset House:

Bus

Lancaster Place / Somerset House • Lines: N343 (2 min walk)
Lancaster Place • Lines: 26 (2 min walk)

Metro

Temple • Lines: Circle, District (4 min walk)
Covent Garden • Lines: Piccadilly (9 min walk)

Ferry

Festival Pier • Lines: Green Tour (7 min walk)
Embankment • Lines: Green Tour, Rb1, Rb1X, Rb2, Rb6 (8 min walk)

Train

Charing Cross (9 min walk)
London Waterloo (15 min walk)