Somerset House is a grand neoclassical building between the Strand and the River Thames, now one of London's busiest arts and culture centres. Its huge courtyard, riverside terrace and many of its spaces are free to walk into, while exhibitions, the Courtauld Gallery and seasonal events such as the winter ice rink are ticketed. It is a good place to drop into between Covent Garden and the South Bank.
Why visit Somerset House
The current building was designed by Sir William Chambers in the late eighteenth century on the site of an earlier Tudor palace. For most of its life it housed government offices, including the tax authorities, before being opened up as a public arts venue from the late 1990s onward.
Today Somerset House mixes exhibitions on art, design, fashion and photography with studios, restaurants and a programme of events. The Courtauld Gallery, in the north wing, holds one of the finest small collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in Britain.
How to get to Somerset House by Tube
The nearest station is Temple on the District and Circle lines. From the station, walk up the steps to the Strand or along the Embankment, and the river entrance and Embankment Galleries are a few minutes' walk to the west. Note that Temple can have reduced opening on some days, so check before you travel.
Other nearby stations:
- Covent Garden (Piccadilly line): about ten minutes on foot via the Strand.
- Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines) and Embankment (District, Circle, Northern and Bakerloo lines): ten to fifteen minutes away.
- Waterloo: a walk north across Waterloo Bridge, which lands right beside the building.
Somerset House tickets and opening hours
Entry to the courtyard, the riverside terrace and many of the public spaces of Somerset House is free. Exhibitions usually charge, though some smaller displays are free. The Courtauld Gallery has its own tickets and booking, and the winter ice rink and summer outdoor concerts and film screenings sell out quickly, so book early. Opening times vary between the courtyard, galleries and restaurants. Check the official websites, somersethouse.org.uk and courtauld.ac.uk, for current exhibitions, hours and prices.
Highlights at Somerset House
The Fountain Court
The great courtyard is the heart of the building. In warmer months, rows of fountain jets rise from the paving and children run through them. In winter, it becomes one of London's most famous ice rinks.
The Courtauld Gallery
The Courtauld's collection includes well-known paintings by Manet, Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin, among others. It is compact, so you can see the highlights in an hour.
The River Terrace
The long terrace above the Embankment has views along the Thames toward the London Eye and the City, with seating from the cafes in good weather.
Exhibitions and events
Temporary exhibitions in the various wings change regularly, and the building hosts talks, workshops, summer concerts and an open-air film series.
Eating and drinking
Somerset House has several cafes and restaurants, including spots in the courtyard and along the river side of the building. In summer, the terrace is a pleasant place for a drink with views of the Thames. Toilets and cloakrooms are available for visitors, and there is step-free access to most of the public spaces.
The building is large and its galleries are spread across several wings, so check which entrance is closest to the exhibition you are visiting. The Strand entrance leads straight into the main courtyard, while the Embankment entrance is handy if you are walking along the river from Temple or Westminster.
Best time to visit
The winter skating season and summer concerts are the busiest times, so book ahead. On ordinary weekdays the courtyard is calm and good for a coffee break. Allow an hour for a walk round and the terrace, and two to three hours if you plan to see an exhibition and the Courtauld.
Nearby on the same stop
- Covent Garden: the market piazza, street performers and theatres a short walk north-west.
- Temple Church and the Inns of Court: quiet historic lanes east of the station.
- Waterloo Bridge: for one of the classic river views of London.
- The South Bank: across the bridge, with the Southbank Centre and National Theatre.
- St Clement Danes: the church on an island in the Strand.
Discover more around Temple on the Somerset House page, or browse the London guide for places by Tube station.