Log in to My Time Out for your personalised guide to what's on in London. It's fast, easy and FREE!
Follow Somerset House to receive updates on new events happening here.
What is 'following'?
Somerset House - © Britta Jaschinski
Somerset House review 2 Users say 5/5 Rate it
The original Somerset House was a Tudor palace commissioned by the Duke of Somerset. In 1775 it was demolished to make way for an entirely new building, effectively the first purpose-built office block in the world. Today it houses a formidable art gallery (the wonderful Courtauld), a beautiful fountain court, a terraced café and a classy restaurant. Having replaced the Hermitage Rooms and Gilbert Collection on the river side of the building in April 2008, the new Embankment Galleries explore connections between art, architecture and design with a series of temporary exhibitions; downstairs a ceremonial Thames barge illustrates the venue's history. In summer, children never tire of running through the choreographed fountains. Family workshops take place at weekends and holidays, and in recent years Somerset House has hosted an outdoor film screen in summer and a wonderfully atmospheric ice-rink in winter.
Events at Somerset House
Somerset House Family Workshops
Arty crafty kids' activities inspired by the Courtauld's collection. Free tickets are available from 1pm at the Info...
London Fashion Week 2012
Brace yourselves, London. The world's fashion press, buying teams and bloggers are hitting town this February for Lon...
London Fashion Weekend
In the wake of London Fashion Week, this shopping and style event features catwalk shows showcasing spring/summer 201...
Somerset House details
Follow Somerset House to receive updates on new events happening here.
What is 'following'?020 7845 4600
Courtauld Gallery (020 7848 2526): 10am-6pm daily (last adm 5.30pm). £6, £4.50 concs, children under 18 free; 10am-2pm Mon free, excluding bank hols
Somerset House map
Restaurants near Somerset House
See all restaurants near Somerset HouseBars & pubs near Somerset House
See all bars & pubs near Somerset HouseComments & ratings 5/5 (Average of 2 ratings)
Indeed Somerset house has more happening then most people visiting London would realise. It is a true hidden jem which is ironic because it is also one of the larger buildings that are open to the public. A beautiful historic hosting some very up today events. As well as the family workshops a number of events for adults have been run in the evening which have been very well recived. An evening of no presure creative play with a glass of wine in one hand accompanied by sounds from chilled DJ's is a very plesent way to pass the time.
Time Out guides and magazines
Useful links
Things to do in London
- London restaurants
- London events
- London theatre
- London bars and pubs
- London clubs
- Film listings
- London tickets and offers
- Alternative London
- London museums
- London music
- London art
- London shopping
- London Olympics
- Gay and lesbian London
- London cabaret
- London comedy
- London for kids
- Books and poetry
- Dance in London
- Festivals
- London hotels
- Classical music in London
London by area
- Brixton guide
- Borough guide
- Bermondsey guide
- City of London guide
- Dalston guide
- Mayfair guide
- Camden guide
- Clapham guide
- Covent Garden guide
- Greenwich guide
- Stoke Newington guide
- Hammersmith guide
- Hampstead guide
- Highgate guide
- Holborn guide
- King's Cross guide
- Islington guide
- West End guide
- Hackney guide
- Marylebone guide
- London Bridge guide
- Little Venice guide
- Richmond guide
- Shoreditch guide
- Soho guide
- South Bank guide
- Wimbledon guide
- Notting Hill guide
Time Out Worldwide
Get our weekly newsletter
Share your thoughts