Somerset house is supposed to have a great ice skating rink and holiday d decorations right in the center of London. If I'd known about that in advance I would have never come as I never developed skills to ice skate having lived all my life in California. Normally I would not pay money to see a museums in London as all the big government funded museums for the public are free of charge for entry. However we were walking down the embankment area next to the Thames and came across free public bathrooms something unheard of in Europe. The bathrooms were connected to a restaurant which was part of the somerset house. Wife and I feeling relieved gladly paid the money for the entry fee. Several buildings with paintings and photographs from around the world both of people and of animals in their natural setting. Looked like a series of pictures from covers of national geographic magazines. Ended up paying 30 GBP or $39 for two entries, an expensive public bathroom visit. read more

See all

Funky little art gallery / museum in a historic building. When I was passing by I saw this strange exhibition called 'Cute'. I didn't expect to see this pop-art show here. I'm going to make this a regular stop while in London because I like the weirdness of it all. read more

See all

Welcoming a showcase of black business and creativity is the Somerset House in Aldwych where the London School of Economics presently remains, for now. Well, what are you waiting for in a city designed to drive and improve upon greatness. read more

See all

I was in London, August of 2022, when the underground and buses were on strike. This meant a lot of walking, but it turned out to be an amazing thing. I stumbled onto Somerset House and they were having a festival, "This Bright Land". The décor made me think of Alice in Wonderland. I had my make up done for free, I was given a Clinique face cream that is amazing, I ate African food for the first time, and I got to watch The Wizard of Oz on the big screen. Overall, it was an incredible experience that I will cherish the rest of my life. I highly recommend checking it out. read more

See all

Multiple visits to London, but my first time going to Somerset house. First few moments in, I encountered a couple of unfriendly workers, but in the end, most I encountered were nice - especially the guy at the reception/ticket desk (clear plastic framed glasses) who took a few pics of me. As for the 'Get Up Stand Up Now' exhibit, it greatly exceeded my expectations. Being from the states, I'm interested as well in the Black British experience and these works tell many stories and fill in many gaps. Art, sculpture, film, fabric, music, writing - so many mediums. I wanted to just stay there. So fulfilling. Exhibit is on June 12th thru Sept 15th, 2019. read more

See all

I loved this place. It is an old royal estate built in 1776..It is now part of so English trust and serves as a museum. Went to see the Contemporary African Art fair and it did not disappoint. Very talented and imaginative artists and their work. I am so glad everything I wanted had a dot next to it (wink, wink). There were pieces made from computer parts like keyboards and motherboards. Then there was my fav piece, a beautiful woman brought to life with black paint and Golden nails. read more

See all

Christmas ice rink Valentino haute couture exhibition Isabella Blow fashion exhibition London fashion show + fashion weekend Indie photographers exhibitions Christmas Shopping Arcade Courtauld gallery ... I'd feel lucky to see any one of them, yet I've been to all of them, all at Somerset House. Somerset House is an incredibly beautiful neoclassical building with a huge courtyard. The building itself has a rich history (that you can read on wikipedia) and is worth visiting just for the architecture. The location is great, overlooking the River Thames, east of Waterloo Bridge, walking distance to the eventful South Bank. There's a grand terrace at the back of the main building with an amazing view of the river, great for grabbing a beer and just enjoy the open air on a lovely day. There are some decent food and drink options in the building, as well as a few interesting stores. The Courtauld gallery has one of the best impressionism painting collections in London, definitely worth a visit. But what make the place so magical are the ever changing events and exhibitions. There are some remarkable seasonal events: popup cinema in the summer, London fashion week in spring and autumn, ice rink during Christmas time (one of the most beautiful in London)... What I like the most are the non-stop temporary exhibitions. Usually there's a major non-free exhibition (always in the same venue in the main building). I've been to a few, they were all very interesting and well curated. Sometimes there are a few smaller free exhibitions going on in the West Wing, I found those very enjoyable as well. I could easily spend a weekend afternoon here, start with the main exhibition, stop at Tom's Kitchen for a quick bite, take my coffee with me to the smaller exhibitions, shop at some of the popup stores, and then walk across Waterloo bridge to checkout the book market at the South Bank... If you are mildly interested in fashion, fine arts, photography, architecture, history, ice-skating, or even just a nice view, I highly recommend visiting Somerset House. You will never be bored. read more

See all

As a huge fan of tintin I was super excited to hear about the tintin exhibition at Somerset House, and beat of all, for free! However, the exhibition is somewhat disappointing - only three rooms' worth of things tintin related displayed. The wallpaper is probably the best part. I can't give anything tintin related 1/5 so 2/5 it is. Only go if you have other things planned nearby... read more

See all

The versatility of this space actually confuses me a little, so I'm not sure if this review will overstep what people may expect from the Somerset house. I'm going to talk about everything I saw in and around the building. First, The architecture is not something you want to overlook. Notice how even the underground level gets natural light, and the awkward shape of the arch on the street level facing the river. There was a exhibition space that you had to pay to enter, but there was also a free entry exhibition space as well. I think that most of the interior was private, but there were certain spaces one could explore. There was a cafe inside, and perhaps in warmer months the deck facing the south is for cafe seating as well. I was there over Christmas, so the center square was set up for public skating. Unlike Bryant Park in NYC, the people really didn't know how to skate! I wonder what this space is used for in warmer months? Movies? Perhaps? read more

See all

Another one of my favourite places to visit in London. It looks beautiful at any time of day and they have a great selection of exhibits, music concerts, film screenings and it's also one of the nicest places to ice skate in the winter. Centrally located on Strand street and a worthwhile visit even if you only go to appreciate the architecture from the courtyard. read more

Somerset House - Museums Near Me - Strand, XGL

During the first week of every August, each year, Somerset House, is one of the top hub venues for the Film Four screening experience. On the first day of Film Four at Somerset House, they always have the actual film première event, (in other words, an actual celebrity red carpet event) before the actual film is being showcased on the massive TV screen. Film Four at Somerset House will usually have the main cast/crew and the film director, together with film fans, autograph collectors and members of the UK press and other freelance photographers. And also, I'd like to mention celebrity bodyguards as well. Somerset House is the flagship location, of where they broadcast live, the actual runway fashion, catwalk shows of the London Fashion Week. I always like going into Somerset House, whenever I am in the immediate area Somerset House is one of my favourite Neoclassical buildings in London. The next Film Four Summer Screen at Somerset House will take place on Thursday, 06-August-2015 until Wednesday, 19-August-2015; with the opening night event hosted by the 007 Bond actress, Gemma Arterton. Last year in 2014, Film Four Summer Screen at Somerset House was hosted by the French actress, Marion Cotillard (Inception & The Dark Knight Rises). I must say, that event was one of my best days, during the long summer months in London. read more

See all

I came here on a tour, without really knowing what we'd see. The tour was very informative and the guide told us lots about the building and its history. We didn't get to go inside very much, but the tour did take us down to the ligthwells, which are very cool and used for filming lots of movies. It's definitely worth a visit to come on a tour and get a different perspective! read more

Somerset House - Lightwells - Museums Near Me - Strand, XGL

See all

If I ever have a spare moment I always take the time to wander over to Somerset House see if there is any exhibition or event going on. Some are free and some are paid entry but more often than not you will always find something interesting. There are also free tours around the place that you can find on Tues and Thurs; which are really cool (last an hour). I also like to just walk around and discover he the beautiful design the place has. Some of the stairs, shadows, and lighting are quite wonderful depending on the time of day you go. At night during seasonal times they will often have an open-air film screening or ice skating in the middle for all to see. It also houses Fernandez and Wells which is one of my favourite places to drink coffee read a book and people watch. All in all I reckon this is one of my favourite places in London. A treasure. read more

See all

I love this place. From the courtyard with it's fountains which is a perfect place to eat your lunch/catch sun rays. They have a lot of exhibitions. Free ones and ones you have to pay to get in. They have may events too from The Sony Photography Awards 2016 to Photo London. They've also hosted London Fashion Week. There's also a gallery of old paintings. Such an amazing place, such amazing exhibitions. Why are you still reading this - go, go visit it and see for yourself. read more

Somerset House - Sony World Photography Awards 2016 - Museums Near Me - Strand, XGL

This is a very beautiful and historical place, with different wings facing the huge courtyard where in the summer they have outdoor screenings in the evenings, and in the winter, an ice rink. Each wing holds different exhibitions and galleries. Inside, the building is very modern and bright. I went to the International Fashion Showcase during London Fashion Week, which was in the West Wing. Works quite well as each room contained one countries' designers' work, as it is a warren of little rooms with a small cafe in the middle, with a very limited selection of sandwiches and pastries. read more

See all

I love Somerset House, just a beautiful building and the galleries here are wonderful. I was there around Christmas and they had an ice rink which was cool. read more

Came here for the Ice Skating in winter and Film 4 Summer Screen in August. It rained both times (which for me would usually be a night ruiner), but it was great. Staff were friendly & helpful and, the prices are good for what you get. Definitely hoping to return again this year. read more

Somerset House - Ice Skating - Museums Near Me - Strand, XGL

See all

I've been to Somerset House many times now and always have a great time. They put on so many different events and exhibits, you never know which space they'll be using next. I've see concerts outside, and also watched people skate in the Winter. The main reasons for me visiting are usually their thoughtful exhibits. In the past I have seen a creative exhibit on water which took place in the tunnel below the building. I've seen another on tattoos, one on 'rudboy culture', while many of the recent ones have involved technology. Today I visited for their Big Bang Data exhibit, which was entry with a paid ticket. It was so worth the entrance cost. It featured a brief history on data and how it's been stored through the years, how it's moved, and what the 'cloud' is really all about (a lot of physical machines actually). There are two coffee shops you can take a break at during your visit. Come, explore, and check out the amazing building itself. Wait until the sun sets as well, it's a steller view at night. read more

See all

Neoclassicism - the revival and debate. Somerset House has the cultural flair to entice you for further engagement. Aww....come on its not boring at all and certainly very much in vogue. Privilage yourself and take in the artistic temperament of the multitude of creative engagements offered. From Visual arts, Film, Music, Literature and soon to start Ice-skating; Somerset praises itself to entertain and educate you in any or all of the above. Especially if your free on a Thursday evening, they have adult art educational classes from 6.30 - 8.30 at the cost of £8.00; called Art on the Line. Amd lots more waiting for you in house, so whenever its raining spend some time here. After all you get to walk within the spaces that once were the private residences to the queens of England. Pleasantly today its a more accessible cultural space. read more

Somerset House - The Palace itself - Museums Near Me - Strand, XGL

Arrived for a meeting to a beautiful open area with a bar and seating overlooking the river. Lovely in the sunshine, though I suspect even better at night with the covering and music. Possibly slightly pretentious, but definitely a nice break from the usual pubs and bars of London. Didn't get a chance to try the food, but the menu looked delicious. read more

Somerset House - Museums Near Me - Strand, XGL

Lovely exhibits. Interactive scientifically relevant elements. Interesting and beautiful... Some of the peaces where a let down but the others made up for it. read more

See all

As far as being a sanctuary away from the craziness of central London Somerset House deserves 5 stars. As far as a cafe goes that has friendly staff and tasty food, this place get 3 stars. As a result, 4 stars! It's a beautiful place to bring the kids on a hot summers day as the can run through the fountains. The cafe inside is a little stuffy when is hot but outside you can feel calm and relaxed under the umbrellas and sip their homemade iced teas. One thing you really should do if you get the chance is watch a movie here in summer. bring cushions friends and cider to make it a perfect evening! read more

I love the Somerset House. Almost all of their exhibitions are always very much worth it and most of them (photography in the East Wing) are for free. Most of the exhibitions are very modern: fashion, contemporary, pop-art. Next month you have the Pick-Me-Up festival which we already booked tickets for because last year's edition was incredibly cool. Also, the building with its courtyard is fantastic. Especially in the summer when you can relax on the pavement with a drink you either brought yourself or you visit the fantastic tapas bar 'Fernandez & Wells' which has amazing food. It gets quite busy on sunny summer weekends, but do try to get a table there and have lunch before or after you head for an exhibition. They do amazing sandwiches, chorizo and cheeses. read more

We had tickets for the Bjork Digital exhibition. I can't tell you what it was like because they wouldn't let us in. We arrived at Somerset House exactly on the ticket time. The event wasn't sign posted well but we found it in the end on the western wing down a long corridor. This took 4-5 minutes to walk to the actual exhibit entry point where we were told we couldn't enter because we were LATE at 5 minutes past the advertised ticket time. Can you believe it? I couldn't. We were told that the ticket said to arrive 15 minutes before. In that case the ticket should be for 6.45pm, not 7pm. They didn't care but we did, having wasted a whole evening plan and £30. Afterwards we contacted Somerset House for a re-booking. They refused. Couldn't care less. There's customer service for you. Happy to take your money, could care less about anything else. Won't be spending my money on any events there again. read more

Somerset house is one of my favourite cultural destinations as you can spend the whole day seeing a wide variety of fabulous things without even leaving their beautiful neoclassical setting. Their programme is packed with a variety of visual art spectacles, from poetry readings, lunchtime talks and workshops to tours of the building itself. Whilst the mighty Courtland Gallery has an outstanding collection of 19th Century French art and the new Embankment Galleries showcase more diverse, contemporary exhibitions. All under one hell of an impressive roof! Admittedly, last time I came was over the summer (I keep meaning to get back there) and I saw an excellent exhibition on the parallels running though fashion and architecture in the modern galleries whilst the Courtland was showing some of the most famous Impressionist works I've spent years learning about; their very modestly curated exhibition was truly an inspiration. They also boast a lovely café, a fancier restaurant, and currently they have a spectacular ice rink in the courtyard that's possibly one of the most romantic winter settings you could wish to find in London. If that wasn't enough, Somerset House is placed on the bank of the Thames so you can end your day with a walk along the promenade as dusk falls. Perfect. read more

Went for the Tim Walker exhibit and it blew my mind. Incredibly laid out with giant props and fantastic set ups of framed photos. Different levels, vastly different sizes, beautifully displayed. It was the most gorgeous exhibit I have ever seen in my life; no exaggeration. And it was FREE! The bathrooms are gigantic and very clean with a lot of mirrors. Big points for that. (Although you have to go down some steep stairs to get there, which was a little stressful in heels.) The only drawbacks: it closes fairly early (5:15 pm on Friday for the last entry, unlike the National Portrait Gallery's 9 pm and the V&A's 10 pm) and the floor had gaps in it that caused my stilettos to fall through the cracks multiple times. I can't wait to return to see something else! The location is also fantastic; walked to the Portrait Gallery afterwards. read more

Loooove this venue. From art to concerts to iceskating, always a great experience. This time around I went to the Pick Me Up design fest. Every year is great, but I was clever this time and went in the morning to avoid the crowds read more

See all

Somerset House always has a wide variety of things to do and see: exhibitions; ice skating (in winter); an outdoor cinema festival (in summer - there's one on as I write this); and places to eat and drink (the Fernandez & Wells cafe serves very good coffee). If, like me, you are a fan of English churches from an aesthetic perspective, you will probably enjoy the exhibition "Nicholas Hawksmoor: Methodical Imaginings". Located in the Terrace Rooms in the South Wing of the building, it examines the work of the English architect with particular reference to some of the churches in central London that he designed in the early 18th century. The exhibition consists of a small number of large monochrome photographs that show the beauty and scale of Hawksmoor's architecture. It runs until 1 September, 2013. Admission is free. It's well worth a visit. read more

I had the pleasure of attending the Sony Photography Show this year at the Somerset House. It was a good show but in truth, it didn't compare to walking around the Somerset House and enjoying it's own beauty. I could have taken photos of it all day long and into the night. If you have a chance to attend any function here, jump at the opportunity. It is one of those grand buildings of London's history and shouldn't be missed. You will love it. read more

Nice inner courtyard away from the traffic and hub-bub of London, family-friendly atmosphere with children running around in the upward fountains on a hot sunny day. Nice cafe. Great exhibitions here too but you often have to book in advance. Also great space for music gigs and films in the summer. Recommend this venue. read more

Somerset House - Museums Near Me - Strand, XGL

Quick highlights: Awesome venue, rolling stones exhibit this summer. Gallery free on Monday, look online for free tours. Absolutely beautiful building on the Strand, next to the Thames... read more

I waited in the upstairs bar to the right as my wife viewed the Isabella Blow exhibition. She raved about the exhibition. I was not allowed in by I was carrying a bag. I know... a ghastly crime. But, despite being turned away my frown was turned upside down by a friendly and busy bar staff. Good customer service there. read more

Fantastic building with many uses. I enjoyed sitting out on the terrace with Thames views, wandering through the Fortnum and Mason indoor 'christmas market', watching the ice skaters and checking out the exhibition of Herge's cartoon creation Tin Tin. You can eat and drink at Somerset House too. Whats not to love! read more

Somerset House - Skate at the ice rink - Museums Near Me - Strand, XGL

Thank you Somerset House for the amazing ice rink that opens during Winter! The lights were fantastic, so is the huge Christmas Tree right at the front. The hire shoes are pretty decent (not like the horrible ones I got at the Bayswater ice rink!), and they have a pretty good DJ belting out classics that you could really groove to! The not so goods - cloak room has a hire charge, normal "London" price cafe next to it, they do not allow you to bring bags with you whilst ice skating (they definitely allowed me at Bayswater and Natural History Museum as well as the London Eye ice rinks!) - not even a small lady's hand bag! I love the training section of the ice rink too, this is a small corridor where a qualified person stands and you can ask them to teach you things, and practise those skating backwards moves of course! read more

I love Somerset house for many reasons. Firstly it houses world famous paintings and admission is free of charge which is nice. In the summertime it's so nice to just sit outside with a cool drink and watch kids go crazy in the sprinklers, in the wintertime you have ice skating so the main court yard is put to good use each season. Sometimes I come here for the free lectures which you can find out about on the website. There always seems to be something interesting going on here and it's a great place to come with a group or family. read more

If you're looking for something to do on a lazy Sunday by the Thames, Somerset House is a great place to start. Their exhibitions are arty, but not pretentious, hosting a range of wonderful photography in their galleries which are usually free to pop in and see. They also have a Fernandez and Wells coffee shop here, with plenty seating outside so it's perfect for people watching while you warm up with a cup of tea. read more

"Wouldn't it be nice" is the last exhibition i saw here recently - and I was really disappointed. Such an amazing exhibition was the "Skin and Bones " show in August - which marked the opening of the gallery. This museum is interesting because it is set up to show primarily the "applied" arts - as in photography,fashion,design and architecture. The gallery space is not that big and set out over two floors - it took me an unsettling short amount of time to walk thru this one.I spent a long time going thru the previous show. The place Somerset House is lovely and it is worth having a tea or coffee on the gorgeous stone "balcony" overlooking the Thames outside the cafe. It really is breathtaking particularly in this weather ! The bookshop before the exhibition is also really impressive - you can really spend time here looking - lots of specialized books and magazines and hard to find reference material. Altogether not a great show however the place is great -- and i would give it another go -- it is a really pleasant afternoon. read more

Beautiful place to spend few hours. Most exhibition is free and you get to visit inside the house (have a look at the ceilings!!) read more

Somerset House - Inside of the Sommerset House - Museums Near Me - Strand, XGL

What a triumph of a building or should I say collection of buildings. When can you dine out, have a coffee, see some contemporary art, what a movie outside, see the latest technologies, take part in events and so much more.. all in one place. Somerset house is a wonderful place, beautiful and grand. No wander its host to a dozen society parties, events and don't forget.. London Fashion week. Its incredible. I'm suprised if you've not gone yourself. Always keep checking the latest events, as if you ever central, then its worth even popping in for a short while! read more

Summary based on several visits: --good to great art in the Courtauld Gallery, expect a lot of stairs --too bad the Hermitage Rooms aren't operating anymore as an exhibition space. They used to have some great art from the Hermitage in Russia. Oh well. --Very interesting setting, especially with the ice rink in winter --easy to get to, especially by bus read more