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    Somerset House

    4.2 (70 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Somerset House Photos

    SOMERSET HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Somerset House

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    The watch house @watchhouse watchhouse.com is perfect for meeting people and enjoying your life in solidarity.
    Lee M.

    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.

    More decor
    Char S.

    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.

    'Get Up Stand Up Now' exhibit.
    Prudence M.

    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.

    Black paint and gold nails created this stunner.
    Karen J.

    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.

    I'm with the Triple boobed bedazzled woman.
    Ze'eva K.

    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?

    winter
    Rachel Z.

    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.

    Onwards to the exhibition!
    Hong N.

    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...

    Somerset House Trust (Film4)
    Patrick L.

    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.

    Lightwells
    Nickie C.

    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!

    Daniel F.

    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.

    Sony World Photography Awards 2016
    Henri R.

    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.

    North Wing and route to the Strand
    Mei S.

    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.

    Ice Skating
    Sarah V.

    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.

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    Somerset House Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Somerset House

    Thank you Somerset House for the amazing ice rink that opens during Winter!

    Mentioned in 13 reviews

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    People searched for Museums 504 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

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    Guildhall Art Gallery - Inside the main upstairs Victorian gallery featuring Pre-Raphaelite art. Free entry.

    Guildhall Art Gallery

    4.8(8 reviews)
    1.1 miThe City
    £

    When you are in the City (Square Mile) of London, be sure to think about stopping in the wonderful…read moreGuildhall Art Gallery. This is a free art museum so all you need is the time. There are many British paintings but the largest collection is from the Victorian era ... yes there are lots of Pre-Raphaelites. The 18th Century American painter John Singleton Copley is represented by his huge masterpiece 'Defeat of the Floating batteries at Gibraltar.' And at the lowest lever level of the museum are the discovered ruins of the great Roman amphitheatre in Londinium. Everything is displayed nicely and the Guildhall Art Gallery staff are especially friendly. Don't miss it!

    This gallery is a diamond in the rough. I had no idea this place even existed *bows head in shame*…read more I went online to find free art galleries in London and was lead to this place. Best. Find .Ever! Hallelujah! They have free guide tours on specific times and days - It is so worth checking out. The tour guide was incredibly informative with the history and knowledge of the artist behind each paintings. There was a group of us who was shown around the gallery (it is huge!) and our heads were filled with so much incredible information about the history of London. The highlight of the gallery is the last remains of amphitheatre which is down by the basement. For someone who has a passion for history, this place blew me away. It is certainly worth checking out!

    Photos
    Guildhall Art Gallery
    Guildhall Art Gallery - Copley's monumental  'Defeat of the Floating Batteries at Gibraltar.'

    Copley's monumental 'Defeat of the Floating Batteries at Gibraltar.'

    Guildhall Art Gallery - Roman ruins from the Londinium amphitheatre

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    Roman ruins from the Londinium amphitheatre

    Victoria Miro Gallery

    Victoria Miro Gallery

    4.3(9 reviews)
    1.6 miIslington
    £

    The Yayoi Kusama exhibition is taking place at present and the venue is perfect for it...albeit a…read morelittle hot on a warm day. The queues are pretty long on a weekend as it's only open on Saturday but worth the wait. Everything is super visual and pretty. Really nice experiences.

    I visited this gallery to have a look at the Yayoi Kusama exhibition which is running until the…read more30th July. I arrived shortly before 10am (opening time) to be greeted with a long queue outside. Thankfully the line moved pretty quickly and I was soon inside. The staff did say that the exhibition is extremely popular on Saturdays so it is probably advisable to get there as close to opening time as possible. As the exhibition contains several mirrored rooms, which visitors can go in individually or in small groups, you do end up queueing again to get into each one, although the staff are very helpful and good at limiting the time to keeping things moving (you get 20 seconds in the pumpkin room and a minute in the others). The art itself is very cool, the mirrored rooms are excellent and each provides a very different experience (and some great photo opportunities!) The garden is really relaxing with a big pond containing another installation. If you do visit, make sure you go and have a look at the paintings and also the Rana Begum 'The Space Between' exhibition which is equally beautiful. I really enjoyed this gallery and exhibition and will definitely be keeping an eye on the listings for future exhibitions at Victoria Miro Gallery.

    Photos
    Victoria Miro Gallery - Queue on a Saturday around 1pm

    Queue on a Saturday around 1pm

    Victoria Miro Gallery - Courtesy http://www.victoria-miro.com/about/

    Courtesy http://www.victoria-miro.com/about/

    Victoria Miro Gallery

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    The Horse Hospital - The Horse Hospital

    The Horse Hospital

    4.1(10 reviews)
    0.9 miBloomsbury
    ££

    Unusual, weird and so my type. Firstly, the place makes you…read morean impression just by hearing the name. Yes, it was a horse hospital long ago. The old building gets you that strange feeling and you just know there is something special inside. If you're an admirer of unusual art -- you know you have to come here. I advert some exhibitions may be confusing or disturbing. Expect anything -- underground artists, performance artists, filmmakers, alternative musicians, photographers, fashion designers, and writers. Yesterday there was an exhibition of drawings form Neringa Plange which I adored. Her art is different from the illustrations you're used to see. She creates an alternative reflection of feelings on fabric. What's the most surprising thing you can contemplate here? Check the events on their site and come art from a different view.

    I'm almost reluctant to post about this place. I want to keep it for myself, you see. So what can I…read moresay without giving it entirely away? The Horse Hospital prides itself on being London's true home of the avant-garde, and it certainly has a point. So far as ground level chaotic avant-garde activity in London there's not much doing, especially when compared with other European centres (i.e. Berlin). For those of us to whom the avant-garde is a kind of sustenance or lifeblood The Horse Hospital is a critical destination. Their programming is varied and crosses disciplines easily and regularly. The best, though, are the mini-festivals that pass through.

    Photos
    The Horse Hospital
    The Horse Hospital
    The Horse Hospital

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    Storey's - Storeys Ltd store front

    Storey's

    5.0(2 reviews)
    0.4 miCovent Garden, Strand
    ££

    Loved the shop. Some of the prints were a bit pricy but I understand the trade. I've been looking…read morefor good prints to bring home to my mother in America and it was the best place to find exactly what I needed. Highly suggest!!

    Magnificent! I was…read moreafter a print of Alexandra Palace for my fella's birthday and was pointed in the direction of Storey's by my mum: "You must have been before - that little store just off St Martin's Lane?" Erm, nope! Well, Storey's certainly is a 'hidden treasure' and I can't believe it's taken me almost three decades in London to discover it. Boxes and boxes of original, rare prints, from London scenes to military and naval to old maps - it's a trove of gems and I could have happily spent the entire day flipping through the images. There were three men serving when I arrived and one helped me to locate a fantastic, large print of Ally Pally from 1875 that was exactly what I was looking for. I continued to explore and also found a smaller print of 1820s Covent Garden market from 1885 and one of the Globe Theatre from 1885. The prices vary wildly in price, for example the small Globe print was a reasonable £30 while a similar sized map of north London was £230! Yikes! Many of them are extremely rare original prints and engravings, so it really depends on their age I guess. As I've said before, size isn't everything! My purchases cost me a modest £150 without framing, not bad considering their quality and uniqueness! They provide a framing service here but I wasn't sure where we'd hang them so decided to hold on so I could pick an appropriate frame later. This really is a great place to come for a thoughtful and unique gift for friends, family or that 'someone special'... or even just to treat yourself! If I'm in the area and have time to kill I will definitely be popping back in for a look around - I could spend hours in Storey's!

    Somerset House - museums - Updated May 2026

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