The first time I entered Somerset House, I wasn’t planning to go in—I was just trying to escape from the heavy rainfall. But sometimes, the best discoveries happen by accident.
I entered through the nearest entrance and found myself standing in a courtyard that looked like something out of a movie.
That spontaneous visit turned into a whole afternoon of exploring hidden art exhibitions. Since then, Somerset House has become one of my favourite spots in London.
If you’re curious about what makes this place so special, you found the right guide. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for Instagram-worthy snaps, this travel guide has everything you shouldn’t miss covered.
Where is Somerset House
Somerset House is located on the Strand, London WC2R 1LA, United Kingdom.
Things to know about Somerset House
Contact: +44 20 7845 4600 and [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 11 PM
Admission rate: Free
How to get to Somerset House
Closest tube station: The easiest and fastest way to get to Somerset House is to hop on the London Underground and head towards Temple Station. Once there, Somerset House is just a five-minute walk across the street.
What to do and see at Somerset House
Experience the historical highlights tour
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This tour is perfect for history buffs who want to know the fascinating stories of Somerset House. The tour will take you back to the iconic art gallery’s past, including the reason why it’s near the River Thames and more.
Another interesting thing the tour will reveal is the notable people who have lived and worked in the establishment across the centuries. You’ll get to know queens like Queen Elizabeth I, Anne of Denmark, and Catherine of Braganza.
Most importantly, the tour will grant you access to the closed doors, where you’ll see more interesting things. One of them is Deadhouse, a hidden chamber under the main courtyard, with remnants of a former chapel and a collection of gravestones.
Bond with your loved ones by going on a family-friendly tour
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Available every Saturday, Somerset’s family-friendly tour will give your family a memorable visit to the art gallery. You’ll surely enjoy your day off with the kids through this experience.
Except for the Deadhouse, you’ll explore most of the spots included on the historical highlights tour. What’s great is the additional information you’ll only discover through this tour.
One of them is Horatio Nelson’s childhood life, and the specific staircases and corridors where kings and queens once walked. Another one is the jobs children might have had during the Gregorian and Victorian periods.
See the art collections at The Courtauld Gallery
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For art enthusiasts, the historic masterpieces at The Courtauld Gallery will surely satisfy your eyes. As the British newspaper The Telegraph said, this gallery is one of the city’s jewels and the house of post-impressionist art.
One of the rooms, the LVMH Great Room, is historical. It’s London’s oldest art exhibition space and was named after LVMH, the luxury goods company that supported the gallery’s renovation.
I really loved the Blavatnik Fine Rooms, which consist of six galleries on the second floor. The rooms display artworks from the Renaissance period, like Sandro Botticelli’s The Trinity with Saints which I fell in love with.
Where to eat and drink in & near Somerset House
WatchHouse – Somerset House
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Location: East Wing, Somerset House, Strand
Contact: +44 20 7257 9400 and [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Pricing: £
Good to know: Best for brunch options
WatchHouse is the perfect choice if you want to enjoy brunch before or after your visit. They boast eight meals on their brunch menu, including stacked pancakes, poached eggs, and avocado on sourdough.
If you arrive at Somerset House early, I recommend trying their pastries which are available until 11 AM. Some of them are various kinds of croissants, like almonds, and more.
Not only that, they also serve 11 kinds of coffee, so there are plenty of options for your daily dose of morning caffeine. Some coffees they serve are latte, batch brew, and long black.
Cafe Petiole
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Location: South Wing, Somerset House, Strand
Contact: +44 7842 797541 and [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Pricing: £
Good to know: Best for vegan options
Cafe Petiole is the cafe to visit if you’re in the mood to feast on plant-based meals. You’ll surely love the wide range of vegan options they offer to their guests.
What I love here is the wide selection of sweets. They serve 10 baked desserts with at least one fruit or vegetable ingredient. My favourites are the carrot cake with frosting and lemon poppyseed cake, so I recommend trying them!
Aside from sweets, they also serve vegan sandwiches. There are roasted aubergine and tahini, avocado with coleslaw and sesame, and mushrooms with mustard gibriche bun.
Setlist
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Location: River Terrace, Somerset House, Strand
Contact: +44 20 3576 0887
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Pricing: £
Good to know: Best for nightlife
If you want to have more fun after your visit, Setlist can provide you with a great view and a good time. Here, you can enjoy the sweeping view of the River Thames while listening to live music.
The bar is most alive in the early evening, so I recommend going around that time. You can either relax after walking for too long in Somerset House or chat with your loved ones about the experience over a meal and a drink.
Speaking of, all three chefs here have separate menus. And just to inform you, they’re all women!
Spring
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Location: New Wing, Somerset House, Lancaster Pl
Contact: +44 20 3011 0115 and [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Lunch: Tuesday to Friday – 12 PM to 2:30 PM
- Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday – 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Pricing: ££
Good to know: Best for lunch and dinner
Spring is the restaurant within Somerset House that offers a sophisticated dining experience. You can book a reservation for lunch or dinner, perfect before or after exploring the art gallery with your friends or family.
You shouldn’t miss the starter meals before feasting on the main dishes. Their six starters are available for lunch and dinner. Some of them are crab salad, burrata, and mussels.
For the main course, they serve eight kinds. You can eat dishes like quail, lamb legs, and more after finishing your starter meals.
Where to shop in and near Somerset House
Duke of York Square
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Location: 80 King’s Rd
Contact: +44 20 7823 5577 and [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Thursday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 6 PM
Good to know: Best for unique boutique stores
Duke of York Square houses over 30 boutique stores along with restaurants that offer an al fresco dining experience.
This is a great shopping mall if you’re looking for unique fashion brands that are not available in the most popular malls in the city.
St Martin’s Courtyard
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Location: St Martin’s Courtyard, Slingsby Pl
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 9 AM to 11 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 9 AM to 12 PM
Good to know: Best for high-end shops
This open-air shopping centre and dining place in Covent Garden offers not just high-end fashion brands, but also brings a relaxing atmosphere.
St Martin’s Courtyard houses a mix of fashion, beauty, and home shops where you can purchase quality products.
The Brunswick Centre
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Location: Unit 57, Bernard St
Contact: +44 20 7833 6066
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 11 PM
Good to know: Best for a variety of activities
The Brunswick Centre offers a diverse shopping and leisure experience, making it a great place to visit if your kids want to have more adventures.
Aside from the variety of stores, you can also treat your whole family to a nice movie at one of their cinemas.
Where to stay near Somerset House
The Bloomsbury
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Location: 16-22 Great Russell St
Contact: +44 20 7347 1000
Pricing: £
Good to know: Best for a terrace dining experience
The minimalist white interior design of most rooms in The Bloomsbury is what stands out to me. You can have a peaceful rest here after a tiring day of exploring Somerset House.
Aside from the minimalist rooms, I also love Dalloway Terrace, their restaurant that offers a sweeping view of the city.
Rosewood London
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Location: 252 High Holborn
Contact: +44 20 7781 8888 and [email protected]
Pricing: ££
Good to know: Best for luxury suites
Rosewood London is a five-star hotel with staff who offer top-notch accommodation to their guests. If you have extra money to spend on a memorable stay, I highly recommend this hotel.
Their luxury suites feel like a home due to their almost complete house features, such as a kitchen, a bedroom, and a living room with a big television.
The Hoxton – Southwark
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Location: 40 Blackfriars Rd
Contact: +44 20 7903 3000 and [email protected]
Pricing: £
Good to know: Best for an affordable stay
If you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable stay, I suggest The Hoxton. This boutique hotel has almost 200 uniquely designed rooms that you and your family will love.
What I like here are the rooms that provide a perfect view of some of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as The Shard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is entry to Somerset House free?
General admission to Somerset House is free. However, some specific art exhibitions, events, and guided tours may require separate tickets.
What is currently on at Somerset House?
Somerset House is currently hosting a variety of events and art exhibitions. Some events and art exhibitions last for weeks, while some last for a day or two. They also host permanent art exhibitions that operate throughout the year.
Can I visit Somerset House without a ticket?
You can visit Somerset House’s public spaces without a ticket.
Are there family-friendly activities at Somerset House?
Somerset House offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, such as art exhibitions, workshops, and guided tours.
