Somerset House
What Visitors Say
It was an exhibition with several works I wanted to buy for the first time in a while. The curators in charge of each piece explained the artworks very enthusiastically, and it felt more lively than most exhibitions. There were quite a few pieces with unique and interesting ideas or materials, so if you are interested, I would recommend visiting before it closes this weekend.
Visited Somerset House in Aldwych recently and it truly delivers on atmosphere and experience. The setting alone is stunning, a beautiful historic courtyard right in central London, perfect for a relaxed walk and taking in the architecture. We went in the evening for iftar at Aram, which was a great choice. The ambience was warm and welcoming, and it felt special being there as the courtyard lit up after sunset. Beyond dining, the exhibitions are always thoughtfully curated and worth seeing. It's one of those places where you can combine culture, food, and a peaceful stroll all in one visit. A fantastic London spot great for relaxing, exploring, and soaking up a bit of art and history all together.
Skate here was genuinely amazing with the great vibes and ambience. The staffs are very friendly and helpful. Kids friendly with many facilities and affordable services. Get your lower price tickets near the end of the season! and it’s even not too crowded. They managed it well 👍🏻 thanks
Visited Somerset House to check out the ice rink (just as a spectator), and it was really lovely. The rink is large and beautifully set up, making it perfect for the festive season even if you’re not skating. There are kiosks around selling drinks, cookies, and other treats, plus a café nearby if you want to sit and warm up. A very apt and enjoyable winter visit.
Somerset House looked nice from the outside, but most of the rooms were closed when I went, so there wasn’t much to actually explore. Inside, there were a few stair installations by different creators, but it felt very minimal and underwhelming overall. The ice skating rink outside was probably the highlight — I didn’t skate, but the vibe was nice. Worth passing through, but not worth going out of your way for on a quiet day.
Highlights
The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court
From ceremonial parade ground to playful civic stageFifty-odd choreographed jets sketch patterns across the stone; in winter it transforms into one of London’s most atmospheric ice rinks.
Central courtyard
River Terrace
The city’s back porchWhere a Tudor palace once looked onto the river highway; today it’s prime people-watching with bridges framed like stage sets.
South side overlooking the Thames
Courtauld Gallery Taster
Masterpieces upstairs from a working courtyardManet, Cézanne, Gauguin—an intimate hang where Impressionism feels newly minted.
North Wing (separate ticket)
Chambers’ Staircases
Neoclassical stagecraftShallow risers and generous landings choreograph your body through light wells and arches.
State staircases in the central blocks
What’s On Now
Contemporary commissions in historic roomsInstallations and festivals that treat the building as collaborator, not backdrop.
East/West Wings, Embankment Galleries
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
The Royal Academy’s famous Summer Exhibition was held at Somerset House from 1780 to 1837—Turner first showed here as a teenager.
Somerset House replaced a lavish Tudor riverside palace built by Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset (Lord Protector to Edward VI).
Sir William Chambers, the architect, also designed the Great Pagoda at Kew—hence the building’s cool confidence in theatrical vistas and axial views.
