Somerset House
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Overview
Somerset House is a neo-classical building constructed in the late 18th century on the site of a previous Tudor palace. It sits between the Strand and the River Thames, and has been the home to a mixture of different bodies and organisations, including the Inland Revenue, the General Register Office, and both the Royal Academy of Arts and the Royal Society. In the summer 55 fountains dance in the courtyard, and in winter the same space is home to London's favourite ice rink. Somerset House also hosts open-air concerts and films, contemporary art and design exhibitions, family workshops and free guided tours of areas usually hidden to visitors. Somerset House is a world-class visitor attraction and centre of excellence for culture and the arts.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Embankment level 8-6; Fountain Court 7.30-11; River Terrace & Seaman’s Hall 8-11; Courtauld Gallery 10-6
- Facilities
- Cafe
About the area
London, the UK’s capital, is a metropolis of famous landmarks, unrivalled shopping, world-renowned arts venues, galleries and museums, dining and award-winning theatre. London is steeped in royal history, and visitors can watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, learn about the final days of Anne Boleyn at the Tower of London, or take a leisurely stroll around the capital’s Royal Parks.
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Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Hotel
Z Hotel Covent Garden
- Family rooms:
- WiFi available
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