Somerset House, London

Somerset House, featuring four wings that encircle a spacious courtyard reminiscent of a Parisian h么tel, stands as the final remnant of the grand riverside mansions that once graced the Strand. While its appearance may suggest an ancient aristocratic palace, this edifice was actually purpose-built in 1776 by William Chambers to accommodate government offices, including the Navy Office.

Today, Somerset House's courtyard, paved with granite, offers a delightful retreat, thanks to a 55-jet fountain that gracefully spurts water from the cobblestones, performing a syncopated dance every half-hour (daily from 10am to 11pm). Throughout the year, the courtyard buzzes with activity, hosting open-air performances, concerts, installations, and during the winter season, an ice rink.

Inside, the building unfolds into a labyrinth of corridors, staircases, and exhibition spaces, housing several caf茅s and restaurants. The northern wing is home to the Courtauld Gallery, renowned for its exceptional collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Meanwhile, the southern wing boasts a charming riverside terrace with a caf茅-restaurant, and at riverbank level, you'll find the Embankment Galleries, showcasing innovative special exhibitions on contemporary art and design.

The east and west wings also contain galleries where temporary exhibitions spanning various visual arts, from sculpture to photography, are regularly presented throughout most of the year, often with free admission.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Somerset House
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Covent Garden Walking Tour

Walking Tours in London, England

Create Your Own Walk in London

Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Harry Potter Walking Tour I

The Harry Potter phenomenon began with author J.K. Rowling, who famously dreamed up the series while delayed on a train from Manchester to London. With the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher鈥檚 Stone in 1997, the literary world changed forever. Across seven books, readers followed Harry鈥檚 evolution from an orphaned schoolboy at Hogwarts to a brave young wizard confronting evil... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

Jack the Ripper, an unidentified serial killer who terrorized the British capital in 1888, became notorious for the series of brutal and gruesome murders that he carried out in the East End of London. The primary setting for the Jack the Ripper attacks was Whitechapel, at the time a poverty-stricken and crime-ridden district, known for its dark alleys and narrow streets.

The name "Jack the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles

South Bank Walking Tour

London鈥檚 South Bank, stretching along the southern side of the River Thames, roughly between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, is one of the most interesting and liveliest parts of the British capital. Here, London鈥檚 old soul and modern edge shake hands... and then probably go grab a pint together. Famous for its arts, culture, food, and scenic riverside walks, the area has a long and... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles

Walk around Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, the British monarch's official residence, is a must-see for anyone visiting London, but so are the adjacent royal establishments that give a unique window into the royal way of life. On this self-guided walking tour, along with Buckingham Palace and its memorable fountain, you will visit the St. James's private royal residence, the wonderful Queen's Gallery, and... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Kensington/Knightsbridge Walking Tour

Situated just below Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and South Kensington are two adjacent neighborhoods with grand Victorian homes and leafy garden squares. Home to London鈥檚 most expensive homes, Knightsbridge has some of the highest density of millionaires in the world. This is clearly reflected in the selection of stores & restaurants in the area, including the famous Harvey Nichols and Harrods... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles

Jane Austen鈥檚 London

The celebrated English novelist Jane Austen primarily lived between Bath and Hampshire. However, London also held a special significance in Austen's life. Many of her novels drew inspiration from the capital, like Lydia Bennet and Mr Wickham鈥檚 elopement in 鈥淧ride & Prejudice.鈥�

One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles

View all walking tours in London, England

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers

Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...