Somerset House, London

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Somerset House, London

Somerset House, London

Somerset House, featuring four wings that encircle a spacious courtyard reminiscent of a Parisian hôtel, 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 cafés 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 café-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.

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Somerset House on Map

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

Walking Tours in London, England

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Create Your Own Walk in London

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

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

South Bank Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Walk around Buckingham Palace

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
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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’s elopement in “Pride & Prejudice.”

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

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