Somerset House is a neo-classical palace, now used by the Courtauld Foundation as a 'cultural centre'.

Somerset House - London visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Somerset House' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Greater London.

Somerset House overlooks the River Thames in central London. It occupies a large area beside Waterloo Bridge and houses the Courtauld Gallery. The first version of Somerset House dates from the 16th Century, but the current building was designed by Sir William Chambers and built between 1776-96. Central to Somerset House is the Neoclassical building overlooking gardens that lay between it and the Thames. To this were later added two Victorian wings and at one point boats entered the central courtyard via arches in the southern wall.

Somerset House has numerous galleries and special exhibitions held here during the year. The central courtyard contains playful fountains, and children delight in dancing among them in the summer. During Christmas the courtyard of Somerset House hosts an ice ring. At other times a food festival is held here. Somerset House has it's own cafe, and people can often be seen enjoying a relaxing drink on the terrace overlooking the river.

Somerset House Trust
Strand
London
WC2R 1LA
Tel: +44 (0)20 7845 4600

Tube: Embankment (Bakerloo, Circle, District, Northern lines)