Somerset House
Art center · Strand
Strand, London WC2R 1LA, United Kingdom
Highlights
Somerset House is a stunning neoclassical London gem with a lively courtyard hosting top-tier art exhibitions, seasonal ice skating, and river views.
Somerset House is a stunning neoclassical London gem with a lively courtyard hosting top-tier art exhibitions, seasonal ice skating, and river views.
"Somerset House provides quite the backdrop to your backflips – and Spring restaurant is on hand for nourishment afterwards." - The MICHELIN Guide UK Editorial Team
"Up until recently, Somerset House was the home of London Fashion Week. The beautiful building was a dramatic backdrop to the event but there’s so much more to discover, including world-class exhibitions held throughout the year. During the summer there’s outdoor cinema nights and live music (rain, hail or shine!), while in winter it’s all about the ice skating rink. Take a stroll through to the River Terrace where you’ll find Tom’s Kitchen or head to the Rizzoli bookshop for a fantastic selection of books and cards. Pennethorne’s is also good for a tipple." - Assembly
"If the idea of sliding around a freezing ice rink isn’t appealing, then let us look deep into your eyes and say, we hear you. We’re also here for you, because Somerset House is one of London’s most beautiful and festive-feeling spaces, whether you’re on the ice or not. We’d recommend getting a bottle of something fizzy and settling in to watch people fall arse over tit. It really is quite entertaining. There are exciting food and drink options as well, including Chalet Suisse—a Swiss pop-up with fondue, macaroni, and salted caramel espresso martinis." - Heidi Lauth Beasley, Rianne Shlebak, Jake Oliver
"This cultural institution has some of the best shows on Fashion, Photography and Design every year, not to mention the new London Design Biennial as of 2016. Aside from the galleries, there are a couple good spots to have a snack, take in the views of the Thames and also take the kids. Every Saturday, Somerset House offers kids a range activities from painting and model-making to fashion design and animation. Each workshop is designed to encourage and inspire fresh activities to try at home. The courtyard, which is by a great concert series in the summer, is transformed into a public ice skating rink every winter."
"This cultural institution has some of the best shows on Fashion, Photography and Design every year, not to mention the new London Design Biennial as of 2016. Aside from the galleries, there are a couple good spots to have a snack, take in the views of the Thames and also take the kids. Every Saturday, Somerset House offers kids a range activities from painting and model-making to fashion design and animation. Each workshop is designed to encourage and inspire fresh activities to try at home. The courtyard, which is by a great concert series in the summer, is transformed into a public ice skating rink every winter."
