Somerset House

Covent Garden and Strand

Location

Somerset House

Address
Strand
London
WC2R 1LA
Telephone:
+44 (0)20 7845 4600
Email
[email protected]
Public transport:
Tube: Covent Garden/Temple/Holborn/Embankment

About

Discover an exciting programme of art exhibitions, music events, craft fairs and winter ice skating at cultural hub Somerset House.

Set around an 18th-century courtyard, this buzzing arts centre is housed within an iconic neoclassical building. 

Where is Somerset House?

Overlooking the river Thames, Somerset House is situated on the Strand in central London near Covent Garden.

What is there to do at Somerset House?

Somerset House contains the Courtauld Gallery, which reopened in 2021 after an extensive modernisation project. Enjoy a collection of works from the Renaissance to the 20th century, as well as temporary exhibitions and other events.

Refuel at one of Somerset House's six restaurants and cafes. Tuck into authentic Indian food at Dipna Anand Restaurant & Bar; feast on seasonal food at chef Skye Gyngell's Spring; sip cocktails, beer and wine at Pennethorne’s; enjoy tapas and views of the London skyline at Somerset House Terrace Bar; embrace locally sourced and planet-friendly food at Eat Ten; or indulge in coffee and tempting baked goods at WatchHouse.

In summer, bring a picnic and let the children splash about in the courtyard’s choreographed fountains. 

Is Somerset House free to visit?

Admission to Somerset House is free, but you'll need a ticket for some exhibitions and events.

Which events take place at Somerset House?

Somerset House has a jam-packed cultural programme, featuring a range of cutting-edge exhibitions and events.

Annual festivals include the London Design Biennale, games festival Now Play This, 1.54 Contemporary African Art Fair and photography fair Photo London. The gorgeous Edmond J.Safra Fountain Court hosts live music concerts with Summer Series and ice skating with Skate at Somerset House during the winter months.

Free Admission excluding admission to the Embankment Galleries, The Courtauld Gallery or specified events. Admission may vary. Please check http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/ for further information

Opening Times

Somerset House is open every day except 25 December. Admission is free, but you'll need to buy a ticket for some exhibitions and events. Gallery & exhibition spaces Monday, Tuesday, Saturday & Sundays 10.00-18.00* Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 11.00-

Facilities & Accessibility

Access Inside Building Facilities
Accessible lift
Lift buttons with raised numbers or letters
Lift with spoken announcements on arrival at each floor
Ramps within building
Some routes suitable for limited mobility users
Some routes suitable for wheelchair users
Steps within building
Access into the Building
Assisted wheelchair access
Automatic doors
Steps with handrails to entrance
Temporary ramps available
Accessible Bathroom Facilities
Bathrooms available with emergency call system
Designated wheelchair accessible public toilet
Some toilets with handrails
Accessible Communication Facilities
Audible alarm system
Clear signage (colour contrast, large letters or pictograms)
Hearing loop system
Accessible Parking Facilities
Blue badge parking available
Accessible Venue Facilities
Assistance dogs welcome
Emergency evacuation procedures for guests with disabilities
Level access, ramp or lift to dining area
Level access, ramp or lift to restaurant or cafe
Level access, ramp or lift to the bar
Level access, ramp or lift to the lounge
Level access, ramp or lift to the shop
Special dietary requirements catered for
Staff available to assist
Staff available twenty four hours
Staff disability awareness trained
Additional Accessible Facilities
Accessible baby changing rooms
Level access, ramp or lift from entrance to reception
Level access, ramp or lift to information point
Level access, ramp or lift to ticket issuing point
Low payment counters
Low reception or information counters
Portable chip and pin machines
Attraction Facilities
Gift shop
Public toilets
Booking Facilities
Group bookings accepted
Catering Facilities
Bar
Cafe
Event catering
Halal options on menu
Kosher options on menu
Nut-free option on menu
Outdoor dining / Beer garden
Private Dining
Restaurant
Vegetarian options on menu
Event Facilities
Available for wedding receptions
Breakout Rooms
Civil Partnership licence held
Conference rooms / Meeting rooms
In house AV available
Licenced for civil marriages
Raked or tiered seating offered
Trade vehicle access
Venue allows outside catering
Venue can display vehicles inside
Wedding service
General Facilities
Lifts
Payment Facilities
Free entry