Somerset House
in London City
Somerset House is situated in the heart of London overlooking the river Thames. It dates back to the 16th century and was once used as a residence for the Queens of James I, Charles I and Charles II. It is now a vibrant cultural center for the visual arts and is also home to London Fashion Week. In the winter the central courtyard is home to an open air ice rink and at other times the courtyard is used as a concert venue with a remarkable array of fountains displaying vertical jets of water rising to spectacular heights.
Summer series music events are held in Somerset House every July which in the past has included performances by artists such Snow Patrol, Amy Winehouse, Lupe Fiasco and Lily Allen. During the fine summer months, outdoor film viewings take place in the courtyard where families and tourists come from all over to experience the unique atmosphere of outdoor cinema. Somerset House also programs contemporary art and design exhibitions, free displays, family workshops and guided tours. Due to the buildings traditional old English vibe, scenes from major blockbuster films were directed in the house such as The Duchess and Sherlock Holmes.
For more information on events taking place in Somerset House see
here
The nearest underground stations are Temple, Covent Garden, Charing Cross and Embankment and you can check out our amazing deals on nearby hotels such as
Strand Palace Hotel
or
The Cavendish
, both less than 1 mile from Somerset House!