Somerset House

Somerset House is one of the leading landmarks of London and is located along the banks of the River Thames. The distinctive style of architecture is neo-classical and the building was designed by Sir William Chambers in 1776; although it has been extended over the years. The site has had many uses during it's lifetime, from Royal residence in the 16th century to Army headquarters during the English Civil War of the 17th century, before finally commissioned to be built as a national building. The building was opened to the public in the 1990s and the impressive courtyard was reclaimed from the civil service who used it as a car park. Many exhibitions are held at Somerset House and the building is now used as a creative hub, designed to serve as a place of inspiration. The upper levels of the house are now being let to creative types as workspaces, from which a flourishing community has grown. Artists and designers in residence are also accommodated at the building to help foster a spirit of creativity about the place. As well as being a home for the arts and learning, Somerset House is famed for its popular outdoor ice rink which is constructed in the central courtyard each year around winter time. During other times in the year, concerts are held here by notable acts from the popular music fraternity. When not used for musical performances, outdoor film screenings are also shown here. While you might not yet have been to Somerset House, the building may well seem familiar, due to its use as a popular filming location. Such blockbusters as Shanghai Knights, Tomorrow Never Dies and Golden Eye have been filmed here, as well as the Sherlock Holmes films and Sleepy Hollow, not to mention some notable Bollywood hits.