Somerset House
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
London
What it’s like
A grand courtyard with dancing fountains to run through, plus riverside terraces and galleries if you fancy some art after.
The fountains in the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court are the thing here. They're switched on daily from 10am to 6pm, and there's something about a courtyard full of jets that gets kids moving even when there's no paddling pool or slide in sight. It's not a soft play or a farm, so don't expect anything built specifically for children, but an open space where they can get a bit wet and you can sit with a coffee is not nothing in central London.
The site itself is huge, with the Strand entrance and New Wing open from 8am to 11pm, so you're not tied to a tight window if you want to wander in after lunch or drop by early. The Courtauld Gallery keeps shorter hours, 10am to 6pm, and that's where you'd head if you want to show older kids some actual paintings rather than just chase water. Photography's fine for personal use around most of the building, though you can't use flash in the gallery and the King's Barge House is off limits for photos altogether.
Food-wise there's a decent spread, from Chinese home cooking to Syrian sharing plates and a proper coffee spot, across six permanent places plus whatever pop-up is running that season. It's the sort of choice that's genuinely handy if you've got a fussy eight-year-old and a partner who wants something more grown up. Step-free access runs throughout, there are baby changing facilities, and wheelchairs can be borrowed at reception if you book ahead by email, though it's worth knowing that's subject to availability on the day.
Dogs on a lead are welcome on the River Terrace and in the Fountain Court during normal hours, which is handy if the whole outing's a family-plus-dog affair, though only assistance dogs get into ticketed events and exhibitions. There's no on-site parking as such, but disabled badge holders have options nearby on Wellington Street and Temple Place, both a short walk from the entrances.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Closest disabled badge parking on Wellington Street WC2E 7BB (160m from Strand/New Wing entrances)
- Food
- Six permanent restaurants, cafés and bars plus seasonal pop-ups
- Wheelchairs
- Standard manual wheelchairs available
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs welcome throughout
- Getting there by bus or train
- Waterloo station (step-free Jubilee line) and Charing Cross station nearby
- Fountains run 10am to 6pm daily, so time your visit around that if that's the main event
- No flash photography allowed in The Courtauld Gallery and no photos at all in the King's Barge House
- Nearest luggage storage is at Charing Cross station, about a 10 minute walk
- Carer tickets are free and disability concessions are available
Plan your visit
What do kids actually do here?
The main draw for children is running through the fountains in the Fountain Court, which run daily from 10am to 6pm. Beyond that it's more galleries and open courtyard space than dedicated kids' activities.
Do we need to book?
There's no booking link listed, so it sounds like you can just turn up for the courtyard and terraces. The Courtauld Gallery has its own hours, 10am to 6pm, separate from the rest of the site.
Is there parking?
No general car park, but disabled badge holders can use Wellington Street or Temple Place, both close to the entrances.
What's there to eat?
Six permanent restaurants and cafés plus seasonal pop-ups, covering everything from Chinese home cooking to Syrian sharing plates and a well-regarded coffee spot.
Can we bring the dog?
Assistance dogs are welcome everywhere. Other dogs on a lead are allowed on the River Terrace and in the Fountain Court during regular hours, but not inside exhibitions or ticketed courtyard events.
Is it accessible with a buggy or wheelchair?
Step-free access runs throughout and there's baby changing on site. Manual wheelchairs can be borrowed at reception if you book ahead by email, or sometimes on the day if there's one free.
Featured in 1 Huddlepin list
See all Castles, Historic Houses & Heritage in London · Things to do in London
MAKE A DAY OF IT
