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Somerset House

Somerset House: Our most recommended tours and activities

London: River Thames Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise

1. London: River Thames Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise

Explore the River Thames as it weaves through the heart of London and discover fascinating history around every bend. Today, you can experience the splendor of this great city from the relaxed comfort of a modern, all-weather and wheelchair-friendly sightseeing boat. Informative commentary interlaced with colorful tales of the city's past will keep your mind engaged as you cruise down the Thames! Cruises depart frequently from Westminster Pier, Greenwich Pier, London Eye Pier, and Tower Pier, sailing every day of the year except Christmas Day. With a regular timetable, and evening cruises all summer, you can enjoy a full-day on the river in comfort. Hop on and off the boat as many times as you wish to explore sights such as the Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, Borough Market, South Bank Centre, and the London Eye. Or grab a refreshment from the on-board bar and relax as you sail past Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge, the Royal Festival Hall, Cleopatra's Needle, Somerset House, the Millennium Footbridge, Shakespeare's Globe, Monument, H.M.S.Belfast, and much more. During the festive season from December to January, all boats will be decorated and kids will get Christmas coloring sheet and pencils to keep them entertained while parents relax by sipping on a cup of mulled wine and a mince pie from our fully stocked bar. 'Tis the season to be jolly!

London: James Bond Walking Tour

2. London: James Bond Walking Tour

Zig-zag across central London, from stately Somerset House to the luxury Savoy hotel, Trafalgar Square to Whitehall. Savor sumptuous filming locations and uncover real-life spy secrets. See how art imitates life and vice versa through the lens of Ian Fleming's James Bond and his films. Start at Somerset House, a filming location for both Goldeneye and Tomorrow Never Dies. Discover how this historic building in the heart of central London was transformed into Russia through clever set dressing and props. After a short walk to the Savoy, discover the identity of one resident, a secret but well-known spy who was Fleming's friend, and leave shaken and stirred. Next, visit another iconic London landmark, Rules, London’s oldest restaurant. Learn how the site was used to film Daniel Craig’s Bond movie Spectre. Visit locations in and around Trafalgar Square. Then it's over to Whitehall, where your guide will explain how the film crew managed to film securely in the throbbing heart of central London. In Whitehall, listen to your guide explain how Fleming’s work in the intelligence community inspired the world’s most famous fictional spy. Final stop: the exterior of the MI6 headquarters in London. Discover all that the public knows about the Secret Intelligence Service. Learn how the IRA attacked the building Bond-style, and how the Bond makers managed to get permission to film here.

London: South Bank Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour

3. London: South Bank Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour

Stroll along the south side of the famous river Thames to discover a more funky side of London. The Southbank has become synonymous with art, culture, food, drink and fun. Start this 60 minute self guided audio tour on the north side of the river at the beautiful Somerset House, cross to the south going over the famous Waterloo Bridge and wander the southbank of the river taking in its sights and sounds. The tour's last stop is Borough Market and now favourite with foodies where you can delight in flavours from around the world. Discover the view of London from the other side of the river on this personal favourite self guided audio tour.

London: Private Walking Tour in Spanish

4. London: Private Walking Tour in Spanish

Traveling with a Spanish-speaking guide, visit Picadilly Circus before moving on to Buckingham Palace to see the famous Changing of the Guard. Following that, travel along St. Jame's Park before encountering the houses of Parliament and being passing by Big Ben. You then continue to Trafalgar Square before finding the National Gallery and arriving to Leicester Square. After a stop for lunch you will walk through Chinatown and Covent Garden, a market filled with stalls, shops, and vibrant restaurants. Do not miss Somerset House, located on the banks of the River Thames where you will stop to admire another of the most emblematic icons of the city, the amazing London Eye. This magical location is the perfect place for your experience to end.

London: History and Highlights Private Guided Walking Tour

5. London: History and Highlights Private Guided Walking Tour

From monuments of the British Empire to top-class contemporary architecture, London is a multicultural metropolis with plenty of interesting stories to tell. Join our Local Guide on the streets of the historic City Center to see must-see sights and hidden gems of London. The 2-hour walking tour is a perfect introduction to London’s history and heritage, including the royal family, British politics, WWII, and even local folklore. For example, do you know what the City of London Corporation is? Have you ever wondered if people still live in the Tower of London? And what's the difference between Tower Bridge and London Bridge? Your guide will answer all of these questions, share interesting facts, and help you find the best spots for taking pictures. Admire the scenic Thames river and see notable landmarks such as the Monument to the Great Fire, Mansion House, and the Bank of England. As this is a private tour, you will have the full attention of your private guide so you can even ask about the best entertainment venues, restaurants and pubs to visit in town. Join the 3-hour tour to add a visit to the oldest church in the City of London to the itinerary. All Hallows By The Tower houses over 1,300 years of history under its roof, including strong connections to London's elite. This tour will show you more city highlights along with immersive commentary on the local history, government institutions, big corporations, and impressive skyscrapers, such as the iconic Sky Garden. Choose the 4-hour tour to also see the Blackfriars district and visit St Paul’s Cathedral. Your private guide will show you the amazing details of its exterior and interior architecture, which was inspired by the world’s greatest St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Admire its stunning altars, frescoes, and paintings, including the quiet Whispers Gallery and other galleries. Then, climb up the Cathedral’s magnificent dome to see the phenomenal views of the Thames and the London skyline, something you won't want to miss. The 7-hour option is the most comprehensive tour of central London. The extended walking tour will take you past Two Temple Place, King’s College London, and Somerset House to the bustling Trafalgar Square, home to the famous National Gallery, fountains, and monuments. See the highlights of the City of Westminster, such as 10 Downing Street, the Parliament building, and its iconic Big Ben. Admire the scenic panorama over the Thames River, with the landmark London Eye and a forest of modern skyscrapers. The main attraction of this extended tour will be a visit inside Westminster Abbey, a historic church where Queen Elizabeth II and other British royals since 1066 have been crowned. Skip-the-line tickets are included so you won't have to waste time buying tickets on-site.

Other Sightseeing Options in Somerset House

Want to discover all there is to do in Somerset House? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Somerset House

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 1,825 reviews

Great experience. Very organised. Clean boats with plenty of choice for seating upstairs and covered downstairs. Staff gave a live commentary which was informative and entertaining. All staff encountered were friendly and polite. Cafe on board and toilets. Children enjoyed it so a good value way to travel and spend the day sightseeing.

The guide was very funny, lovely and very informative. The boat was clean, checked in easily and hopped on and off was very convenient.

Excellent commentary on sites along the river. Entertaining. Sufficient bar set up for our cruising purposes.

First Class Trip Friendly & Helpful Staff Great Way To See The Sights From The Thames !! Must Do !!

Everything as stated was correct. No problems and would recommend