A LONDON TREASURE HOUSE
Somerset House

Adults: £14.00  Seniors: £14.00
Availability: All year, every day
Coach miles: 2
Walking: Gentle
Wheelchair access: Slightly limited

The day begins at 10.30a.m. when you meet our guide for coffee. Somerset House is one of London's most impressive buildings. The harmony and symmetry of its perfect Georgian design cannot fail to impress. Although you could mistake it for a royal palace, it was built to house government offices. Our guide will take you on a tour of the magnificent courtyard with its fountains and you will also see the Seamen's Hall, the Nelson Stair and the King’s Barge House. There will be a break for lunch and then visits to both the literally sparkling Gilbert Collection of silver and the Courtauld Gallery.

The Gilbert Collection was donated to the nation by the late Sir Arthur Gilbert. It is very much a personal collection and reflects his own vibrant, colourful personality. Today it is priceless and visitors often return several times to be able to take it all in. The Courtauld is in the grandest wing of Somerset House. Seven centuries of Western art are represented but the gallery is particularly famous for its impressionist and post-impressionist works. All of this will be brought to life by our guide. Then there will be a tea break before you head for home by 4.45p.m.

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