Sometimes I dismiss places to visit in central London thinking that they will be too busy with little fresh to offer. But a place that never fails to inspire and entertain me is Somerset House. Whenever I get a chance, I take the opportunity to leave behind the relentless traffic on the Strand and step through the building’s majestic arches into its breathtakingly beautiful piazza.

Although Somerset House is probably most well-known for its winter ice-skating rink and summer film screenings, it’s the more low-profile events and free exhibitions that interest me most. These are often held in the east and south-wing galleries, tucked away from passers-by.

One of the best things about these galleries besides the beautiful architecture, is that they are relatively quiet on weekday afternoons, allowing you to enjoy the exhibitions at your own pace. I loved the exhibition on fashion photographer Erwin Blumenfeld (so much so that I saw it twice!), and most recently, I visited a brilliant exhibition in the underground Inigo rooms about Derek Jarman’s paintings, drawings and writings.

And then there’s the food and drink.  Somerset House takes its refreshments seriously. A stop at Fernandez & Wells is a must for a pre-exhibition coffee and cake, while Tom’s Bar serves great cocktails if you’re visiting later in the day. If you’re visiting at lunchtime, however, then Tom’s Deli serves mouth-watering salads, meat and fish, which can either be eaten inside or taken outside onto the vast terrace. On a sunny day, not much beats tucking into lunch here while soaking up the sights and sounds of the Thames, and planning what to see and do on your next visit!

Images by Rachel Baker