Sleep in the UK's only residential library

The Gladstone’s Library in North Wales is inviting you to read, write, relax – and stay the night.

Gladstone’s Library is situated in the Welsh village of Hawarden in Flintshire a few kilometres from Welsh border with England and the city of Chester. Located in the countryside, Hawarden Village is the perfect location for a bookish retreat, with its two castles featuring as main attractions.

The library was the pride and joy of the Gladstone family, who saw to it that the books and library of their relative, the lifelong bibliophile and former prime minister, William Ewart Goldston, were grandly housed.

Gladstone’s, which is situated in the newer of the two 18th century Hawarden castles, holds the ethos that nobody should be denied access to reading and the library’s extensive collections. Today, the library offers scholarships and bursaries to students, and is as investing in providing a space for social engagement and the exchanging of ideas as for quiet reflection and solitude.

This book haven offers a peaceful environment to relax in, and gives visitors the freedom to peruse through the library’s 250,000 books and collections of printed items – a challenge many would gladly accept.

The best part is that you can even sleep over here, in what is often referred to as the UK’s finest, and only, residential library – every bookworm’s dream!

The Gladstone’s Library Estate offers 26 boutique bedrooms, all with their own special look and feel. The library has ‘Reading Rooms’ which allow visitors and overnighters to slip away and reflect, write, sketch, and, of course, read.

To date, Gladstone’s claims to have seen the finishing of about 300 books written by authors who’ve made use of the wood-panelled, cosy reading space.

Those staying the night will enjoy extended access to the Reading Rooms and will also be able to take books into their rooms.

All the rooms are furnished with bookish touches, and both writers and creatives will enjoy making use of the desks overlooking the estate’s gardens.

For this unique experience, a single standard room will cost you £69 (about R1,240) per night, including a continental breakfast at the Food for Thought library bistro.