Gladstone’s Library is the UK’s only residential library with a collection of over 150,000 items to explore. A place for serious study or a relaxing retreat for book lovers, the longer you stay, the more you will enjoy Gladstone’s Library.
Among our regular guests and Readers are writers, academics, clergy and students, indeed anyone with an inquiring mind. Some use the Library to meet and converse, while others prefer to enjoy the serenity alone.
Our 26 quirky comfortable bedrooms have a simple fresh look and feel to them and are a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life and routine. We also have a suite available which is perfect if you wish for a little more space. Please contact Reception on 01244 532350 or [email protected] for details.
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Explore our rooms…
Information for your stay
Our 26 quirky and comfortable bedrooms have a simple fresh look and feel to them and are a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life and routine. We also have a suite available which is perfect if you wish for a little more space.
As a resident you have use of the Reading Rooms from 9am – 5pm daily, and access to the Theology Room until 10pm.
The Gladstone’s Room lounge provides comfortable sofas, newspapers and jigsaws and a relaxed space to meet and chat during your stay.
You can also make use of our honesty bar that is open daily from 5pm.
All of our bedrooms have private bathroom facilities (mostly ensuite), free Wi Fi access, tea and coffee making facilities, a hairdryer and a radio.
A continental breakfast is included as part of your stay and is available from 8am to 9.30am.
Gladstone’s Library is an independent charity that relies on the kindness of supporters, funders, and donors, who share our values. It costs £100,000 a month to run Gladstone’s Library, so we need to raise over £1 million pounds every year. As part of our ongoing fundraising campaign, we have added a small £3 voluntary donation to your stay which will help ensure our collections remain free to access.
We have two ensuite bedrooms on the ground floor which are general accessible bedrooms with grab handles and wet-room-style bathrooms. Please note that our remaining 24 bedrooms are spread over our first and second floors and the Library does not have a lift. Guests who have restricted mobility should telephone or email Reception to ensure that they are given a ground floor room.
Wheelchair access is available into the building and throughout the ground floor. We also have an accessible toilet cubicle. We have facilities for deaf and hearing-impaired guests, including a Deafgard vibrating fire alarm system and Comfort Contego hearing loops for any guests attending courses, workshops or conferences. Please inform us on booking if you require these aids.
If you have an assistance animal, please contact us before your visit so we can carry out a risk assessment and help make your visit goes smoothly (email: [email protected]).
Gladstone’s Library is located in a prime spot, just six miles from the famous walled city of Chester and on the doorstep of the wonderful Welsh countryside with lots of places to visit including the historic market town of Mold, St Winefride’s Well (Holywell), the coastal town of Llandudno, and Snowdonia (about an hour and a half’s drive).
Hawarden is a charming Welsh village, with a variety of shops including a Post Office and general store, hairdressers, chemist and the award-winning Hawarden Estate Farm Shop.
The Gladstone Estate also offers picturesque countryside – perfect for long walks and enjoying nature. Permits are available to Library guests to walk in the woods around Hawarden Castle – as this is private land we do recommend that you get a permit from Reception before venturing too far.
- Check-in is between 3pm and 8pm
- Check-out is between 8am and 10am
Late arrivals or early departures (outside of these hours) can be arranged in advance with prior notice (subject to additional fees and availability). Please get in touch prior to your stay if you would like to arrange this.
Please click this link: Guest Terms and Conditions for full T&Cs.
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Reviews
“It’s not just a B&B, it’s a peaceful, restorative retreat…It will feel like a privilege.”
The Telegraph
“An exceptional institution where seriousness and laughter, and camaraderie and solitude, have a vital place”
Times Higher Education
“As a working writer, I’ve gone to many places to work…but I have never found anything as appealing as this strange and beautiful institution in Wales”