Retreat and enjoy

Quiet spaces, warm welcome

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 booklovers, the longer you stay, the more you will enjoy Gladstone’s Library.

Please use the 'book a stay' link above to check available dates and make a booking.

Building work will periodically take place on the Grade I listed Gladstone's Library building through early 2025. These works, funded by the National Heritage Memorial Fund COVID-19 Response Fund, play a vital role in protecting the fabric of this internationally important residential library. Efforts are being made to minimise the impact of building work on residents. There are no plans to shut the Library at this time. We thank you for your patience.

A stay with a difference

If you are looking for a stay with a difference, look no further than Gladstone's Library; we take pride in offering the best service for all our visitors in a truly unique setting. We have 26 comfortable bedrooms with a mixture of single, double, twin rooms and a suite.

Among our regular guests and users 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.

“We like to think that we offer a place to think, the resources to help you think and people to share your thoughts with." - Peter Francis, Warden

Our Reading Rooms are an inspirational setting for a productive stay, offering silence and space to think and work. 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. You can also make use of our honesty bar.

With a restaurant offering fresh, quality food throughout the day and gardens to explore, you'll be wishing you could stay longer.

Ideally located

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).

The village of Hawarden

Hawarden is a charming Welsh village, with an eclectic range of shops including a Post Office and general store, hairdressers, chemist and the award winning Hawarden Estate Farm Shop which is an attraction in itself – an enjoyable place to discover and purchase fresh produce owned and run by the Gladstone family.

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!

The Glynne Arms, owned by the Gladstone family, is a favourite for locals and an impressive place for visitors to Hawarden. Unique in its décor, the rooms are decorated with books and local historical trinkets that instantly immerse you in wonderful surroundings.

You can see our five star reviews on TripAdvisor. To find out more, contact us today.

We are extremely proud to have won TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence for five years in a row (2013 - 2019).

The achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned great traveller reviews on the world's largest travel site - TripAdvisor.

We are among an elite group of winners including accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a superior customer experience.

The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality, quantity of recent reviews submitted by travellers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period.

To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

"This is the fourth year in a row we have won this award," said Peter Francis, Warden at Gladstone's Library.

"I am very proud of all the staff and would like to thank all those visitors who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor."

Heather Leisman, Vice President of Industry Marketing at TripAdvisor added: "With the Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor honours hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travelers.

"Recognition helps travellers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service."

But, don’t take our word for it...

"Its books and sense of history were a blissful, secular balm...this place is truly special."

Guardian

"An exceptional institution where seriousness and laughter, and camaraderie and solitude, have a vital place"

Times Higher Education

"It's not just a B&B, it’s a peaceful, restorative retreat...It will feel like a privilege."

The Telegraph

"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"

Huffington Post

"Great Place to read, write and relax.

An absolutely perfect place for my needs, great library and facilities, comfy bed and room, great food and good conversations with other guests."

rememberthegoodtimes

"Gladstone’s library is a remarkable place. A haven for reflection, study and quiet..."

Wales Arts Review

"I have visited the Library on several occasions but this last visit has been beyond what I expected. Without exception every member of staff is excellent and this really adds to the feel of the place. "

Ann Niven

"Victorian gem.

I stayed five nights last week with a friend and we were both charmed by it. As a keen Victorian, I was delighted to stay in a John Douglas building brought up to modern standards."

Jane W

Click here to view all of our reviews