What It's Like to Spend the Night in a British Prime Minister's Library

The story goes that when former prime minister William Gladstone laid the foundations for this library in the late 19th century, he brought his own book collection down from Hawarden Castle to furnish it — using a wheelbarrow and with his butler in tow. The family estate’s turreted Flintshire home still stands in the rolling fields behind Gladstone Library and, whether the delivery method is true or not, his 30,000-strong collection does live here and remains a key draw for visitors. The red-brick, Grade I listed building containing the library — all crenelated roof detailing and mullioned windows, fresh from renovations — officially opened in 1907, after Gladstone’s death. It’s always had guest rooms on site — thanks to a growing desire among travellers for literary escapes and detox trips, it’s more popular than ever.

The Experience

Some guests hand their phones in at check-in, determined to unplug. Others come with book groups, to carve out space to celebrate literature. Many simply want to read together. The main library is a wood-beamed cathedral to the 150,000 tomes within, accessed via a key fob provided at check-in. Armchairs and desks share space with a bronze statue of Gladstone brandishing a giant feather quill, while book cushions are on hand to protect the volumes as they’re pored over.

The collection includes many rarities, but Gladstone’s personal stash is a standout. You can devour books written by earls, sea captains and reverends who penned accounts covering topics such as the first crossings of Greenland, Tahitian folklore and expeditions to discover the source of the Nile. Some even have pencil annotations left by Gladstone himself, giving an insight into the legendary statesman you won’t find anywhere else. After dinner at the on-site Food for Thought restaurant, visitors curl up under reading lamps deep into the evening.

The Stay

“It’s like a cross between Fawlty Towers and The Vicar of Dibley,” says Andrea Russell, the warden who lives on site. She’s also the Anglican priest who runs the in-house chapel — which is fitting, as the hotel has the air of a temple to reading. Guests are each given a customised bookmark at check-in. Framed Gladstone quotes on education and books line the wood-panelled corridors. The lounge is the perfect reading room, with a big marbled fireplace, chesterfield sofas and an honesty bar stocked with local beers, ciders and wines. Upstairs, the 26 bedrooms are simple and supremely quiet. Some overlook the neighbouring church, whose bells toll day and night — only adding to the sense of serenity.