A HEAVEN FOR WRITERS
Are you feeling uninspired lately? Do you have a hard time overcoming writer’s block? No worries, you are not the only one. All writers struggle it at one point.
What if I’d tell you there’s a place that could help find the inspiration to carry on with your writing? A sanctuary of silence and inspiration not only for writers, but also for all of those passionate readers looking for a quiet spot to immerse themselves into their favourite book.
Gladstone’s Residential Library is the heaven on Earth for all writers and bookworms.
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To entice you even more, learn that at Gladstone’s you can even sleep over! Yes, you read it right.
Gladstone residential Library is the only library where you can stay over night.
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You can chose one of the 26 boutique bedrooms and enjoy getting yourself lost in a collection of over 250,000 books and prints.
If you suffer from sleep disturbances, you can even sneak out of your room for a midnight read within the library. Have the entire library to yourself!
LOCATION
The Gladstone’s Library is nested in the North Wales countryside, only eight miles away from the city of Chester, within the charming village of Hawarden, Flintshire.
Within this wonderful Welsh countryside there are other places you could visit: the historic market town of Mold, St Winefride’s Well (Holywell), the coastal town of Llandudno and Snowdonia (30 minutes drive).
HISTORY
The Gladstone’s Library was founded in 1894 by the great Victorian statesman, and four times Prime Minister, William Ewart Gladstone. After his death in 1898, the Library turned into the national memorial of his life and work. In addition, it is also one of the few Grade I-listed buildings in North Wales.
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During his life, he allowed villagers and many others to use his private collection of books. His vision was to bring together books who had no readers with readers who had no books. He paved the way for future generations with profound knowledge of people and the world.
Later on in 1906, the Library opened its doors to staying visitors, among which some notable historical figures such as: Nick Clegg, Loyd Grossman, and Queen Elisabeth II.
Here you can find some amazing books or items dating from the 15th century, when the printing saw the light of day.
THE LIBRARY - A MIND SPA
Built in Victorian style, the Library was designed with a beautiful interior where you can explore the wooden shelves filled with some remarkable books or simply sit on one of the comfy plush chairs and let yourself soak into the atmosphere.
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Think of it, as in terms of a mind spa. A place where you can charge your batteries and find inspiration. The building itself has an air of calm which gives space for quiet thought and contemplation. One wing of the house is a silent gothic temple of a library, where you can read, study and reflect without any distractions.
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While you are walking down this warren of rooms and corridors, you can feel that the whole building seeps history. If you close your eyes, it won’t be difficult to picture Gladstone himself sitting in front of you reading or working on a book. The Library has a lovely old feel to it and is utterly silent.
Gladstone's mission was divine learning and the Library building is his legacy.
Gladstone’s statue in the Library
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Gladstone had a keen a keen interest in theology , philosophy and the pursuit of tolerance. Thus the Library offers an amazing collection of works in these fields along with more modern ones.
Many of its guests come to do their research and enjoy of a quiet, studious atmosphere.
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THE HOTEL
The other side of the house is an English country hotel where you can sleep, eat, drink and hang out in the Lounge Room, gazing at the burning log fires. The residents of this hotel are allowed to use the Reading Rooms between the opening hours from 9am - 10pm.
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It might may make you think of Downtown Abbey. It offers an authentic, intellectual experience of sleeping and eating with books that matters. Only the Wi-Fi connection may link you back to the modern days.
All of the rooms are decorated in a minimalistic style but with beautiful touches such as the Eames style chairs and Melin Tregwynt blankets over the beds (a famous welsh brand). There are no TVs within the rooms, which leaves time for more contemplation.
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THE RESTAURANT
On the premises there is also a bistro named Food for Thought where you can serve all three meals. Note that the opening hours for serving breakfast are 8am – 9am, lunch from 12 noon - 2pm and dinner from 6.45pm - 7.15pm.
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THE LOUNGE
The Lounge has a fantastic atmosphere. Guests and visitors can have teas, coffee and cake in superb surroundings, either inside or outside. You can have a chat with the other guests, play a board game or simply sit down and get yourself lost within a book. The afternoon tea and biscuits are definitely a must! It’s one experience you will remember!
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THE CHAPEL
The chapel is simple but beautiful and there is a daily service.
This photo of Gladstone's Library is courtesy of TripAdvisor
In the close vicinity of the Library there is the St Deniol's Church, where you could visit the tomb of William Gladstone. Pop in for a visit, it’s worth having a look!
HOW TO GET THERE?
From the Heathrow airport you can hop on the overnight National Express bus to Chester. Then use the local bus service. In case you have a lot of luggage, it might be easier to take a taxi.
IN A NUTSHELL
If you have any interest in literature and books in general, this is an unique experience you should not miss. The architecture, history and utterly peaceful ambiance turned this Library into a hidden gem.
It’s a place where you can find your inspiration and experience an authentic feeling of being in a sanctuary of silence and a wealth of knowledge.
REFERENCE WEBSITES:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladstone%27s_Library
https://www.gladstoneslibrary.org/reading-rooms/library-collections
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/united-kingdom/wales/articles/gladstones-library-the-hotel-where-you-can-sleep-with-books/
https://www.sawdays.co.uk/britain/wales/flintshire/gladstone-s-library/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Ewart_Gladstone
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/stay-at-gladstones-in-wales-the-uks-only-residential-library
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/gladstones-library
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