Gladstone's Library — Attraction in Hawarden

This is a review in 3 parts because of 3 excellent and distinct aspects to visiting Gladstone's Library.

First, we stayed in a twin bed room on the first floor which was clean and very comfortable. The furniture was spare Scandinavian with warm woods, comfy mattresses, and nice sheets with a special local wool blanket. The light fixtures and the radio were mid-century modern. There is no TV in the room as the focus is on books (however, if you must watch TV there is one in the common room). All very neat and relaxing. The bathroom was a wet room with fully accessible shower and toilet. We could hear the bells ringing in the church tower next door. This wasn't disturbing with the windows closed but if you sleep with the windows open, it might be. A satisfying continental breakfast was included in the price of the room. Additional hot dishes could be ordered for a slight additional charge.

Second. Afternoon tea. We reserved and paid extra for the afternoon tea. Sandwiches, scones, and sweets were all delicious and the atmosphere delightful. A good value for the price (especially compared to a tea we had later in London at St. Pancras).

Third. The library itself. Our hotel stay afforded us access to the library. No talking. It was one of the most quiet, restful, and immersive days of our trip. If you love books, or you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the world, I highly recommend a night at...

This is such a special, calm, atmospheric place. It had such a sense of peace and history. All the staff were so warm and welcoming. The building has been lovingly preserved. Our room was very comfortable, with a big corner bath and brickwork around the windows. You could only hear birds from the countryside. In the mornings we ran around the Hawarden Estate - the library will give you a permit to access areas not open to all the public. The selection of books in the library was astounding - slightly more for non-fiction lovers (as it follows Gladstone's primary interests of religion, politics and history.) The annex was a goldmine with section after section of interesting topics. The librarian we met, Louise, was helpful and lovely. The receptionist who we saw most of the time, Helene, was so friendly and cheery. We ate a number of times in the cafe and it was decent, homecooked food at very good prices. They will bring you tea and cake in the Gladstone Room, which is the (not so) secret bonus to this...

A beautiful, wonderful place to study and work in silence. I genuinely miss it already. The library is so interesting and the free publications are a great. Staff are so so sweet and very helpful. Gives you a rush of nostalgia for how libraries once were. All bedding in room is cheap pretty uncomfortable ( aside from the beautiful blankets) but thankfully I brought my own. Had dinner there was tasty and unpretentious. I would say I am on a low income and struggled to save up for this. It would be fairer if some concessions were offered to the unwaged or those on a lower income. Would Gladstone approve? I came with my daughter who is a student teenager so I do think that should be reflected in the rates. I do appreciate institutions like this are very costly to maintain.My father is Guyanese so perhaps either he or I should get a discount?? Long may this place last ! It should have support, public funding and be...