It’s World Book Day on Thursday 7 March, and Airbnb is celebrating with an exciting opportunity for voracious readers. For one night only, guests can book a stay inside the Hidden Library of London’s iconic St Paul’s Cathedral. Best of all? It’ll cost you just £7.
“The Hidden Library of St Paul’s Cathedral’s is truly a haven for book-lovers seeking the ultimate literary escape,” says Amanda Cupples, Airbnb’s general manager of northern Europe. “Whether you’re a bookworm, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique experience in London, we are thrilled to open up the doors to the library of your dreams, and one of the most iconic buildings in the world.”
Library in St Paul’sSimone Morciano
The experience starts with guests entering the iconic Cathedral through the Dean’s door before climbing the 300-year-old Geometric Staircase, designed by English architect Sir Christopher Wren. Then you’ll have reached the library, where you can peruse the collection of over 22,000 books before being greeted by the Dean of St Pauls for a private tour of the Cathedral. Dinner at a local restaurant follows before you return to the library to bed down for the night – and settle in to read.
Naturally, the library is a perfect bookish bolthole: plenty of nooks to curl up in – including one with a hanging swing – expansive dark wooden panelling, parquet flooring and a statement marble fireplace surrounded with a couple of comfy wingback chairs. There’s a proper bedroom area with a double bed featuring a stately carved headboard, upon which – what else? – a few more books sit, ready to reveal their secrets within.
Reading Room in the Hidden LibrarySimone Morciano
If the reams of books on the shelves don’t suit, Penguin Random House has offered up several of 2024’s most anticipated books to get stuck into, including Holly Jackson’s The Reappearance of Rachel Price, John Grisham’s Camino Ghosts, and Kevin Kwan’s Lies and Weddings, before their official release date. Guests will also be given signed copies to take home.
Romance nook inside the Hidden LibrarySimone Morciano
Mystery Nook in the Hidden LibrarySimone Morciano
In the morning, you’ll wake up to breakfast before climbing the majestic dome of St Paul’s Cathedral and taking in the expansive views over London, finishing up this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Indeed, while St Paul’s Cathedral welcomes over a million people through its doors every year, this will be the first time that someone has officially slept inside the Cathedral since the St Paul’s Watch protected the building during World War II.
There are plenty of wonderful Airbnbs in London but rarely an opportunity to stay somewhere as rich in history as this. Bookings open on Airbnb on Tuesday 12 March 2024 at 10am GMT at airbnb.com/hiddenlibrary. The experience is for two adults, costing £7.
Note: The link airbnb.com/hiddenlibrary only goes live on 12 March 2024 at 10am GMT
