Starting 12 March, all 'bookworms' are invited by Airbnb to take part in an unprecedented literary adventure: spend a night inside the Hidden Library of St Paul's Cathedral in London, hosted by #BookToker Abby Parker, @abbysbooks.
Tucked away in one of London’s most iconic landmarks, the Hidden Library allows guests to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of literature – exclusively listed on Airbnb. It will also 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.
Boasting an especially curated collection of over 22,000 books – ranging from timeless classics to Penguin Random House US’s upcoming releases from Holly Jackson, Kevin Kwan and John Grisham – guests can cosy up and let the magic of words transport them to another realm.
About the stay
Guests will enter St Paul’s Cathedral through the Dean’s door and climb the famous Geometric Staircase, designed by English architect Sir Christopher Wren over three hundred years ago. At the top of the staircase guests will enter the doors to unwind in the charming and enrapturing library space. Guests will bask in the literary paradise, before being greeted by the Dean of St Paul’s and receiving a tour of the Cathedral. Guests will then be given the exclusive opportunity to lose track of time in the pages of Holly Jackson’s The Reappearance of Rachel Price, John Grisham’s Camino Ghosts, and Kevin Kwan’s Lies and Weddings before they hit the shelves.
To kick off the evening, guests will enjoy a delectable dinner at a nearby restaurant, before returning to the Hidden Library and settling in for a night of beautiful bookish dreams; well read and ready for bed. Waking up refreshed, guests will be treated to breakfast, providing much-needed fuel before they take on the challenge of climbing the breathtaking dome of St Paul’s Cathedral to finish off their magical stay. Taking a lasting memory of the experience home with them to remember forever, guests will be gifted signed and stamped copies of the upcoming Penguin Random House US unreleased books.
About Hidden Library of St Paul’s Cathedral
Guests will stay in the bedroom section of the Hidden Library and will have access to the reading room, the nooks and the library of St Paul’s Cathedral. The stay at the Hidden Library of St Paul’s Cathedral will be available to book for two adults for £7 (just under $9 USD). Please note that there are toilet facilities available nearby.
Airbnb also gives some advice on library etiquette, including speaking to others quietly, returning books to their cosy home after reading and only using phones to create content with the hashtag #BookTok.
How to book
The exclusive stay in London’s iconic landmark will be available for one night on Friday 15th March.3 Guests can request to book this stay on 12 March 2024 at 10am GMT at airbnb.com/hiddenlibrary. The stay is suitable for two adults and will cost £7 for the night, with breakfast and dinner included.
“The Hidden Library of St Paul’s Cathedral’s is truly a haven for book-lovers seeking the ultimate literary escape. 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, exclusively on Airbnb.”
Amanda Cupples, General Manager of Northern Europe at Airbnb
“The recently restored library at St Paul’s has long been a secret gem of the Cathedral – cleverly concealed by the ingenious architecture of Christopher Wren. Some very fortunate guests will now get the chance to delve deeper into the history and wonder of St Paul’s with this truly one of a kind stay.”
Sandra Lynes Timbrell, Director of Visitor Engagement at St Paul’s Cathedral
“This partnership with Airbnb is a true celebration of readers in the most magical of ways. From exploring the secret corners of the Cathedral and summiting the famous dome, to reading their way through Penguin Random House US’s upcoming releases, this once in a lifetime experience is the stuff of fairytales.”
Alyssa Castaneda, Director of Brand Strategy at Penguin Random House US
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Press release and photos courtesy of Airbnb
Photos ©Simone Morciano
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