Gladstone's Library

About Us

Gladstone's Library is unique. It is a residential library and meeting place dedicated to dialogue, debate and learning for open-minded individuals and groups who are looking to explore pressing questions and to pursue study and research in an age of distraction and easy solutions.

This institution pays tribute to William Gladstone. It is Britain's finest residential library, and its only Prime Ministerial library. It was founded by the great Victorian statesman himself and, following his death in 1898, became the national memorial to his life and work as well as one of the few Grade I-listed buildings in North Wales.

At Gladstone's Library, we have an evolving programme of events and festivals that keep us connected with a wide range of writers and thinkers. You can visit us on a free Glimpse of the Reading Rooms at 12pm, 2pm or 4pm any day of the week, pop in for a coffee, Sunday Lunch or Afternoon Tea, or you can book to stay with us in one of our 26 comfortable, boutique bedrooms.

Winners of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence 2013 – present

Named as one of the UK’s top 10 coolest B&Bs by The Telegraph

Opening Times

2020 (1 Jan 2020 - 31 Dec 2020)
Monday - Sunday	08:45	- 21:00*

2020 (1 Jan 2020 - 31 Dec 2020)

Day

Times

Monday - Sunday

08:45

- 21:00*

* Food for Thought is open 10am – 5pm daily
The Library building is open 9am – 5pm daily
Access to the Reading Rooms to the public is on a Glimpse only. Reading Rooms are open to Readers 9am – 5pm Monday – Saturday, and to Friends and Residents 9am – 10pm daily.

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

What's Nearby

Chester Football Club

Home of Chester Football Club - Formed in 2010 as a fans owned club. Matches played…

4.6 miles away
RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands

Outstanding beauty, an abundance of wildlife and a rich history can all be found in this…

5.04 miles away
Chester Curzon Park Golf Course

Curzon Park has a fabulous setting for a round of golf, set as it is within a loop of the…

5.1 miles away

Burton Marsh

A huge expanse of grazed upper saltmarsh, best viewed from the parking area at Denhall…

5.19 miles away
Chester Racecourse

Chester Racecourse is the oldest Racecourse in Britain.

5.34 miles away
Grosvenor Garden Centre

Grosvenor Garden Centre is a popular centre which has built an excellent reputation for…

5.34 miles away
Stanley Palace

A late 16th century townhouse.

5.4 miles away
The Watergate Street Gallery (Of Art for All)

The Watergate Street Gallery opened in 1992 with a philosophy to bring new, fresh,…

5.46 miles away
The Forum Studio Theatre

In the heart of Chester City Centre with a full and varied programme.

5.5 miles away
The Chester Tour

Be enthralled by the tales and anecdotes of those who have contributed to the rich…

5.53 miles away
Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross

A unique regular midday proclamation in Chester's historic centre, where Bridge Street…

5.53 miles away
Roman Amphitheatre - Chester

Chester Amphitheatre is the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain.

5.53 miles away
Water Tower Gardens

Adjacent to the old Water Tower, facilities include bowls, tennis, putting and children's…

5.53 miles away
Virtual Reality Escapes

Offering people the opportunity to experience the world’s best virtual reality equipment,…

5.54 miles away
Views from Chester Castle

This summer, for three days per week, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Chester Castle will be…

5.56 miles away
Cheshire Military Museum

The Cheshire Military Museum, in Chester, tells the story of the Cheshire Soldiers from…

5.57 miles away