Literary-lovers of London, listen up. St Paul’s Cathedral is hosting the ultimate pyjama party to mark World Book Day. For the very first time since World War II; the hidden library nestled within the legendary London landmark will be available for an overnight stay. And it will cost just £7 for the night. Yes, you read that correctly. You can have a sleepover at St Paul’s Cathedral for less than the cost of a pint in most London pubs.
Hosted by #BookTok’s Abby Parker and exclusively listed on Airbnb; this blissfully bookish break will take place on Friday, March 15. The hidden library boasts a carefully-curated collection of over 22,000 books, from timeless classics to the latest releases.
What’s included in the stay?
Kicking off with a climb up the famous Geometric Staircase (which was designed 300 years ago by Sir Christopher Wren, FYI), the literary itinerary will also involve dinner, breakfast, a tour of the cathedral from the Dean of St Paul’s, a climb up the cathedral’s dome and – of course – plenty of time to get stuck in to the gigantic to-be-read pile.
Although sleep will be low on the list of priorities during this stay; guests will be slumbering in the bedroom section of the hidden library but will have access to the reading room, the reading nooks and the library. The lucky pair will also receive signed and stamped copies of the upcoming Penguin Random House US unreleased books to take home with them.
This highly-coveted night at the museum cathedral will be available for one night only on Friday, March 15 and is suitable for two adults. Guests can request to book the stay on March 12 at 10am – so clear your diaries, bookworms and bibliophiles. May the odds be in your favour.
Sandra Lynes Timbrell, Director of Visitor Engagement at St Paul’s Cathedral, said: “The recently restored library at St Paul’s has long been a secret gem of the Cathedral – cleverly concealed by the ingenious architecture of Sir 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.”
Amanda Cupples, General Manager of Northern Europe at Airbnb, said: “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.”
Find out more information here.