44 Must-See Literary Landmarks in the United Kingdom

36. Gladstone’s Library, A Sanctuary for Readers in Hawarden, Wales

Founded by Prime Minister William Gladstone in the 19th century, this residential library in the village of Hawarden offers more than just shelves—it offers stillness. Housing over 150,000 books and manuscripts, it’s the only UK library where you can sleep next to the books you read. Writers, theologians, and thinkers retreat here to work in monastic quiet, surrounded by carved wood, leather-bound volumes, and the rustle of thoughtful pages turning. The library’s ethos? That deep reading changes people. Whether you’re writing a novel or just seeking solace among stories, Gladstone’s Library welcomes you—no distractions, just depth.