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Stay up all night in the Hidden Library of St Paul’s Cathedral, now on Airbnb

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Key Takeaways

  • A literary escape in the Hidden Library of London’s iconic St Paul’s Cathedral is now available for an overnight stay on Airbnb.
  • Hosted by Abby Parker of #BookTok's @abbysbooks, guests can stay in the secret heart of this historic landmark, losing track of time in the pages of Penguin Random House US’s upcoming releases.
The bedroom section of the Hidden Library, a book lined and wood panelled room.

Key Takeaways

  • A literary escape in the Hidden Library of London’s iconic St Paul’s Cathedral is now available for an overnight stay on Airbnb.
  • Hosted by Abby Parker of #BookTok's @abbysbooks, guests can stay in the secret heart of this historic landmark, losing track of time in the pages of Penguin Random House US’s upcoming releases.

This World Book Day, Airbnb is inviting bookworms on the ultimate literary escape: an overnight stay in the Hidden Library of St Paul’s Cathedral – hosted by Abby Parker of BookTok’s @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.1 

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 Grisham2 – 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.

Exterior view of St Paul's Cathedral in London
This will be the first time that someone has officially slept inside the Cathedral since World War II.
Aerial view of the famous Geometric Staircase in St. Paul's, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
Guests will climb the famous Geometric Staircase to access the Hidden Library of St Paul's Cathedral.
Shot of the book-lined interior of the stay, showing just some of the specially curated collection of over 22,000 books.
The stay boasts a specially curated collection of over 22,000 books - ranging from timeless classics to Penguin Random House US’s upcoming releases.
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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. 

Hidden Library Etiquette

  • Bookworms only
  • No munching or sipping in the library – so the precious books remain crumb-free
  • Always walk, never run
  • Speak to others quietly 
  • Return books to their cosy home after reading
  • Phone usage is permitted when creating #BookTok content
  • Always read the book before watching the film
  • #NoSpoilers
Shot of the reading room in Saint Paul's Cathedral, showing some of the historic volumes and a cosy reading nook with a green sofa.
Guests can cosy up in the reading room and let the magic of words transport them to another realm.
Shot of the wood panelled bedroom that has been specially constructed in the Hidden Library of Saint Paul's Cathedral.
Guests will sleep in the secret heart of this historic landmark and enjoy a night of bookish dreams.
Another shot of the reading room in Saint Paul's Cathedral, a room lined with historic books and filled with reading lamps and antique desks and chairs.
Guests will also have access to the reading room, the nooks and the library of St Paul’s Cathedral.
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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

For those who are not able to book this exclusive stay, check out Airbnb’s Creative Spaces Category, a filter that makes it easy to discover stays perfect for romanticists including libraries and art studios.

1. www.stpauls.co.uk/st-pauls-watch-protect-cathedral

2.The upcoming releases from Penguin Random House US’s are Holly Jackson’s The Reappearance of Rachel Price (Penguin Random House US/Delacorte Press), John Grisham’s Camino Ghosts (Penguin Random House US/Doubleday), and Kevin Kwan’s Lies and Weddings (Penguin Random House US/Doubleday).

3. This is an exclusive one night stay for two people and is not a competition. 

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5 million Hosts who have welcomed over 1.5 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

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