1. It’s a worthy item on any writer’s bucket list
If you’re an author, the first question is probably why wouldn’t you want to stay in a library with rooms? (Especially if you’re a Society of Authors member as you’ll get a 40% discount).
If you want some serious time to focus on a project, Gladstone’s gives you all the space and quiet you need. Once you’ve taken a moment to admire the library itself, it’s easy to settle into a peaceful day of writing.
2. It’s the perfect spot for a digital detox
I mostly filled notepads rather than Word docs while I was there – and I thoroughly enjoyed the screen break. The bedrooms don’t have TVs. And with wifi being fine for emailing but not up to streaming TV shows, I had the nudge I needed to spend my evenings cosied up with a book in downstairs lounge. At home, I naturally fall into the rhythm of work, eat, TV, bed, repeat. I found myself wondering why I wasn’t taking more time to read at home instead of reserving books for snatched seconds on buses and trains.
3. It’s incredibly quiet, except when it’s not…
The library itself is as silent as … a library. But I was surprised that the hush spread to the lounge, too. At 9.30pm on a Saturday night all I could hear were occasional whispers between friends and pages being turned in books. It was delightful. For an added ego boost, I’m proud to report that I was the resident party animal. At 10pm I was the last guest standing (well, sitting rather comfortably, actually) in the lounge.
Back in my room though, with all the peace elsewhere it was impossible to miss the church bells ringing the hour. Every hour. All night. It added to the atmosphere of the place – especially as I had great graveyard views from my bedroom window. But the friend I was with is a lighter sleeper than me and said the bells kept waking her up. If you’re a light sleeper too, you’d better pack some earplugs.
Other things to know before you go
Check in is at 2pm and check out at 10am, but if you arrive early, you can work in the library straight away. And you can stay as long as you like on check out day, too.
If you fancy a woodland walk, ask reception for a permission slip to explore some local private land.
Ensuite rooms are the same price, but not the same size. Don’t be disappointed if a travelling friend has a nicer room than you (you’re not really there for the bedrooms anyway).
Rooms have towels, shampoo and shower gel, but if you like moisturiser, you’ll need to pack your own.
The food is okay, but the farm shop a 15-min walk away is worth a visit for treats (and possibly pizza, but I didn’t try it).
Bring a jumper for the library as it can get chilly.
Love it for what it is – an incredible place to think and write. It’s not trying to be a boutique hotel and it doesn’t need to be. It’s wonderful just the way it is.
Find out more on the Gladstone’s website
Have you been on any UK writing retreats you recommend? Let me know in the comments!
Hannah Moffatt, word wrangler 