Open Doors - Gladstone's Library

Gladstone’s Library is situated in Hawarden, North Wales. Founded by William Ewart Gladstone in 1894, it is the only Prime Ministerial library in the United Kingdom and one of few residential libraries in the world. The current grade-I listed building was designed by John Douglas, and constructed as the national memorial to Gladstone shortly after his death.

As well as the beautiful Reading Rooms which house 150,000 printed books (20,000 of which
belonged to Gladstone), the library has a restaurant and café, a chapel, 26 bedrooms, a cosy sitting room, and lovely gardens.

Come to see some of the highlights of Gladstone’s Library’s printed collections and archives, have a tour of the Reading Rooms, and go behind the scenes in the strongrooms.

To commemorate 125 years since William Gladstone’s death, this year’s Open Doors theme is The Gladstones at Hawarden, in partnership with North East Wales Archives at the Old Rectory. Tours will encompass both sites.

The histories of Gladstone’s Library and the Old Rectory are intertwined. Several of the Old Rectory’s inhabitants were Gladstone’s immediate family, and went on to play an important role in shaping Gladstone’s Library after his death.

Booking required. Tours will encompass both Gladstone’s Library and the Old Rectory that houses North East Wales Archives. Tours will begin at either site – you will only need to book one tour in order to visit both sites.
Tours starting at the Gladstone’s Library: 10am, 11.30am and 1pm - these will then proceed to the Old Rectory for a tour. These can be booked by telephoning +44 (0)1244 532350 or by emailing
enquiries@gladlib.org
Tours starting at the Old Rectory, Hawarden: 10am, 11.30am and 1pm – these will then proceed to the Gladstone’s Library for a tour. To book these please see the Open Doors page for the Old Rectory
15 people max per tour. Tours last approx. 90 mins.

Address - Gladstone's Library, Church Lane, Hawarden, Flintshire, CH5 3DF.

Church Lane is a turning off Glynne Way, Hawarden. Drive along Church Lane, then through a set of open gates on the left. There is ample car parking.
By train: Hawarden is on the Wrexham-Bidston line.
By bus: regular 11 and 4 bus services to Hawarden from Chester Bus Interchange and Chester
Railway Station, and from Mold and Holywell bus stations.

The Reading Rooms, restaurant and café, chapel, sitting room, and gardens are accessible to users with disabilities. The strongrooms are located down a fairly narrow corridor which may be an obstacle for wider wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Parking is in front of the building.