St Paul’s Cathedral unveils secret library for ‘once in a lifetime’ overnight stay

St Paul’s Cathedral has unveiled its hidden library, which will be available for a “once-in-a-lifetime” overnight stay in honour of World Book Day.

For just £7, two guests will get the chance to stay in the “secret” room of the historic London landmark on March 15. The price includes dinner at a nearby restaurant and breakfast.

It will mark the first time someone has been permitted to sleep inside the cathedral since the Second World War when a voluntary organisation protected the venue from bombing raids.

During their stay, the guests will enter the cathedral through the dean’s door and climb the spiral staircase, designed by English architect Sir Christopher Wren more than 300 years ago.

At the top of the staircase, they will find the library, which hosts a collection of more than 22,000 books, ranging from classics to Penguin Random House US’s forthcoming releases.

They will be welcomed to the venue by the dean and receive a tour of the historic cathedral.

The next morning, after breakfast, the guests will climb to the famous cathedral dome.

To remember their experience, the visitors will be given signed and stamped copies of the new Penguin Random House US books, including Holly Jackson’s The Reappearance Of Rachel Price and John Grisham’s Camino Ghosts.

Join our new WhatsApp Community to get the latest news from across London directly to your phone.

Director of visitor engagement at St Paul’s Cathedral Sandra Lynes Timbrell 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.”

The stay will be available through Airbnb, with booking opening on March 12.