Spend a Night in St Paul’s Cathedral's Restored 18th Century 'Hidden Library'

For one night only Airbnb is offering the chance to stay overnight in the Hidden Library of St Paul’s Cathedral in London as part of the World Book Day celebrations. It will also be the first time that someone has officially slept inside the Cathedral since its own personal fire brigade St Paul’s Watch protected the building during World War II.

The Cathedral library was finished in 1709 and recently underwent a four year restoration. Its collection concentrates on theology, church history, and the study of early Christianity, as well as its architect Christopher Wren.

The collaboration between the Cathedral, Airbnb, and Penguin Random House will bring together an especially curated collection of more than 22,000 books, from classics to Penguin Random House US’s upcoming releases from Holly Jackson (The Reappearance of Rachel Price), John Grisham (Camino Ghosts), and Kevin Kwan (Lies and Weddings) before they hit the shelves. As well as signed copies of the books, tours of the building, the booking - which costs £7 (just under $9) - includes dinner at a nearby restaurant, before returning to the Hidden Library to settle in for a night.

The two adult guests will stay in the bedroom section of the Hidden Library on March 15 and will have access to the reading room, the nooks and the library of St Paul’s Cathedral. Toilet facilities will be available nearby and breakfast next day is provided. Booking opens on March 12 at 10am GMT at airbnb.com/hiddenlibrary.

“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," said Sandra Lynes Timbrell, Director of Visitor Engagement at St Paul’s Cathedral. "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.”