Discover Chetham’s: Guided Tour

Chetham’s library is a building from a different era of humanity, with stone passages, secret staircases and richly panelled rooms that contain the progression of knowledge and the English language. This Library is the oldest public library in the English speaking world and you can explore it with the expertise of a knowledgeable guide in a curated guided tour. Let yourself be transported into a different time and away from the clutter and cold of the city centre. As you move around the space you can picture the many scholars, scientists and politicians who’ve gone onto change the world after reading in these rooms. Allow the building’s character to take centre stage as you traverse stone floors that contain years of footfall gently eroding natural paths through the halls.

You can imagine the treasure trove of manuscripts and books contained within these ancient walls. Chethams Library has nurtured minds such as Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, the Elizabethan alchemist John Dee and countless internationally renowned musicians. Once you’ve explored, discovered and enjoyed the library’s atmosphere you’re in perfect position to enjoy one of the many free lunchtime concerts in the Stoller Hall. Often these concerts feature the best young talent from the neighbouring music school as well as internationally renowned soloists, check out their listings via the website. To make the guided tour an enjoyable and social experience for everyone, spaces for each tour are limited, so be sure to book in advance.

Often we overlook the historical and cultural wonders on our doorstep, so next time you get a train from Victoria station, remember that this hidden gem is just the other side of the street waiting to be discovered. Tours run often twice a day on selected days be sure to check the Chetham’s Library website for specific dates.