One of the gems along the River Wye, Hay-on-Wye is the small town famous the world over for books.
With the river flowing gracefully along its north western edge Hay, as we locals refer to it, abuts the England Wales border. Its reputation as a town packed with bookshops and as the venue for the annual Festival of Literature are only two of its many facets. Y Gelli Gandryll (the shattered grove) as it is known in Welsh, is the ideal base for exploring the northern Black Mountains. Come and discover it’s many quirky delights.
Things to see and do
Peruse the numerous second hand bookshops and antique shops
Shop at the various independent clothing, food and craft shops
Visit Hopes of Longtown for a fabulous selection of artisan produce
Pop along to one of the regular markets, Hay Market is held every Thursday.
Go for a meander along the river and around The Warren
Pick up the Wye Valley Walk to the east or west or Offa’s Dyke Trail to the north or south
Keep an eye out for news about the exciting project to restore Hay Castle
Visit Hay Festival
Book a guided walk of the mountain with Sarah from Walk Hay she specialises in providing expertly led Guided Walking in this wonderful part of the world.
Head out of the River Wye with one of our canoe companies.
Get ropey at Black Mountain Adventure
Great Days Out – Black Mountains
The Brecon Beacons National Park is a beautiful part of Wales, and there are masses of ways to explore it. It’s easy to plan your own day trips in our Park, lasting anything from a couple of hours to a full day.
The eastern side of the Brecon Beacons National Park has peaceful churches and wonderful views of rolling hillsides.
From Talgarth, it’s easy to get to tranquil beauty spots such as Llangorse Lake and Pwll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve. Read more about our great days out here.
Activities
There are a brilliant range of organised activities on offer too; from photography to full on adrenaline sports. Find out more here. Or contact one of our activity providers who are based in or close to Hay-on-Wye
Drover Cycles
Walk Hay
Black Mountain Adventure
River Wye Activity Centre
Major Events
The largest event in the Hay-on-Wye calendar is Hay Festival which takes place at the end of May each year. Hay Festival celebrates great writing from poets and scientists, lyricists and comedians, novelists and environmentalists, and the power of great ideas to transform our way of thinking.
Hay Festival 2024
Hay Festival, Not just books….
Late Nights at Hay Festival
Weekly Hay Markets
Saturday Summer Markets
Places to eat in Hay-on-Wye (from cafes to pop ups, & restaurants)
Old Railway Line Garden Centre
Chapters
Gwernyfed Walled Gardens and Cafe
River Wye Activity Centre
Drover Cycles
Places to Stay in Hay-on-Wye
Bed and Breakfast
Baskerville Hall Hotel
Hopes of Longtown
Tara B&B
Camping, caravanning and glamping
By the Wye
Hopes of Longtown
River Wye Activity Centre
Self catering
By the Wye
Upstairs at the Cheese Market
More information
Hay-on-Wye Tourist Information Bureau, Oxford Rd, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford HR3 5DG 01497 820144
How to get there
Check out our getting here page for more information on how to get to the National Park.
Bus: www.travelinecymru.co.uk