Hay-on-Wye

Literary credentials. Festival favourite. Outdoor adventures.

Books, books & more books!
Home to two international Festivals
Superb independent cafes & shops
Brilliant base for outdoor pursuits
Straddles the border between England & Wales

For a tiny place, Hay-on-Wye has a really big reputation. Dubbed the ‘Town of Books’ for its profusion of bookshops, Hay is also home to two international festivals: great writers, thinkers, artists and musicians share their big ideas at Hay Festival and How The Light Gets In. Beyond its cultural life, Hay’s location makes it an ideal base for outdoor adventures – hugging the River Wye, and with a foot in both England and Wales, it's a captivating place to visit for bibliophiles, walkers and water-lovers alike.

Love Your Hay-on-Wye Break

Market Town Mooching

Take a wander around the pretty streets of Hay-on-Wye, packed with art galleries, homeware stores, eclectic antiques emporia, and, of course countless bookshops. Relax in boho cafes or head for the Thursday morning market which is packed with more than 40 stalls piled with gorgeous edible goodies and much more.

Fun on the River Wye

Over 100 miles of the Wye is navigable to canoes and kayaks – get a taste of river life on a half-day paddle to Whitney-on-Wye, or tackle a multi-day camping and canoe adventure on a guided tour or self-steered voyage. Look out for kingfishers, herons, cormorants, swans and otters as you wind downstream. Wild swimmers, stone skimmers and picnickers head to the Warren, a shingle ‘beach’ and open meadow just a short walk west along the riverside path running behind St Mary's Church.

Hike or Bike the Hills

Both the Wye Valley Walk and Offa’s Dyke Path pass through Hay-on-Wye, making for some corking days out on foot. Hike south along Offa's Dyke to the heights of Hay Bluff for far-reaching views over Herefordshire and the Brecon Beacons. Or take to your bike to explore the mountains and quiet country roads – stretch your legs a little farther to roam one of two Cider Circuits or the Black and White Villages trail.

Explore Near Hay-on-Wye

Arthur's Stone

The huge stone slabs of this atmospheric Neolithic burial tomb, high on the hills above the Golden Valley east of Hay-on-Wye, were raised over 5,000 years ago. Legend has it that a mark on one of the slabs is the impression left by the elbow of a falling giant slain by King Arthur. Follow the Herefordshire Trail to reach this atmospheric site – and time your visit to watch the sun set over the Black Mountains.

Black Mountains Botanicals Gin-Making Experience

Enjoy a day at this award-winning Herefordshire distillery creating your own personal bottle of gin. The master distiller will guide you through the various processes, from matching ingredients and choosing your flavour profile to macerating and distilling. Bottoms up!

Brobury House Gardens

This beautiful Victorian terraced garden is designed for all seasons. Situated on the banks of the River Wye, the water theme which runs through the gardens is particularly enchanting.

Snodhill Castle

Climb the keep and take in the views of the medieval deer park from Snodill which is one of the earliest Norman castles in the UK.

The Orgasmic Cider Company

Take a guided tour of the orchards before sampling Orgasmic's tantalising range of ciders and perries.

The Golden Valley

Explore the magical Golden Valley stretching southeast of Hay-on-Wye on a road trip or cycle ride. Wind through the rural settlements of Dorstone, Peterchurch, Vowchurch, Abbey Dore and Ewyas Harold, admiring the glorious countryside en route.

In the Footsteps of King Offa

Trace the route of the mighty earthwork ordered in the eighth century by King Offa of Mercia to mark the border between England and Wales. Offa's Dyke Path stretches 177 miles from Chepstow to Prestatyn; tackle the short leg from Hay-on-Wye to Newchurch, where walkers can enjoy a cup of tea at the church, or continue the extra miles to Kington.