Welcome to the charming market town of Hay-on-Wye in Wales (or Gelli Gandryll in Welsh), a place where book lovers, antique hunters, foodies, families, and outdoor adventurers unite. Nestled on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the River Wye, it’s a quirky and cultural spot bursting with charm. If you’re wondering about the things to do in Hay on Wye, get ready for a jam-packed itinerary.
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Is Hay-On-Wye Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Whether you want to stroll through a castle ruin, lose yourself in a labyrinth of bookshops, sip craft gin at the Hay on Wye Distillery, or set off on a hike in the Black Mountains, Hay-on-Wye offers something for everyone. Its vibrant arts scene, cosy cafes, and beautiful riverside location make it a must-visit gem in Mid Wales.
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Free Things to Do In Hay-On-Wye
You don’t need to splash the cash to have a great time here. Wander the Wye Valley Walk, enjoy riverside views, or climb up to the remains of Hay Castle for one of the best views in town. Pop into the local tourist information centre for self-guided walking trails. You can also window shop to your heart’s content (though we can’t guarantee you won’t succumb to temptation!).
- Walk along the Wye Valley Walk – walkers travel from around the world to enjoy 136 miles of river and hill walking.
- Hay on Wye Offa’s Dyke Path – follows the ancient earthwork that separated England and Wales. Various sections of the path are accessible from the town.
- Explore the ruins of Hay Castle – the lawns and outdoor areas are free to visit.
- Browse the Thursday Hay Market – which has been trading for over 700 years and has 40 independent traders.
- Enjoy a riverside picnic at The Warren – a beautiful, secluded pebble beach with stunning scenery.
Take A Picnic
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Things To Do In Hay-On-Wye With Kids
Keep the little ones entertained with treasure trails around town, or head to The Warren for paddling and picnicking. Local farms and activity centres are nearby, perfect for a family day out. And if they’re up for something creative, many local bookshops and cafes offer seasonal kids’ workshops.
- Join a family treasure trail around town – find ancient carvings, historic statues, sculptures and more!
- The third Sunday of the month is Lego Club – a fun session at The Globe at Hay.
- Look for craft sessions and workshops at local cafes and bookshops.
- Watch a film at Richard Booth’s Bookshop Cinema or Hay Cinema Bookshop with everything from classics to blockbusters.
- Hay Castle is a beautifully restored medieval fortress in the heart of town, blending rich history with contemporary art exhibitions, kids’ activities, panoramic views, and a fascinating glimpse into Hay’s past.
Things To Do In Hay-On-Wye For Adults
Adults will adore gin tastings at the Hay on Wye Distillery, scenic cycling with Drover Cycles, and boutique shopping. Try a relaxing yoga or Zumba class in one of the local halls or studios. There’s also a small cinema and plenty of cosy pubs to while away the evening. For those who love culture and history, Hay Castle is an essential stop. Hay on Wye attractions include:
- Gin tour and tasting in the cellars of the 17th Century castle with Hay on Wye Distillery.
- Rent an e-bike from Drover Cycles from £35 per day. There are four main routes: The Black Mountains, The Begwyns, Mynydd Roed and Llangorse, plus the Grwyne Fawr Reservoir loop.
- Join a yoga class at Wye Valley IYENGAR Yoga in a beautiful renovated chapel.
Don’t Forget a Drink!
Water-to-Go bottles are a game-changer for travellers, hikers, and dog owners who love the great outdoors. These reusable bottles come with advanced 3-in-1 filtration technology, removing up to 99.9999% of contaminants from any non-saltwater source. That means whether you’re exploring Ilminster’s countryside or simply out on a long dog walk, you’ll always have access to clean, safe drinking water.
Hay-On-Wye Shops
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to shops in Hay on Wye. From artisan gifts to vintage clothing, there’s something unique around every cobbled corner. Independent shops rule the streets here, from vinyl records and handmade crafts to local artist studios.
- Otherworldz offers gifts like crystals, incense, windchimes, jewellery, funky clothes, and accessories.
- The Thoughtful Gardener for home and handmade gifts, such as soap and candles.
- Hay Deli is for local bread, cheese, fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, jams, and chutneys.
- Mostly Maps for vintage cartography, antique prints and ordnance surveys.
- The Lion Street Gallery specialises in paintings and sculptures with artists from Wales and the borders.
- Hay on Wye antique shops are a treasure trove of vintage goodies. So antique hunters can rejoice! Consider Hay Antique Market, The Old Electric Shop and Llewelyn & Co for retro interiors.
- For eco-savvy and thrifty shoppers, the Hay on Wye charity shops include Booth’s Bookshop Basement, St Michael’s Hospice, British Red Cross and Oxfam.
Hay-On-Wye Bookshops
It’s the reason most people visit Hay-on-Wye. With over 20 bookshops in a town of just a few thousand, this is truly the town of books. From second-hand steals to rare first editions, Hay-On-Wye Bookshops are legendary.
- Richard Booth’s Bookshop (44 Lion St) – The iconic three‑floor shop founded by the town’s “King of Books”.
- Addyman Books (39 Lion St) – A labyrinth of themed rooms and comfy reading nooks.
- The Addyman Annexe (27 Castle St) – Focused on second‑hand fiction and Welsh literature.
- Murder & Mayhem (5 Lion St) – Thriller, horror, and true crime specialist.
- Hay Castle Bookshop / Honesty Bookshop (Castle St, in castle grounds) – Pay‑what‑you‑like stalls inside castle walls.
- The Poetry Bookshop (The Pavement, Lion St) is the UK’s only shop dedicated to poetry.
- Hay-on-Wye Booksellers (13/14 High Town) – Antique and second‑hand; iconic timber‑framed premises.
- Hay Cinema Bookshop (Old cinema on Castle St) – Hundreds of thousands of second‑hand and antiquarian books.
- Francis Edwards (Upstairs at Cinema Bookshop) – Serious antiquarian for collectors.
- North Books (4 Castle St) – Curated new fiction, design, and photography; cosy atmosphere.
- C. Arden Bookseller (Forest Rd) – Niche in natural history, gardening, and botany.
- Green Ink Booksellers (19 High Town) – Modern first editions, art, philosophy and children’s books.
- Broad Street Book Centre (6 Broad St) – Vast collection selling military, natural history, railways and transport, sheet music, modern first editions and more.
- The Children’s Bookshop (Toll Cottage, just outside town) – Over 20,000 children’s titles.
- Literature Laboratory (4 Market St) – Experimental lit, wellbeing, parenting, plus events.
- Gay on Wye (3 Lion St) – Wales’ first LGBTQ+ specialist bookshop opened in 2023.
- Haystacks Music & More – Blend of music shop and bookshop; vinyl, CDs, music books.
- Festival Bookshop (33 Brecon Rd) – Pop‑up during the Hay Festival.
- British Red Cross Bookshop (Paris House, High Town) – Charity bookstore benefiting relief work.
Footwear That Keeps Up with Your Travel Plans
Legend Footwear is a go-to destination for quality footwear, offering a huge range of brands, from hiking boots to stylish everyday shoes. Whether you’re heading out on a countryside walk with your dog or exploring a new city on your travels, they have durable and comfortable options to suit all terrains.
Hay on Wye Events
The big one? The Hay on Wye Festival in late May to early June attracts literary giants and fans worldwide. But there’s more! There’s always something happening, from food festivals and vintage fairs to live music and markets.
- Hay on Wye Festival (May-June) is an internationally recognised literature festival lasting 10 days from late May to early June with talks, discussions, and book signings.
- Hay Fever is the children’s event that runs alongside the Hay Festival with storytelling, creative writing workshops and other activities for young audiences.
- Winter Weekend (November-December) – an annual literary and arts festival held in late November or early December for talks, performances, and workshops.
- Hay Food Festival (November) – the winter food festival promises a marketplace bursting with delicious flavours from over 45 local food and drink producers.
- Hay Music Festival (September) is an annual classical and chamber music celebration. It’s organised by the Hay Music Trust to bring top-tier classical performances to the town at accessible prices.
Dog Friendly Things To Do Near Hay-On-Wye
There are loads of Hay on Wye dog walks to explore, especially along the Hay on Wye Offa’s Dyke path. Many pubs, cafes, and even some bookshops are dog friendly. Fancy something more adventurous? Try wild swimming spots or the riverside trails around Gelli Gandryll.
For more information, see our dog friendly guide!
Don’t Get Caught Short 💩
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Hay-On-Wye Restaurants
Feast your way through town! From riverside tearooms to farm-to-table bistros, Hay on Wye places to eat are cosy and full of flavour. Whether you’re after brunch, lunch or dinner, you’ll be well-fed and looked after. You’ll find everything from fine dining to hearty pub grub. Don’t forget to sample local produce like Welsh lamb, gooey rarebit, and freshly baked cakes.
- Chapters Restaurant for fine dining
- Tomatitos Tapas Bar for a buzzing atmosphere
- The Granary for daytime favourites
- Old Black Lion is a classic pub with flair
- Blue Boar for great steaks and pies
- Shepherds Parlour for sheep’s milk ice cream
- The Cosy Café for breakfast and cakes
- Kilverts for a traditional Sunday lunch
- The Bean Box for coffee and cakes after the river walk
Get 50% off Food
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Hay on Wye Nightlife
It’s not all quiet country charm – Hay has a decent nightlife scene with live music, open mic nights, and quirky bars. Grab a pint, listen to local musicians or head to the cinema for an indie film.
- Live music at The Globe at Hay
- Pub quiz at The Three Tuns or The Old Black Lion
- Open mic nights at Kilverts Inn
- Indie films at Booth’s Cinema
- Nightcap at Tomatitos or Beer Revolution
Attractions Near Hay On Wye
Don’t stop at Hay. You’re minutes from the Brecon Beacons National Park, Offa’s Dyke Path, and outdoor activities galore. Visit castles, farms, and hiking routes with views for days. Explore the dyke path or head to nearby Herefordshire towns.
- Hike in Ystradfellte, known as waterfall country
- Visit the Elan Valley in Rhayader
- Pen y Fan – the highest peak in South Wales (use your National Trust Membership for free parking!)
- Llanthony Priory in the Black Mountains
- Canoeing or paddleboarding on the River Wye
- Day trips to Herefordshire and historic Ross-on-Wye
Don’t Forget Your National Trust Membership
You’re bound to be near a National Trust Estate wherever you visit. And, National Trust Members get FREE entry. With your membership, you can visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Plus, there is free parking at most car parks, National Trust beaches, and countryside walks.
Hay on Wye Car Park
There are a few good parking options, including the Oxford Road car park by the castle and the riverside car park. Most are pay-and-display but reasonably priced at up to £4 per day. Some offer longer stays if you planning a few days of outdoor adventures.
On Public Transport
You can take a Transport for Wales train to Hereford. From there, catch the T14 Stagecoach bus, which runs Monday–Saturday with five daily services, taking about an hour through scenic countryside before arriving in town.
Hay on Wye Places to Stay
From boutique hotels and cosy B&Bs to riverside camping and dog-friendly cottages, Hay on Wye places to stay are as charming as the town itself. It’s an excellent base for a holiday in the area.
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date and are usually displayed per room rather than per person. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
Sykes Holiday Cottages
The award-winning business has cottages across the UK, and the ones near Rhayader are beautiful, from cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Hay on Wye in Wales
Whether you’re a bookworm, foodie, history buff or dog lover, Hay-on-Wye in Wales is a little town with a big personality. Tucked between the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons and the scenic River Wye, it offers a unique mix of literary charm, independent spirit, and stunning natural beauty. From browsing second-hand bookshops to paddling with your pup, sipping gin, or climbing castle towers, there’s something here for every kind of traveller. So pack your walking boots and your curiosity – Hay is full of life and waiting to be discovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country is Hay on Wye in?
Hay-on-Wye is located in Wales, on the eastern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Is Hay on Wye English or Welsh?
Although it sits very close to the England-Wales border, Hay-on-Wye is officially a Welsh town.
What is Hay on Wye famous for?
Hay-on-Wye is best known for its extraordinary number of bookshops and world-famous literary festivals.
Why is Hay on Wye famous for books?
The town gained international fame in the 1970s when Richard Booth opened several second-hand bookshops and declared Hay an independent kingdom of books.
What is the Hay on Wye Festival?
The Hay Festival is a renowned literary and arts festival held annually, attracting writers, poets, thinkers, and readers from all over the world.
When is Hay on Wye Book Festival?
The Hay Festival usually occurs in late May and early June each year.
Are Hay on Wye bookshops open on Sundays?
Though hours may vary, many bookshops in Hay-on-Wye are open on Sundays, especially during the tourist season.
What day is Hay on Wye market?
The Hay Market is held every Thursday and features a variety of local produce, crafts, and vintage treasures.
What is Hay on Wye Number 2?
Number 2 Hay on Wye is a ladies’ clothing store that opened in 1982.
How to pronounce Hay on Wye?
It’s pronounced exactly as it’s written: Hay-on-Why.
When to visit Hay on Wye?
Spring and summer are ideal for festivals and warm-weather walks, but the town remains charming and lively throughout the year.
Is Hay on Wye dog friendly?
Yes! Hay-on-Wye is very dog friendly, with plenty of walking routes, dog-welcoming shops, pubs and cafes. We took our dog, Ivan, and he was welcomed in most places.
Who is the Hay on Wye Olympian?
Josie Pearson, a Paralympic gold medallist, hails from Hay-on-Wye. The gold postbox painted in her honour is found on Church Street.
How far is Hay on Wye from Hereford?
It’s approximately 20 miles, or a 40-minute drive, from Hereford. The T14 bus operates between the two towns from Monday to Saturday, with one every two hours.
How to get to Hay on Wye from London?
Take a train to Hereford and then the T14 bus, which operates between the two towns from Monday to Saturday, with one every two hours. Driving takes nearly 4 hours.
How to get to Hay on Wye from Cardiff?
You can drive in about 1.5 hours (it took us just over an hour as we’re in North Cardiff) or take a train to Hereford. The T14 bus operates between the two towns from Monday to Saturday, with one every two hours.
Hay on Wye to Aberystwyth
Around 1 hour and 50 minutes by car. You can use public transport, but it can take between 4.5 and 6 hours due to infrequent connections. There are plenty of things to do in Aberystwyth.
Hay on Wye to Cheltenham
About a 90-minute drive. You can get there by bus, but you will need to change services.
Hay on Wye to Ledbury
Roughly 1 hour by car. You can get there by bus, but you will need to change services.
Hay on Wye to Chepstow
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The nearest railway station is Hereford, twenty miles away. The T14 bus operates between the two towns from Monday to Saturday, with one every two hours.
Hay on Wye to Swansea
Around 90 minutes by car. The nearest railway station is Hereford, twenty miles away. The T14 bus operates between the two towns from Monday to Saturday, with one every two hours.
Hay on Wye to Symonds Yat
Around an hour by car. You can get there by bus, but you will need to change services.
Hay on Wye to Bath
Just over 2 hours by car. The nearest railway station is Hereford, twenty miles away. The T14 bus operates between the two towns from Monday to Saturday, with one every two hours. Bath is famous for its Roman architecture and being the home of Jane Austin.
Hay on Wye to Pen y Fan
About a 30-minute drive, perfect for a day hike. Don’t forget to use your National Trust Membership for free parking. Alternatively, you can utilise the T4 and T14 bus services, which stop at the Storey Arms, a popular starting point for Pen y Fan hikes.
Hay on Wye to Manchester
Manchester is around 3 hours by car. The nearest railway station is Hereford, twenty miles away. The T14 bus operates between the two towns from Monday to Saturday, with one every two hours.
Hay on Wye to Chester
Just under 2.5 hours by car. The nearest railway station is Hereford, twenty miles away. The T14 bus operates between the two towns from Monday to Saturday, with one every two hours.
Hay on Wye to Ross on Wye
Approximately an hour by car. You can get there by bus, but you will need to change services.
Is there a Hay On Wye USA?
No, there isn’t a Hay-on-Wye in the USA – just the original Welsh gem with a worldwide reputation!
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