Hay-on-Wye

Hay-on-Wye is a charming market town, famous for its bookshops, weekly market, Hay Festival in May and Hay Festival Winter Weekend in November. Known in Welsh as Y Gelli Gandryll, it is celebrated around the world as the Town of Books.

About Hay-on-Wye

Hay-on-Wye, the Town of Books, is a lively market town in the north-east of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Famous worldwide for its annual literary festival, Hay-on-Wye is a haven for book lovers. Its eclectic mix of independent shops, cafés and galleries makes it a popular destination for visitors to the National Park.

a book shop full of books on shelves

Hay Festival

Each May, Hay Festival brings readers and writers together to share stories and ideas. Hay Festival Winter Weekend returns in November, alongside the town’s Christmas lights switch-on.

Hay Festival
Hay Festival Winter Weekend
Hay on Wye Festival site, a selection of marquees creating a village

Hay-on-Wye Tourist Information

For detailed local information, contact the team at Hay-on-Wye Tourist Information Bureau.

Hay-on-Wye Tourist Information Bureau

Hay Castle

Hay Castle, located in Hay-on-Wye, is a historic site blending medieval architecture with modern cultural spaces. Built in the late 12th century by the de Braose family, the castle has witnessed significant historical events and transformations. After extensive restoration, it reopened to the public in 2022, offering art exhibitions, educational programmes, and panoramic views from its towers. Visitors can explore the original Honesty Bookshop, enjoy the café and take part in cultural events throughout the year.

Hay Castle ruin and old main gate

Hay Market Day

Hay Market is held every Thursday from 9am to 2.30pm in the centre of Hay-on-Wye. Discover local produce, crafts and more at a market with over 700 years of history.

Hay Markets

Explore Hay-on-Wye and the surrounding area

Find places to stay, places to eat, attractions, activities and walks in Hay-on-Wye and the surrounding area.

Things to Do
Spring-fed lake at Fforest Fields in northern Bannau Brycheiniog

Fforest Fields Glamping and Yurts

Glamping in handcrafted yurts beside spring-fed lakes in northern Bannau Brycheiniog.
Arched reception hall with a wooden desk and red-carpeted staircase at Baskerville Hall Hotel.

Baskerville Hall Hotel

Historic country-house hotel near Hay-on-Wye, with pool, sauna and Wye Valley countryside.

Grange Trekking Accommodation

Family-run B&B, glamping and camping in the Black Mountains, with riding and walking from the door.
Double bed with white bedding and folded green towels beside a large window at Tara Bed and Breakfast.

Tara Bed and Breakfast

Three-room B&B sleeping six in Felindre, with home-cooked breakfasts and Black Mountains walks.
Traders and shoppers beneath striped awnings at Hay Markets.

Market Towns and Gateways of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
a girl on horseback in the autumn light

Tregoyd Mountain Riders

Guided horse riding experiences in the Black Mountains, suitable for beginners to experienced riders

Kaya at Black Hill Farm Rooms and Retreat

Dark-sky retreat in Craswall with handcrafted stays, outdoor baths and Black Mountains views

Hay Festival

Hay Festival: Celebrating Books and Ideas on the Edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
Traders and shoppers beneath striped awnings at Hay Markets.

Hay Markets

Thursday markets, seasonal Saturdays, local food, makers and vintage in Hay-on-Wye.
A row of mountain bikes lined up outside a wooden café kiosk at Drover Cycles.

Drover Cycles, Hay on Wye

Bike Hire and Cycling Adventures with Drover Cycles in Bannau Brycheiniog
Two adults and two children wearing helmets, wetsuits and buoyancy aids beside trees.

Black Mountain Adventure

Outdoor activity days, group adventures and canoe hire near Hay-on-Wye and Bannau Brycheiniog.
Three horses looking over a wooden fence beneath leafy trees.

Grange Horse Riding and Trekking Centre

Grange Trekking: Horse Riding Adventures in the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons
Double bed with a woven headboard and striped cushion at Upstairs at the Cheese Market.

Upstairs at the Cheese Market

Self-catering apartment for two above Hay-on-Wye’s historic Cheese Market.

Camping at Baskerville Hall

Camping near Hay-on-Wye with countryside views, hot showers, pool access and Black Mountains nearby.
Six timber glamping cabins beside a lake, surrounded by green fields and hills at Beacons Bluff.

Beacons Bluff Escapes

Six lakeside cabins near Erwood, each for two adults and up to two children; some have hot tubs.

The Wild of the Words – Cwmffrwd Farm – The Hayloft

Self-catering hayloft for six on a nature-focused farm in the Black Mountains.

The Wild of the Words – Camping at Cwmffrwd Farm

Spacious meadow camping and bell tents on a nature-focused farm in the Black Mountains.
A group of walkers smiling beside a woodland waterfall, with a Walk Hay hat in the foreground.

Sarah Price Hiking

Guided walks and hiking experiences in Bannau Brycheiniog with a local walking guide.
The photo shows cloud/fog filling the valley below Hay Bluff at sunset

Offa’s Dyke National Trail

Where the Wye Wanders

Curated stays and slow travel experiences near Bannau Brycheiniog and the River Wye.
White two-storey farmhouse beside a lawn and drive at Hardwick Farm near Abergavenny.

Hardwick Farm Bed and Breakfast

Two-room farm B&B for up to four near Abergavenny, with hearty breakfasts and mountain views.

Castello de Haye

Natural skincare, artisan soaps, fragrances and gifts made and curated in Hay-on-Wye.

Walking Routes

There are countless stunning walks throughout Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Here are some of our favourites

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Llwyn Onn Reservoir

Why not stretch your legs along this shore-line walk?

Priory Groves Brecon walk way

Priory Groves, Brecon

Priory Groves is woodland in the Honddu river valley. It stretches from below the Cathedral towards the village of Llanddew.

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