Hay-on-Wye

Hay-on-Wye Europe > Britain and Ireland > United Kingdom > Wales > Mid Wales > Powys > Hay-on-Wye Hay-on-Wye ( Y Gelli or Y Gelli Gandryll in Welsh ) is a small town with a population of about 1,900 in Mid Wales , on the River Wye, very close to the English border and within the borders of Brecon Beacons National Park . A "town of books", with at least 41 bookshops (mostly second-hand, antiquarian, and collectors), Hay-on-Wye is probably best known as the location of a prestigious annual Hay Festival. Understand Since 1988, Hay-on-Wye has been the worthy venue for a literary festival which draws over 80,000 bibliophile visitors over 10 days at the end of May and beginning of June, in order to buy books, attend book launches and to see and hear big literary names from all over the world. High profile visitors to the Book Fair have included former US President Bill Clinton. Visitor information Hay-on-Wye visitor information website Get in By car From London , follow the M4 motorway over the Severn Bridge to Junction 24 (at Newport ). Take the A449 and then the A40 to Abergavenny. Stay on the A40 until just after the village of Crickhowell, then turn right onto the A479 to Talgarth. From here take the road sign-posted to Three Cocks & Hay-on- Wye (A4079 end then right onto the A438), on reaching Three Cocks stay on the same road and continue on into Hay (B4350). Alternatively, take the M40 to the outskirts of Oxford and then the A40 to Cheltenham and onto Gloucester , stay on the A40 around Gloucester and on to Ross-on-Wye . At the Wilton roundabout outside Ross take the A49 to Hereford . From Hereford, take the A438 towards Brecon. On reaching the village of Clyro, turn left onto the B4351 into Hay. By train The most convenient train station to Hay-on-Wye for travellers from most of the United Kingdom is some 22 miles east at Hereford . For those coming from Wales , other nearby stations are at Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells . During the Hay Festival, a shuttle bus service runs to the town from Hereford station. By bus Bus service number 39 runs from Hereford via Peterchurch. There is a stop for Bus 39 on the road just outside the train station in Hereford. The journey takes one hour and runs several times a day Monday to Saturday. Bus 39A from Hay-on-Wye runs only three times on Sundays. The bus stop in Hay-on-Wye is near the tourist office, on Oxford Road; the stop for the bus going back to Hereford is across the road from the tourist office. Get around See 🌍 Hay Castle . A medieval fortification and 17th-century mansion house. Do Offa's Dyke Path . It passes through Hay-on-Wye, presenting the opportunity for a hike, either north or south. Events The Guardian Hay Festival : . A literary festival, which Bill Clinton aptly described as 'The Woodstock for the Mind.' Held in late May, early June each year. (date needs fixing) Buy Books, of course! Numerous outlets exist.... Clothes. There are a number of independent shops selling clothes and shoes. Music - CDs, second-hand sheet music and books about music from a couple of specialist shops. Antiques; Art and crafts by local artists; Teddy bears and jigsaws. Eat 🌍 The Old Black Lion , 26 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5AD , ☏ +44 844 288 0711 . 🌍 Three Tuns , Broad St , ☏ +44 1497 821855 . ( updated May 2017 ) Drink 🌍 Rhydspence Inn , Whitney-On-Wye ( A438 between Hereford and Brecon on the Welsh border ), ☏ +44 1497 831262 . 11AM-3PM & 7-11PM . A 14th-century country inn on the Welsh border of the Wye Valley, the Rhydspence Inn enjoys magnificent views of the Welsh hills and picturesque Herefordshire countryside. 🌍 The Swan at Hay , Church St ( middle of town, opposite the Cinema Bookshop ), ☏ +44 1497 821188 . A cosy hotel in the middle of town that does seriously good food (the chef trained in France). The garden is the place to enjoy a drink or bite to eat in the summer - absolutely beautiful. Sleep Accommodation options abound in and around Hay-on-Wye, although travellers to the annual festival should note that there is a dramatic increase in room rates during this period. Staying in a nearby town is also an option. 🌍 Kilverts Inn , The Bull Ring , ☏ +44 1497 821042 . 🌍 The Baskerville Arms Hotel , Clyro , ☏ +44 1497 820670 . ( updated May 2017 ) 🌍 Westbrook Court , Westbrook HR3 5SY , ☏ +44 1497 831752 . Bold modern design for this pizzazzy B&B behind a 17th-century farmhouse. B&B double £110 . ( updated Jul 2020 ) 🌍 By the Wye , HR3 5RS ( look out for the sign on Hay Bridge ), ☏ +44 1497 828166 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 10AM . in the heart of town, elevated in clearings between trees, on the bank of the River Wye is this luxury treetop accommodation. Off-Grid woodland glamping accommodation perched on platforms, floating above the woodland floor in the Brecon Beacons dark sky reserve. Only 3-night stays starting on Friday or 4-nights starting on Monday are possible. from £130/night . ( updated Mar 2021 ) 🌍 Cosy Under Canvas , Newchurch HR5 3QQ , ☏ +44 1497 851603 . Upscale glamping in "domes", open Mar-Nov. £80 / night . ( updated Apr 2021 ) 🌍 Davlyn B&B , Hay-on-Wye ( in a cul-de-sac off Lion St ), ☏ +44 1497 820275 . Wi-Fi. From £30 pppn . ( updated Jun 2025 ) 🌍 Radnor's End Apartment & Campsite , Hay-on-Wye HR3 5RS ( 500m from bridge towards Clyro ), ☏ +44 1497 820780 , [email protected] . Toilets and amenities. Camping £6pppn . Go next Builth Wells . An historic market town 19 km from Hay. Llandrindod Wells . A Victorian spa Swansea and the Gower Peninsula . Wales' maritime city - wonderful beaches and excellent recreational facilities. Swansea is a three hour train journey on the Heart of Wales Line from Llandrindod Wells. 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By Plane

The nearest major international airports serve Wales [Cymru GB-CYM] with connections from across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Regional airports in the area provide additional domestic and European services. Airport buses and taxis connect to the town centre.

By Train

The local railway station is served by regular services on the British rail network. Train services connect to major cities across Wales [Cymru GB-CYM] and the wider UK. National Rail Enquiries provides schedule and fare information. Advance booking typically offers better rates.

By Car / Road

Hay-on-Wye is accessible by road via the UK's motorway and A-road network. Major routes connect the town to nearby cities and regions. Bus services provide affordable connections. Parking is generally available in designated areas in and around the town centre.

Hay-on-Wye is compact and easily explored on foot. The town centre, with its shops, restaurants, and historical buildings, is pedestrian-friendly. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car is recommended. Local bus services operate within the town and to neighbouring communities. Taxis are available for shorter journeys.

• The historic town or city centre with its traditional architecture

• Local landmarks, churches, and heritage buildings

• Scenic viewpoints and natural attractions in the surrounding area

• Nearby parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces

• Walking tours exploring the town's heritage and architecture

• Outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and watersports in the surrounding area

• Visiting local museums, galleries, and cultural centres

• Exploring nearby countryside, coastline, or parks

• Sampling local food and drink at pubs, restaurants, and cafes

Dining options in Hay-on-Wye range from traditional gastropubs and cafés to fine-dining restaurants. Local specialities include fresh seafood, locally sourced meat and game, and seasonal produce. Many establishments pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting regional producers.

Typical British pub fare (fish and chips, Sunday roasts, pies) is widely available, alongside international cuisines reflecting the area's diversity. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are increasingly common.

Traditional pubs serving local ales are found throughout the town. Craft beer has a growing presence, with local microbreweries supplying both pubs and bottle shops. Tea rooms and cafés offer a quintessentially British experience. The area is well-served by coffee shops and independent roasters.

Budget

• Budget hotels and hostel accommodation available, with dorm beds from £20/night.

Mid-range

• Bed & breakfasts and guesthouses offer doubles from £70–120 per night.
• Chain hotels (Premier Inn, Travelodge, Holiday Inn) provide consistent quality.

Upscale

• Boutique hotels, country house hotels, and historic inns offer doubles from £150.

Local shops offer a range of goods from well-known brands to local crafts and speciality foods. Markets and independent retailers provide character and authentic finds. Typical opening hours are Monday–Saturday 09:00–17:30, with some stores open on Sundays. Many towns have a weekly market day.

From Hay-on-Wye, travellers can easily continue exploring other destinations within Wales [Cymru GB-CYM] and the wider United Kingdom. The well-connected transport network makes it straightforward to reach neighbouring towns, cities, and attractions.