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Insiders Guide to Hay-on-Wye

Posted: Tue, 3rd Dec 2024

Stepping into Hay on Wye is like bumping into an old friend at a party; familiar, comforting but still with new memories to discover. Known fondly as the ‘Book Town’, this beautiful area is nestled in the edge of the Brecon Beacons. It really is an intoxicating enclave for a Wye Valley staycation.

Discover the best spots of Hay-on-Wye and experience this destination like a true local.

Hidden Pages: Best Bookshops

Situated on Lion Street, The Poetry Bookshop is an independent literary haven dedicated purely to second hand and antiquarian poetry. It is the only one of its kind in the UK. The shop is delightfully madcap, and an absolute must see. Even if poetry isn’t your thing, the vibrant, colourful shelves are a sight to behold.

Richard Booth’s Bookshop is warm and welcoming with a range of classics as well as those more recently published. There are stacks of books ‘bought anywhere in the world’, so there is something for everyone, a treasure trove of literary delights in the heart of the Wye Valley.

Top Tastes

As far as places to stay go, Hay-on-Wye is perfectly full of fabulous eateries. Local gastropub, The Old Black Lion is a great place to start. Championing seasonal and local produce, the varied menu offers choice for everyone. Highlights are the Crispy Pembrokeshire Cockles and Wild Mushroom Goulash.

For those looking for something a little different, Off Grid Gourmet is your next dining destination. It is the ideal spot for anyone bored of the status quo looking for inspiration and escapism. Sustainability meets decadence off the grid – not one to miss.

Two coolly talented ex-London chefs have engineered a family-style dining pop up with food and wine led by the seasons: Old Bank Hay. This unique pop up is driven by small pleasures, reflecting the bucolic scenes of the countryside and peaceful pace of Hay-on-Wye.

For some extra special, Michelin star dining, be sure to make a reservation at Chapters. Pickles, ferments, salt cures and purees are some of the techniques they use to capture the seasons.

Explore More

Keep reading for more things to do in Hay-on-Wye.

Set in the picturesque countryside of Herefordshire countryside, you will find Down by the River, a creative floral studio. Here, you can attend workshops that mirror the delights of the seasons. Even better, you can just treat yourself to a bespoke dried flower bouquet.

For something fun to do in Hay-on-Wye, Wye Valley Brewery is your place. Herefordshire is home to the best varieties of British Hops and doesn’t this brewery know it. They support local farms by obtaining over half their hops from farms within a 10-mile radius. The carbon footprint is kept to a minimum but the quality of beer is kept to a maximum: this isn’t just any old brewery.

Ignite your imagination at Hay Castle. Once a powerful medieval fortress, the castle and its surrounding grounds are once again brimming with new possibilities. This makes Hay Castle is a must visit when searching for things to do in Hay-on-Wye and one you’ll never forget.

Cottages near Hay-on-Wye: Outshot Barn, Hay-on-Wye , Drying House, Ledbury , Kentchurch Court, Kentchurch

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