Calling all book girlies – I have the perfect day out or UK staycation to satisfy your inner bookworm and inspire your next read. Hay-on-Wye is the perfect literary escape – did you know it's the world's first Book Town? Home to no fewer than 26 bookshops and with just 2,000-odd residents – that's the kind of literary ratios I love to hear. If you fancy stepping into your ultimate bookshop fantasy, I've created the perfect itinerary for a day trip or longer stay in the area. Perched on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, and nestled close to the border between England and Wales, it's a place that makes the perfect little UK trip this summer – keep reading for my Insider's Guide to Visiting Hay-On-Wye.
You'll feel like you've stepped into the pages of a novel with quaint teashops, vintage markets and of course, endless book shops and shelves weighed down by your next great read. If, like me, you live vicariously through your books between trips, this is a great way to satisfy both your inner adventurer and book lover at the same time. Just make sure you go prepared to want to buy ALL the books. This insider's guide to Hay-On-Wye provides all the information you need to make the most of your visit to the Welsh town, including the best coffee and book shops, the best things to do in Hay-On-Wye and places to stay nearby.
The Insider's Guide to Visiting Hay-On-Wye:
- Why Visit Hay-On-Wye?
- Why are there so many bookshops in Hay-on-Wye?
- What is the best day of the week to visit Hay-on-Wye?
- What is the nickname for Hay-on-Wye?
- What is the nearest big town to Hay-on-Wye?
- How to get to Hay-On-Wye
- The Best Things to do in Hay-On-Wye
- Where to stay near Hay-On-Wye?
- Best Coffee Shops in Hay-On-Wye
- Best Bookshops to visit in Hay-On-Wye
| Essentials for Hay-On-Wye |
| Find cheap flights to the UK |
| Find hotels or hostels |
| Find activities and tours for Hay-On-Wye |
| Get an eSIM for the UK |
| Hire a car in the UK |
Why Visit Hay-On-Wye?
Why are there so many bookshops in Hay-on-Wye?
Can you believe that Hay-on-Wye is home to 26 bookstores? With only around 2,000 people living in the area, that's a ratio of around 77 people per bookshop – which makes it my kind of place! But why are there so many bookshops? Well, the unique little village gained popularity in 1961 when Richard Booth bought container loads of books from libraries that were closing in the US to set up his book shop in an old fire station. Now, almost 70 years later, it is know as the World's First Book Town and remains a hidden gem tucked away at the edge of Wales, luring book lovers to the winding, cobbled streets. Now there are lots of bookstores, with many specialising in specific types of literature including crime and mystery, children's books, antique maps, poetry and even LGBTQ+ literature and non-fiction. There's also some honesty shelves and even an honest bookshop to check out!
The best day of the week to visit Hay-on-Wye
Whether you're taking a road trip from England to Wales, or planning a day trip to Hay-On-Wye, you need to plan a stop in the pretty little village. Try and time your visit to the Welsh village of Hay-On-Wye on a Thursday to make the most of the village markets and antique stalls. Head to Memorial Square where you'll find lots of local traders selling their wares, including local food and treats, gifts and lots more. It's worth checking online before you visit to see if there is anything else on during your visit – when I visited there was a local vintage market to browse second-hand clothing opposite the amazing Bain and Murrin Vintage Emporium.
Did you know the nickname for Hay-on-Wye?
Hay-on-Wye is known as the Town of Books – or you might know it as "Y Gelli Gandryll" in Welsh.
What is the nearest big town to Hay-on-Wye?
Hay-on-Wye is located in Wales, just 22 miles west of Hereford, Herefordshire, which is over the border in England. Interestingly, I actually discovered that Hereford is the postal town for Hay-On-Wye which means mail is directed to Hay-On-Wye, Hereford, despite the two places actually being located in different countries.
Planning a visit to Hay-On-Wye? It's a great destination for a UK staycation, a summer day trip or even a quick stop-off when travelling to Wales. I actually visited for the day when travelling to Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales as a way to escape the rain and it was a perfect little day trip to break up the long drive from Norfolk.
How to get to Hay-On-Wye without a car:
I really recommend catching the train to Hay-On-Wye from London. Driving could take 3-4 hours, while it takes only 2hours and 31 minutes by train. The nearest train station to Hay-On-Wye is Hereford (21 miles east) and you can catch the train there from Paddington for around £50 per ticket. There is then a bus service available from Hereford to Hay-On-Wye (Service T14) which runs Monday to Saturday from Hereford and Brecon to Hay-on-Wye. On Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, you can catch the 39A Yeomans bus service instead.
If you're driving to Hay-On-Wye
Driving to Hay-on-Wye is usually the best option as it is quite tricky to explore beyond the village without one due to how spread out everything is in the nearby Brecon Beacons National Park. If you're visiting the UK, or simply don't have a car, you could hire a car to visit Hay-on-Wye – that way you will have the freedom to explore the area. If you're driving to Hay-on-Wye, I recommend combining it with a few days in the Brecon Beacons or exploring Pembrokeshire – or if you fancy a city break, you could stop in Bristol.
The Best Things to do in Hay-On-Wye
If you're paying a visit to Hay-On-Wye, you can cram a lot into a few hours as the town is very cute and small – perfect for a quick visit, or if you're spending a few days in the area, there's plenty of ways to fill your days. Here's the best things to do in Hay-On-Wye:
- Visit the more eclectic bookstores – Murder and Mayhem for crime & mystery books, Gay On Wye – a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community with the most colourful displays and a hidden record shop & Literature Laboratory for the little ones.
- Visit the coffee shops and enjoy homemade cakes and ice cream (Check out The Old Electric Shop & Shepherd's Parlour)
- Don't miss a visit to Bain & Murrin – the incredible vintage emporium 😍
- If you visit the town on a Thursday, you'll also find a fab selection of flea and street markets!
- Walk around Hay Castle – they also host lots of art, music & literary events
- Relax in a beautiful riverside meadow at The Warren – perfect for a sunny day!
- Try local award winning gins at Hay Distillery
- Check out the electric film selection at the 48-seater cinema in Richard Booth's Bookshop
Where to stay near Hay-On-Wye?
Looking for a place to stay near Hay-On-Wye? Here's some gorgeous gems for boutique hotel stays and guesthouses in the area that would make a perfect base for exploring the town and beyond into Wales.
The Three Cocks Coaching Inn
- A mid-range budget friendly stay just 10 minutes from Hay-On-Wye
- 500 year old coaching house with beautiful period features
- Free parking and rooms start from £127
Llangoed Hall
- A classic country house dating back to 560AD, with 17 acres of charming gardens
- Enjoy afternoon tea, a delicious Sunday roast or wines fresh from the cellar
- Free parking & rooms start from £166
Best Coffee Shops in Hay-On-Wye
If you're visiting Hay-On-Wye, you need to check out the local cafes and coffee shops. There's an amazing selection of unique little eateries with fresh bakes and steaming mugs of coffee just waiting to welcome you. Here's some of my favourites:
- The Old Electric Shop for gift shopping, eclectic decor, great coffee and delicious vegan banana bread
- Shepherd's Parlour for delicious sandwiches and lunches, plus locally made ice cream in flavours including Peanut Butter & Chocolate, Lime & Coconut, Damson & Sloe Gin, Rum & Raisin and many more including plant-based options.
- The Granary – a family-run restaurant with amazing breakfast/brunches championing local produce
- The Cosy Cafe for a dog-friendly cafe with delicious eats and a cosy, welcoming vibe – they also have accommodation
Best Bookshops to visit in Hay-On-Wye
Of course, your trip would not be complete without exploring the best bookshops in Hay-On-Wye and I've done the legwork for you so you can focus on finding your next read. There really is a bookshop for all tastes and genres in Hay-On-Wye, so if you don't have time to visit them all, make sure to pop in to the shops that really capture your imagination.
- Richard Booth's Book Shop – with a cinema & amazing selection of books across three floors
- Murder and Mayhem for crime and mystery books
- Gay On Wye – a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community with the most colourful displays and a hidden record shop
- Literature Laboratory is well stocked for younger readers
- Addyman Books – specialising in English literature and modern first editions
- The Addyman Annexe – here's where you will find the sexier material: beat, sex, drugs, art, modern firsts, poetry, philosophy, left wing history and the occasional occult work!
- Castle Book Shop – the world-famous Honesty Bookshop in the grounds of Hay Castle which is open 24/7
- The Poetry Bookshop – the most comprehensive selection of secondhand & antiquarian poetry available for sale in the UK
