Top Things to do in Hay-on-Wye
10 Free Things to do in Hay-on-Wye That You Shouldn't Miss
More than thirty bookstores, many specializing in out of print or hard to locate titles, lure literary lovers to this market town of 2000, known as the Town of Books. Snugly nestled in the County of Powys at the English border, Hay-on-Wye is most popular during the annual Guardian Hay Festival during the last few weeks of May, when 80,000 visitors descend for readings and seminars. Hay-on-Wye, or Y Gelli as it is in Welsh, also has two Norman castles, a plethora of pubs and a pleasant stream.
Restaurants in Hay-on-Wye
1. Eighteen Rabbit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
An eclectic, ethical boutique selling stylish fair trade gifts, clothes, jewellery and chocolate.
Reviewed By jademh93 - Hay-on-Wye, United Kingdom
My favourite thing this shop has to offer are the beautiful wooden toys and puzzles, I have bought several over the past couple of years along with some fantastic fair trade chocolate (which I would certainly recommend) and some lovely jewellery too. Whenever I pop in Andrew is always smiling and up for a chat.
2. Brook Street Pottery & Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Beautiful pottery shop and gallery exhibiting a carefully curated range of British contemporary ceramics . The gallery also has jewellery and prints for sale. In the upper floor gallery space there are changing exhibitions of applied arts. The 300 year old building also houses a working pottery making frostproof hand thrown studio terracotta for the garden. Owner and potter Simon Hulbert makes original and functional garden pots and fellow potter Bill Parkes makes a range of standard useful garden pots like Half pans and Long Toms. Simon has also recently been to China and now makes collection of small porcelain vessels including vases , dishes, espresso cups and lidded boxes.
Reviewed By jojo1essex2019 - Newport, United Kingdom
Lovely gallery and lots of pottery for sale with a good range of prices. Definitely worth a look. There was an exhibition on when I visited. Very reasonably priced earthenware for the garden too.
3. The Warren
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By MoreRoamin - Glasgow, United Kingdom
We walked along the river from Hay Bridge following the old railway line. The path is through a wooded area then opens up to the meadow before reaching the shingle beach and swimming spot. A local artist has installed wooden sculptures along the path as you walk away, upstream from the bridge to the Warren - kingfisher, woodpecker, numerous owls. The Warren is a clean open area. Popular with families and dog walkers. Terrific for a paddle or swim. Or sit at watch the canoes and kayaks drift by coming down from Glasebury.
4. Murder and Mayhem
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By workyK - Bath, United Kingdom
Murder and Mayhem *made* our trip to Hay on Wye. I have an Agatha Christie-mad near- tween, and the smashing shopkeeper was indulgent, welcoming, fun and friendly. Even on day 5! ;) This is the place to go for ALL your mystery and murder fiction (and fact, in fact). There's every sub-genre you can wish for - it's the perfect dark-heaven for those so-inclined. Thank you, M&M!
5. Booth's Bookshop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By Changnam - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
A wonderful selection of books on a myriad of subjects. I don't often buy new books these days, but just couldn't help myself and succumbed to a purchase. I almost felt myself falling back in love with the feel of having a new book in my hands. Joy! I spent quite some time browsing the shelves. Love the staircase! I also stayed and had breakfast in the cafe. Surely one of the best book shops out of the many in Hay on Wye. No visit would be complete without a little time spent wandering between the bookshelves. A delight!
6. The Lion Street Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
The Lion Street Gallery specialises in showing both paintings and sculpture by some of the best artists working in Wales and the borders today. A whole range of work is on display in a variety of approaches and media, from Wolves made from electrical cable to stunning expressionist landscapes. You can also take advantage of our interest free credit.Dogs very much welcome.
7. Hay-on-Wye Thursday Market Day
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Vibrant local market trading for over 700 years in the centre of Hay-on-Wye, the world famous Town of Books. Every Thursday. With over 35 stalls offering a diverse range of items, including local produce, takeaway food, small batch coffee, homemade cakes and bakes, fishmonger and local meat, vintage/flea market stalls, handmade artisan items, plants and many more. The market takes place every week around Memorial Square and the Clock Tower. Many say it is “the best day in Hay!” so, come to visit, come to socialise, come to eat, come to shop, and, most of all, come to enjoy Hay on Market Day! There are also smaller markets running on Fridays and Saturdays in the Cheese Market and Butter Market.
Reviewed By sueeyh - Herefordshire, United Kingdom
Small but historic setting in the centre of Hay, there is a vibrancy to the market which varies slightly as different traders come in with seasonal variations. My favourite is the fabulous cheese and dry goods stall which is always popular with locals and tourists (they sell seeds, nuts, dried fruit, eggs, flour, oats and hundreds of herbs and spices). Aswell as the regular Thursday markets there are smaller Saturday ones using the Buttermarket.
8. Hay, Ross on Wye, Wales
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By MTBC1962 - Chichester, United Kingdom
Lovely place to visit. Renowned for the many books shops. Lots of antique shops, cafes, well worth a visit.
9. The Fudge Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Perched overlooking the top corner of Hay’s main car park, The Fudge Shop has been delighting customers with our delicious, hand made fudge for nearly 20 years. With more than 16 different scrumptious fudges to choose from, there’s a flavour for everyone. Traditional sweets, luxury chocolates - there's even a lollipop tree!
Reviewed By 260lucyf - Bournemouth, United Kingdom
On our little holiday we ad a day trip to Hay-on-Wye and after leaving the car park saw this little fudge shop so decided to pop in. Not only do they sell fudge but old sweets! In the end we went for the Baileys, Triple and Salted Caramel which were all amazing, my favourite was the salted caramel! If you’re wanting a little treat I’d definitely stop here, the fudge was great and the staff were really friendly, wish I got a photo of the fudge to share!
10. Castle Book Store
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 67 reviews
Combine a love of reading with history at this unique bookstore that is housed in an entire 12th-century castle.
Reviewed By 923Dan - Swindon, United Kingdom
Walking through the grounds of Hay Castle, we came across the Castle Book Store. An honesty book store with no shop keeper, where people are free to browse the books and purchase them by putting money into a slot. I think it was only £1 per book. We did look, but couldn't find anything to our likening, but still an excellent local charity venture!
