What to do and see in Hay-on-Wye, Wales: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

An eclectic, ethical boutique selling stylish fair trade gifts, clothes, jewellery and chocolate.

Canoeing on the River Wye We invite you to 'get away from it all' and discover the beauty of the River Wye. The Wye is one of the most beautiful rivers in the British Isles and one of the few you can navigate, without restriction, for over 100 miles. It meanders through picturesque countryside to where it joins the River Severn at Chepstow and is well populated with wild life. Herons, Cormorants, Kingfishers, Swans and Otters are frequently seen. This peaceful setting is the ideal place to spend a few hours, a day or even a week. Hire a canoe. Leave your car on our free riverside car-park. Take a picnic (we provide barrels)... ...then canoe downstream. We will pick you up, Free of Charge, from one of the designated access points and return you to your car. Should you have any distance to travel to return home, bring along a change of clothing in case you get wet! Wear something old to paddle in, together with old trainers, sandals or 'crocs' - NO WELLINGTONS. Don't forget your sun-cream and hat if it is sunny. If you decide to go for a few days or a week we can provide you with details of camp-sites and directions to the nearest pub for an evening meal. Again, we pick you up at the end of your holiday and bring you back to Hay and your car. For those who prefer home comforts, there are a few B&B establishments along the Wye. (It is advisable for people to have had some experience before going on the river - particularly those taking children).

Fully equipped Gym with 12 cardio machines, huge array of weights, 12 across the board classes from Yoga to Boxing Circuits. Prices are £7 for classes to £9 for a gym session- stay as long as you want to. Run by award winning Cat Wyllie-Fox PT (Fitness Instructor for Wales 2006)

The globe at hay is appropriately situated in the remarkable town of Hay-on-Wye, a place of enormous spirit, independence and will power. It is home to The Institute of Art and Ideas, a charity founded to promote free thinking, creativity and debate. The globe at hay celebrates all forms of expression; from poetry readings to fashion shows, children’s workshops to video art and from philosophical talks to music and comedy. Our mission is to engage the local community of all ages in imaginative and socially inclusive projects. We provide a space for people to have fun doing interesting things. Come and get involved; see an event, throw a party or dine in our restaurant with your friends and family. The globe is a very special space – we’re proud of it and we want you to see it for yourself. The globe at hay is available for birthdays, weddings and family celebrations as well for community groups and the corporate sector to run classes, conferences, meetings or training events.

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.

Combine a love of reading with history at this unique bookstore that is housed in an entire 12th-century castle.