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Hay-on-Wye, Powys

Known as 'Book Town', Hay is situated on the northern edge of the spectacular Brecon Beacons National Park.

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About Hay on Wye

This market town, with a population of just under 2,000, is situated in the county of Powys on the Welsh border with England. Nearby Hay Bluff has a height of 2,227 feet and provides superb views of the Beacons.

Picturesque and quaint, Hay, as it is known locally, has a long history with its two Norman Castles and the remains of a medieval town wall; the main castle and mansion dominate the centre of the town, whilst the River Wye, 5th longest river in Britain, flows through the northern outskirts.

On 1st April 1977 a local book seller, Richard George William Pitt Booth, declared independence for Hay on Wye and declared himself Monarch. This publicity stunt attracted world-wide interest and put Hay ‘on the map’ as a centre for second hand books. Even passports were issued to the locals and ‘peerages’ were created! Other second hand bookshops opened and Hay on Wye is now known as the 'Town of Books'.

In 1988 a literary festival was established – The Hay Festival; now sponsored by the Guardian Newspaper. Some 80,000 people from all over the world visit the festival over the ten days in early June each year, including writers, critics, musicians and personalities from all walks of life.

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Directions

Hay on Wye is situated just off the A348 between Brecon and Hereford.

The nearest railway station is Hereford, 20 miles away.

There is also a scheduled bus service (Service 39 or 39A) from Hereford and Brecon to Hay-on-Wye operating seven days a week. Through tickets are available when purchasing rail tickets.