It has been a lifelong (well long) dream of mine to visit Hay-on-Wye. Hay-on-Wye is known as the world’s first “Book Town”, and everything about the little town is centered around reading. Now you can guess why I loved it so much.
You might never guess that this small market town and community in the historic county of Brecknockshire in Wales is a literary powerhouse. The most popular time of year to visit is during the Hay Festival. The annual Guardian Hay Festival is traditionally during the last few weeks of May, when 80,000 visitors descend for readings and seminars.
Hay is famous for its literary festival as well as all its bookstores. There are more than 30 bookstores in the small town. The beautifully restored Booth’s Books is a must-visit, but some of the smaller businesses are well worth a mention, too. Rose’s Books specialise in rare and out-of-print children’s books and is a wonderful place to buy gifts or just to wallow in nostalgia. Also hard to resist is Murder and Mayhem, the crime and horror bookshop, with two floors of classic detective and mystery novels with amazing signage and decor.
I was over the moon during my visit to Hay. It’s so atmospheric, beautiful, and a must-visit for any booklover. Of course, I spent so much money on second-hand books that I had to eat toast for the majority of my visit.
But Tomatitos Tapas Bar in Hay was surprisingly delightful with lots of vegetarian options if you’re looking for something different.
I am definitely planning on returning, in a non-COVID time to attend the literature festival one year!
It really is a once in a lifetime place to visit and I can’t recommend it more highly!
Have you ever been to Hay-on-Wye?
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