Explore Hay-on-Wye
Known for
The Town of Books (more secondhand bookshops per person than anywhere on earth), the Hay Festival (the world's greatest literary festival), Richard Booth's self-declared Kingdom of Hay, and a small Welsh border town of extraordinary literary significance
A little history
Richard Booth opened Hay's first secondhand bookshop in 1961. By 1977 there were enough books for him to declare Hay an independent kingdom with himself as king. The Hay Festival — founded in 1988 — has grown into the world's most celebrated literary festival, described by Bill Clinton as 'the Woodstock of the mind'.
The bookshops are genuinely extraordinary — plan to spend half a day. The Hay Festival in May-June is unmissable. The Castle bookshop for the unusual experience of buying books in a ruined castle. The Brecon Beacons walking from town.
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Food & drink in Hay-on-Wye
Hay has excellent independent restaurants and cafes for its size. The Festival period brings exceptional food. Local Welsh and Herefordshire produce throughout.
Restaurants & cafes
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Independent bars and evening spots across Hay-on-Wye.
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For businesses in Hay-on-Wye
The bookshops and Hay Festival drive the entire economy. Independent literary and hospitality businesses are the commercial backbone. Festival season transforms the town.
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Frequently asked questions
The Town of Books (more secondhand bookshops per person than anywhere on earth), the Hay Festival (the world's greatest literary festival), Richard Booth's self-declared Kingdom of Hay, and a small Welsh border town of extraordinary literary significance Roam surfaces the hidden gems that make Hay-on-Wye worth exploring.
Hay has excellent independent restaurants and cafes for its size. The Festival period brings exceptional food. Local Welsh and Herefordshire produce throughout. Download Roam free to discover Hay-on-Wye's food scene.
Yes — Roam is live in Hay-on-Wye and across Powys. Download free on iOS or Android.
The bookshops and Hay Festival drive the entire economy. Independent literary and hospitality businesses are the commercial backbone. Festival season transforms the town. List your Hay-on-Wye business on Roam to reach local customers in Powys.
Roam covers all of Hay-on-Wye including Clyro, Glasbury, Talgarth, Three Cocks, Llowes. The bookshops are genuinely extraordinary — plan to spend half a day. The Hay Festival in May-June is unmissable. The Castle bookshop for the unusual experience of buying books in a ruined castle. The Brecon Beacons walking from town.
