Festival site © Finn Beales
Hay Festival Wales brings writers and readers together to share stories and ideas in events that inspire, examine and entertain. Browse the programme and buy tickets…
If you are coming to this year’s festival, then heading into town is a must. Hay on Wye is full of interesting places to visit and is a short walk (or shuttle bus ride) away from the festival site.
Have a read of our top ten things to do during Hay Festival for ideas.
Explore one of the many independent bookshops. Hay has a lot – it’s not known as the town of books for nothing. There is something for everyone.
You can’t miss the Castle as it is located in the center of the market town. Inside the grounds there are lots of shops for you to peruse.
© Drover Cycles
Hire a bike from Drover Cycles they have bikes for roadies, mountain bikers and leisure riders. And if you want to take the string out of the hills, they have electric bikes too. Contact them here.
Discover more about the town of Hay by going on a guided walk around the town with qualified green badge guide Laura, from Guided Tours of Wales. She will bring the areas history to life on her guided tour of the town centre. Book your tour here.
The Black Mountains lie within the Brecon Beacons National Park and are composed of red sandstone. This gives the range its name, caused by a ‘Trick of the light’ which makes them appear black.
Book a guided walk of the mountain with Sarah from Walk Hay she specialises in providing expertly led Guided Walking in this wonderful part of the world. Discover the stunning hills & valleys around the historic town of Hay-on-Wye. We have Castles, Forests, Dingles, the Mighty Wye River, Ancient Stones, Sculptures, and Stunning Views of the Black Mountains & the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Our walks are ideal for individuals, couples, walking groups, families and friends. Whether you choose a group activity or private guiding, we will ensure that you get the most from your precious time in the great outdoors. Get in touch with Sarah here.
Hire a canoe and spend some time discovering the beautiful River Wye. Contact canoe hire companies here.
Get yourself into a local pub, there are plenty to try in Hay. Have a look here
Despite being landlocked, Hay on Wye has its very own beach. Yes, really. The Warren is a pebble beach about a 20 minute walk from town, find out more here
© Hay Warren
Shop! Hay has a great range of shops where you can buy anything from clothes to decorative nick-nacks.
The Brecon Beacons National Park is a beautiful part of Wales, and there are masses of ways to explore it. It’s easy to plan your own day trips in our Park, lasting anything from a couple of hours to a full day.
The eastern side of the Brecon Beacons National Park has peaceful churches and wonderful views of rolling hillsides. From Talgarth, it's easy to get to tranquil beauty spots such as Llangorse Lake and Pwll-y-Wrach Nature Reserve. Read more here
Explore the area yourself - a single track road with passing places, ascends from the Hay side, leading to Capel-y-Ffin, a small mountain chapel open to visitors; a Monastery established by Father Ignatius a Victorian visionary; Llanthony Priory, founded by an Augustine Order i the 12th Century which although now a ruin, is set in spectacular scenery. This road is appropriately known as the Gospel Pass. Cars can be park in the car park at the base of Hay Bluff allowing you to enjoy the panoramic view over the Radnorshire countryside. Hay Bluff is 677 metres high and a popular place for hang-gliding.
Looking for a place to stay? Find lots of accommodation here.
