Hay-on-Wye, tucked away in the South of Wales, is renowned for being the ‘world’s first book town.’ Founded by Richard Booth in 1961, a visit to Hay is nothing short of paradise for bibliophiles, and is sure to fulfil all bookish hopes and dreams! From a converted cinema, to record shops, and ‘honesty’ bookshops, you are sure to find exactly what you are seeking- from crime to fantasy, Hay-on-Wye is the place to be.
Many of the bookshop owners appeared to be overjoyed to join in with the excitement of Hay’s annual literature festival, Hay Festival, welcoming browsers into their independent shops to browse, take photographs of their intricate displays, and get their hands on more books than they can carry! One worker described how much they missed when the festival used to be in the centre of the village, creating a ‘buzz’ around Hay-on-Wye.
“I remember when the festival [Hay Festival] used to be right here in the village centre, it was great! Now that the festival has moved a little bit further out, the centre doesn’t really get much busier than a usual day.”
Whilst increased tourism occasionally causes a risk for town’s hosting similar events, due to concerns of decreased income year-round and event dependency, it is reassuring to understand that Hay-on-Wye has a large and reliable tourist population year-round, one that flourishes regardless of the ongoing yearly Hay Festival.
However, there is so much more to Hay-on-Wye than just books. The village is filled with stalls and markets, offering a plethora of exciting goods and services. The central covered marquee square boasts a recurring second-hand mini market, featuring vintage clothing, accessories, physical media such as records, and trinket stalls. Hay-on-Wye is bustling with life, and it is apparent that its growth will continue as more visitors discover exactly what the village has to offer.
LOCATION SPOTLIGHT:
- Addyman Books
Addyman Books was easily the highlight of the Hay-on-Wye experience! Providing two floors of second-hand books and beautifully bound special editions. Addyman Books is not only interesting to readers, but to those simply with an eye for beautiful displays and literature creations! With kind, inspiring, and helpful staff, visiting Addyman and exploring its curated maze of books is an experience in itself, and not one to be missed.
- Richard Booth’s Bookshop
It would not be a completed trip to Hay-on-Wye without visiting the book town’s landmark bookshop, opened by ‘founding father’ Richard Booth in 1961! Located on one of Hay’s main streets, Richard Booth’s Bookshop boasts a large collection of brand-new and second-hand books, spanning over three floors. Including comics, graphic novels, literature, fiction, children’s, and maps!
Top Tip: Head up the stairs for comfy seats, sit and read amongst like-minded book-loving individuals. Not that a ‘bookish’ trip causes much stress, but hey! Any excuse for a spot of reading works for us! Plus- you get a free bookmark with any purchase! A book and a free souvenir? Count us in.
- Hay Castle
Located right in the centre of Hay-on-Wye, and next to Hay Festival’s shuttle drop-off spot, Hay Castle provides a stunning backdrop for a day of book shopping, reading, and coffee sipping! With deck chairs galore, free entry to the castle grounds, and the occasional market, you cannot go wrong!
Top Tip: Visit the ‘Honesty Bookshop’ and outdoor food court for your fill of inexpensive books, drinks, and a mix of worldwide cuisines!
- Café Hay
Café Hay is the perfect way to start your day, you may be in Wales, but their full English breakfast is not one to be missed. For £15, you really do get it all, and we’ll be talking about their fried bread for decades! Prepare for a day exploring one of Wales’ best locations by fuelling up.
Take a look at The Indiependent’s festival roundup, here! Stay tuned for our Hay Festival review.
Words by Mia Stapleton
Want more Books content from The Indiependent? Click here!
Support The Indiependent
We’re trying to raise £200 a month to help cover our operational costs. This includes our ‘Writer of the Month’ awards, where we recognise the amazing work produced by our contributor team. If you’ve enjoyed reading our site, we’d really appreciate it if you could donate to The Indiependent. Whether you can give £1 or £10, you’d be making a huge difference to our small team.