Hay-on-Wye

The world's largest second hand bookshop.

This small market town lies on the border of England and Wales and at the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The scenic Golden Valley runs south east from Hay towards Ross-on-Wye and the Offa's Dyke footpath follows the Honddu Valley south towards Monmouth.

Like many towns along the border between England and Wales, Hay has a history of conflict from both sides and the castle there was destroyed in 1216AD by King John and later was set fire to by the Welsh Prince Llewellyn.

The history of the town can be traced back to its early beginnings around 944AD and much more recently was written about by the Reverend Francis Kilvert in his famous diarys.

Today this thriving market town has achieved a reputation as a 'bibliophile's paradise' having over 30 bookshops that attract visitors from all over the world and has earned it the reputation of 'The world's largest second hand bookshop'. The town also has some excellent art galleries and antique shops and with its beautiful scenery and excellent accommodation it's certainly worth a visit. To reach Hay from Ross-on-Wye take the A49 towards Hereford and then the B4348 that leads through the Golden Valley to Hay-on-Wye.