Hay-on-Wye
Hay-on-Wye, United Kingdom
A small border town on the River Wye known for its many second-hand bookshops, set against the edge of the Black Mountains. Allow a few hours to browse and park at the edge of town, since the centre is compact.
Hay-on-Wye lies on the south-east bank of the River Wye in Powys, right on the border with England, at the north-eastern tip of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Richard Booth opened his bookshop in the Old Fire Station in 1962, and by the 1970s Hay had earned the nickname “Town of Books”. On 1 April 1977 Booth declared the “Kingdom of Hay-on-Wye” as a publicity stunt. The town has about 1,700 inhabitants but more than twenty bookshops. Hay Castle has Norman origins and was extensively restored, with work completed in 2022.
Allow half a day to a full day for browsing and exploring the compact old town on foot. The Hay Festival takes place at the end of May or beginning of June and, by its own account, attracts around 80,000 visitors; accommodation and parking are then scarce. Park on the edge of town.
- Nearest town
- Hay-on-Wye, United Kingdom
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 52.0750, -3.1250
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Sources
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Fforest FieldsCampsite17 km from Hay-on-WyeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Llangorse Multi Activity Centre CampsiteCampsite18 km from Hay-on-WyeTentsDrinking waterShowersToiletsNo dogsWi-Fi
- Cwmdu CampsiteCampsite20 km from Hay-on-WyeTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Pencelli CastleCampsite22 km from Hay-on-WyeTentsDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Talybont Farm CampingCampsite23 km from Hay-on-WyeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Riverside Caravan ParkCampsite24 km from Hay-on-Wye · 25 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Hay-on-Wye?
Hay-on-Wye is in Hay-on-Wye, United Kingdom, at GPS 52.0750, -3.1250. It is about 23 km from Brecon.
Can you camp near Hay-on-Wye?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Dark Orchard CL Site, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 71 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Hay-on-Wye?
Places worth a stop nearby: Pen y Fan (32 km), Ironbridge Gorge (75 km), Three Cliffs Bay (88 km) and Broadway Tower (88 km).
When is the best time to visit Hay-on-Wye?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)