Hay on Wye

Hay-on-Wye is situated on the Welsh side of the border with England, with Hay's shops, bars, bistros and cafés being nestled all around the central Hay Castle. This castle is one of the few great medieval defence structures still standing on the border of England and Wales. It was built in the late 12th century and has a long and turbulent history.

More recently, in the 1960s, Richard Booth 'King of Hay' bought the castle and then, in 2011, he sold it to the Hay Castle Trust - a registered charity that was formed to 'preserve the historic site and provide a future of culture, enrichment, educational opportunities and community enjoyment'. There are many plans afoot for the site, including a viewing platform in the Norman Keep, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the fantastic views of the Wye Valley and the borderlands.

Eating, drinking and sleeping in Hay is a real treat. There are many places to stay, from the 5-star Swan Hotel to many beautiful smaller hotels, bed and breakfasts, cottages, camping and glamping. With fine dining at the Swan Hotel, Tomatitos tapas bar, Red Indigo Indian, Three Tuns pub (offering an Italian inspired menu) and many pubs and bars offering great menus (from traditional to vegetarian and vegan options), a Chinese takeaway and a good old fish ‘n’ chip shop, there's something for everyone.

The world-famous Hay Festival of Literature and the Arts is held in late May/June for 10 days and the Hay Winter festival is held in late November. The Globe Institute of Art and Ideas also holds an annual 'How the Light Gets In' festival at the same time as the Hay festival. It is 'the world’s largest philosophy and music festival’.