Discover more in Hay
Hay is a bustling town full of independent shops, markets and al fresco entertainment during the Festival. Explore the streets, browse the wares and soak up the atmosphere. If you’d like to explore the wider area, why not book onto a farm visit or a Wayfaring walk?
In and around Hay
There’s lots to do in Hay, from strolling the countryside and sampling local produce to browsing the famous bookshops.
Hay is situated in some of the most beautiful countryside in Mid Wales, at the top of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Stroll down the river walk to the Warren, or try a longer hike up Hay Bluff or the Twmpa (also known as Lord Hereford’s Knob). Take some time to explore the town’s many bookshops, both second-hand and new, and browse the shops and galleries. There are plenty of opportunities for a pit stop in a cosy pub or a lively café.
Hay Market events
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience an event in the town’s Memorial Square, and the historic Buttermarket and Cheese Market, both built in the 1830s.
Fair on the Square
Memorial Square | Saturday 25, Sunday 26 & Monday 27 May, 10am–6pm
Enjoy a free Bank Holiday weekend street party with live music, flea market and delicious food and drink, all in the centre of Hay.
Hay Market Day
Memorial Square, Clock Tower, Buttermarket | Thursday 23 & Thursday 30 May, 9am–2pm
Trading for more than 700 years, Hay Market is a vibrant weekly market held in the centre of Hay every Thursday. With over 40 independent traders offering an eclectic range of seasonal produce, hot food and drink, flea market and local makers. Visit haymarkets.co.uk.
Hay Saturday Market
Memorial Square, Clock Tower, Buttermarket | Saturday 1 June, 10am–4pm
Monthly street market in the centre of Hay, with over 40 local producers, flea, artisan makers, street food and drink.
Events at the Cheese Market
Friday 24, Saturday 25, Sunday 26 & Monday 27 May, Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 June, 10am–4pm
Local Makers & Producers Market
Tuesday 28, Wednesday 29 & Friday 31 May, 10am–4pm
Flea & Vintage Market
Events at the Buttermarket
Friday 24 May, 10am–4pm: Friday Flea Market
Saturday 25 May, 10am–4pm: Mad Hatter’s Craft Market
Sunday 26 May, 10am–4pm: Craft & Collectables Fair
Monday 27 May, 10am–4pm: Vinyl Daze Record & CD Fair
Tuesday 28 May, 10am–4pm: Golden Valley Crafts Market
Friday 31 May, 10am–4pm: Friday Flea Market
Sunday 2 June, 10am–4pm: Artisan Events Wales Market
Hay Castle
Hay Castle is well worth a visit, with layers of history from medieval roots to contemporary arts via the Independent Kingdom of Hay.
Following a major renovation it’s now open daily from 10am to 4pm. The café, shop and Great Hall are free to enter. Entry to the rest of the castle is £5 per person, free for under 16s. Visit haycastletrust.org.
Castle Street Food Market
Honesty Bookshop, Castle Street | Daily throughout the Festival, 10am–6pm
Step through a secret door off Castle Street into Hay’s world-famous Honesty Bookshop, where you can enjoy a unique experience sampling delicious street food in an attractive walled garden alongside the castle.
Outdoor activities
We’ve programmed a range of outdoor adventures to explore the local area throughout the Festival. Visit a farm, trek with a local guide, try some wild swimming or a mountain bike ride. View the programme to book tickets.
Quiet space at Salem Chapel
Relax, contemplate or read in a quiet space in this beautifully restored historic chapel in the centre of Hay. Also serving simple, fresh vegetarian food and coffee, with yoga classes running throughout the week. Visit wyevalleyiyengaryoga.com.
Tourist info
The Hay-on-Wye website is a good source of local information – visit hay-on-wye.co.uk. And local tourist information centres are a great place to ask about things to do in the local area. Pick up a Hay Town Guide at the Tourist Information Bureau on Oxford Road.
Hay-on-Wye 01497 820 144
Talgarth 01874 712 226
Brecon 01874 620 860
Crickhowell 01873 811 970
Hereford 01432 383 837
Kington 01544 230 778