Holiday rentals and lettings in Hay-on-Wye

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Hay-on-Wye?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Hay-on-Wye: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Hay-on-Wye: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Hay-on-Wye?

• Choice of accommodation: From characterful cottages to riverside apartments and countryside cabins, Hay-on-Wye suits couples, families and groups, many welcoming dogs.
• Where to stay: In the bookshop-lined town centre near Hay Castle, or out towards the River Wye and the Black Mountains.
• What guests love: The world-famous "Town of Books", dozens of second-hand bookshops, the Hay Festival and superb walking country.
• Best time to visit: Late May and early June for the Hay Festival, summer for the river, and quiet, atmospheric autumns and winters.
• Things to do: Browse the bookshops, explore Hay Castle, canoe the River Wye and walk into the Black Mountains along Offa's Dyke.

Hay-on-Wye's holiday lettings are full of character, from period cottages in Hay-on-Wye in the heart of the Town of Books to riverside boltholes and rural retreats in the surrounding hills. Many enjoy countryside views or a cosy fireside, with space for the family, and there is something for couples, groups and dog owners alike. Whether you want a bookshop-lined base in town or a peaceful spot near the Black Mountains, there is a self-catering letting to match, and most come well equipped for a comfortable stay. Expect features such as:

• Wi-Fi and a cosy lounge for evenings in
• Period features and characterful interiors
• A garden or courtyard for warm evenings
• Parking or a central spot near the bookshops
• Pet-friendly lettings so the whole family can come along

Wherever you base yourself, the bookshops, the castle and the river are rarely far away. Fancy exploring further afield? You can also compare cottages across Wales, log cabins in Wales, B&Bs in Wales, camping in Pembrokeshire and camping in Snowdonia.

What are the best areas to stay in Hay-on-Wye?

It depends on the holiday you have in mind: the town centre is best for bookshops and festival life, while the outskirts suit the river and countryside. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in Hay-on-Wye through Holidu often highlight the sheer joy of the Town of Books, with its dozens of second-hand and antiquarian bookshops and the famous honesty bookshops. Many mention the buzz of the Hay Festival, the beauty of the River Wye and the walking into the Black Mountains, and return for the rare mix of literary charm, riverside calm and mountain scenery all close together.

Set on the River Wye at the northern edge of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), Hay-on-Wye is the world-famous "Town of Books", straddling the Wales and England border in Powys. Home to dozens of second-hand and antiquarian bookshops, the renowned Hay Festival of literature and the historic Hay Castle, it sits beneath the Black Mountains and beside a river made for canoeing and swimming. Charming and literary, with superb walking and cycling on its doorstep, it makes a delightful base for a holiday.

✈️What is the best way to get to Hay-on-Wye?

Most visitors arrive by car, as the town has no railway station of its own. Here are the most common ways to reach the town:

• By car: Hay-on-Wye is reached via the A438 and B4350, within easy reach of Hereford, Brecon and the Welsh borders. A car is handy for exploring the mountains, river and villages, and most holiday lettings offer parking nearby.
• By train and bus: The nearest stations are at Hereford and Builth Road, with onward bus connections into the town. This makes a relaxed, car-light way to arrive and explore the bookshops and riverside on foot.

🥗Where to eat in Hay-on-Wye?

According to Google Maps reviews, The Salad Project is one of the best rated spots in Hay-on-Wye. Below is a table showing top highly-rated places hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guests love the Three Tuns, a historic pub-restaurant on Broad Street serving a seasonal menu of locally sourced dishes. Warm, welcoming and full of character, it is a firm favourite for a relaxed lunch or supper after a day among the bookshops.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but the late spring weeks of the Hay Festival in late May and early June bring the town to life, while summer is ideal for the river and the mountains. Autumn is quieter and golden, and winter is snug, with cosy bookshops and open fires.

Late Spring (May–June)

• Best for: The Hay Festival, walking and the river
• Weather: Mild and often bright
• Atmosphere: Lively and literary during the festival

Summer (July–August)

• Best for: Canoeing, swimming and the Black Mountains
• Weather: Warm and often sunny
• Atmosphere: Busy but relaxed along the river

Autumn & Winter (September–April)

• Best for: Cosy bookshops, walks and country pubs
• Weather: Cool and crisp, sometimes misty
• Atmosphere: Quiet and snug, with a festive glow

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Hay-on-Wye hosts recommend an early browse of the bookshops before the day-trippers arrive, then a walk out along the River Wye or up onto Offa's Dyke for views of the Black Mountains. Ask your host about the best stretch of the river for a swim and their favourite hidden bookshop.

1. Browse the second-hand bookshops
2. Explore Hay Castle
3. Canoe and swim in the River Wye
4. Walk into the Black Mountains along Offa's Dyke
5. Experience the Hay Festival

1. Browse the second-hand bookshops

   The heart of Hay-on-Wye is its extraordinary collection of second-hand and antiquarian bookshops, which give the town its world-famous nickname. Wander from shop to shop hunting for rare first editions, dusty paperbacks and unexpected treasures, and pause at the charming honesty bookshops where you pick a title and leave your coins in an old tin. Bibliophile heaven, it rewards a slow, curious afternoon of browsing.

2. Explore Hay Castle

   Rising above the town, Hay Castle is a Norman fortress and Jacobean mansion beautifully restored as a cultural centre with galleries, exhibitions and a bookshop. Explore its history, climb up for views across the rooftops to the Black Mountains and enjoy the events and workshops held throughout the year. Atmospheric and welcoming, it is the historic heart of the Town of Books.

3. Canoe and swim in the River Wye

   The River Wye curls right past the town and is one of Britain's finest rivers for gentle canoeing and wild swimming. Paddle downstream past wooded banks and grazing meadows, take a refreshing dip on a warm day or simply stroll along its banks. Peaceful and scenic, the river is a highlight for families, adventurers and anyone who loves the water.

4. Walk into the Black Mountains along Offa's Dyke

   Hay-on-Wye is a superb base for walking and cycling into the Black Mountains and along the ancient Offa's Dyke path that traces the Wales and England border. Climb Hay Bluff and Twmpa for sweeping views over the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), or follow gentler riverside trails. Wild, open and invigorating, it is a paradise for walkers and cyclists.

5. Experience the Hay Festival

   Each late May and early June the town hosts the world-renowned Hay Festival of literature and the arts, drawing writers, thinkers and audiences from across the globe. Enjoy talks, readings, music and debate, then wander the bookshops and cafés buzzing with ideas. Inspiring and unforgettable, it is the celebration that made Hay-on-Wye famous the world over.