The National Book Town of Wales
Perhaps best known for the annual literature festival that is held for ten days in May and June, Hay has seen a fair few famous and influential figures in its time. The Hay Festival began in 1988 and consequently people like David Frost, Bill Clinton and Stephen Fry have graced the town with their presence. The festival now has a genuinely global reach with sister events held in Nairobi, Beirut and The Maldives, to name but a few places. Hay is the National Book Town of Wales and bibliophiles can enjoy over 25 bookshops that are contained within its tiny boundaries.
The Warren
Close to the town centre, over a bridge that crosses the River Wye, is a lea known locally as The Warren. This riverside meadow has its very own 'beach' which is the perfect spot for a swim or dip on a hot day. The Warren is great for walks too.
Canoeing
The River Hay is navigable by canoe without restriction for over 100 miles. You can hire a canoe for a morning or afternoon or a whole week. You'll have the chance to pass through charming villages like Glasbury and Tintern, and market towns like Monmouth and the city of Hereford. As well as spectacular scenery you'll see fascinating wildlife like otters, cormorants, herons and kingfishers. You don't need to be an expert and kids will love the chance to paddle too.
The Globe
Books aren't the only cultural touchstone in the town. The Globe at Hay puts on events and festivals that include live music, oratory, theatre performances and much more aimed at stimulating and entertaining all who come. The Globe is a real community hub for the arts cognoscenti and anyone else who craves sustenance for the mind, soul and body – or simply food and entertainment!
Eating and drinking
If a starter of Jerusalem artichoke, poached eggs, capers and rosemary whets your appetite then there's a good chance you'll enjoy St John's Place. It's certainly popular in Hay for its imaginative menus and service. If tapas are your thing, then Tomatitos is sure to impress with its menu prepared from locally sourced ingredients. The beers and wines come from Spain and the coffee is Italian. And for flavoursome Nepalese and Thai food accompanied by Nepalese beer, Yak-Y-Da's cheerful, helpful and polite team will make you welcome and send you away satisfied and full.
Shopping
Hay's bookshops are varied and many of them deal in specialised subjects or genres such as natural history or maps, detective fiction or cinema. You'll find a good selection of other shops too, including a deli, a Fairtrade establishment selling jewellery, gifts, clothes and toys, as well as stores dealing in antiques and collectibles. There's also a market every Thursday.
