‘Quirky’ Herefordshire town is with castle, river, stunning views and is …
Hay-on Wye has been described as "every bookworm's dream" and they're be right to do so as this Herefordshire town[1] is famous for being the 'Town of Books', with more than 20 bookshops and a yearly book festival. Yet while this eccentric town is the perfect place for Matildas to visit, it also has the gorgeous River Wye and a historic castle steeped in legend making it a destination for visitors.
The town is located in on the border between Wales and England, just 30 minutes outside of Hereford and would quite literally fill any bibliophile's wildest fantasy. There are more than 20 book shops to choose from including - and certainly not limited to - Richard Booth's Bookshop which extends to over three floors, the Francis Edwards bookshop which holds over 10,000 antique books and the Bookshop Cinema, which, as the name suggests, is both a cinema as well as a bookshop.
Some 1,500 people live in the town but 100,000 flock from across the world to visit the Hay Festival[2] in the late spring for 11 days to engage with poets, writers and publishers. This year's event saw the likes on Margaret Atwood, Dua Lipa and the Proclaimers attend.
Have you seen? Big decision on bold bid to relocate Co-op shop and build 14 homes on former garage[4]
Though it may be the bookshops which make this town a must see for bookworms, the town has plenty to offer anyone who's hobbies are more technologically inclined. Visitors are encouraged to to visit Hay Castle in the centre of town.
According to Welsh legend, is said to have been built by the noble lady Maud de Braose, a giantess who built the castle in a single night, the Express[5] reports. The castle has burned down several times in its history, most recently in 1975 when it was being used as, you guessed it, a bookshop (and party-hall).
Named for the River Wye, the town is situated along its picturesque banks. Woodland and peaceful riverside meadow make it a scenic place to walk, whatever the weather. Hay-on-Wye is also located north of the Black Mountains, which mark the border between Wales and England. The wild landscape provides opportunities for anyone seeking adventures, including hiking, canoeing, kayaking and even paddle boarding.
Former president Bill Clinton may have called the Hay Book Festival “the Woodstock of the mind”, but there's plenty more festival in the Hay-on-Wye calendar if books aren't your thing. You could visit the Dark Sky festival which, despite its witchy name simply celebrates stargazing, or the Hay Walking Festival to truly enjoy the nearby wilderness. Or visit the Chamber Music Festival, which explores music throughout history and is influenced by music from folklore and fantasy.
However, the Express writes that the best day to visit Hay-on-Wye is Thursday. Every week, 40 traders come to the town's market day to sell their wares. Artisan bread, locally reared meat, jams, cheeses, coffee line the marker which also features jewellery, clothes and even pet items.
On social media, many book lovers have recommended Hay-on-Wye as a place they can never get tired of. One enthusiastic visitor wrote: “Hayes is my second home, I have spent way too much money and time here but it was utterly brilliant” while another user commented: “This town is literally every bookworm’s dream, I have not been to a more delightful town. Heaven really does exist!”
References
- ^ Herefordshire town (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Hay Festival (www.visitwales.com)
- ^ Fashion shop returns to town with a slightly different name (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Big decision on bold bid to relocate Co-op shop and build 14 homes on former garage (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Express (www.express.co.uk)