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Details
Hay-on-Wye - in Welsh 'Y Gelli Gandryll' or just 'Y Gelli' is well known as 'the town of books'. It is home to the Hay Literature Festival which brings some 80,000 writers, publishers and literature fans from all across the world to this small market town in South East Powys in June each year.
During the rest of the year this pretty market town is the United Kingdom's mecca for books, boasting thirty major bookshops, mostly selling second hand publications. It was the world's first Book Town. It all started in 1961 when Richard Booth opened his first book shop in Hay, which soon grew into Europe's largest second hand bookshop.
Foremost amongst the town's landmarks is the impressive ruined castle. Dating from the 13th century, like so many border castles in Wales it was significantly damaged by Glyndwr's rebellion in 1400. However, Hay Castle continued to be in use as a residence until the early 20th century.
Trail: Offas Dyke National Trail
Waypoint: 3
Also at this Venue
Address
Powys,
HR3 5DG
Location and nearby places
Directions
Map reference: SO 228422 Lat: 52.07276 Long: -3.12775
Off the A438 Hereford to Bronllys/Brecon road.
Accessible by Public Transport: 21 miles from Hereford station
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Cash Point
Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Gift shop
On-site catering
On-site light refreshments
Picnic site
Postbox
Public toilets
Telephone (public)