Hay-on-Wye / Y Gelli Gandryll at Y Gelli Gandryll | Hay-on-Wye

Waypoint

Powys,
HR3 5DG

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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