You are here: Experience and Enjoy > What's On > Hay Festival Winter Weekend

Hay Festival Winter Weekend

The Hay Festival Winter Weekend runs from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 November 2026 in the grounds of Hay Castle in Hay-on-Wye, the book town on the Wales and England border in Powys. It's a smaller, wintry version of the famous summer festival, with talks, readings and events over four days, and it's a good way to start Christmas.

What's on at the Winter Weekend

Expect writers, thinkers and performers across the weekend, with events for adults and families. The programme and tickets are released by Hay Festival in the autumn, and popular events sell out, so book once it's announced.

Christmas shopping in Hay-on-Wye

Hay-on-Wye has more than twenty bookshops, from antiquarian specialists to the honesty bookshelves outside the castle, where you leave your money in a box. Between the bookshops you'll find antiques, galleries, delis and independent shops, which makes Hay one of the best places in Mid Wales for Christmas presents. See our Christmas gift shopping guide.

Walks near Hay

Hay sits below the Black Mountains on the eastern edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Hay Bluff is a short drive up the Gospel Pass, with wide views over the Wye valley, and on a clear night it's one of the darkest places nearby for stargazing. The Wye Valley Walk passes through the town. Check the forecast before heading onto the hills in late November. See winter walks.

Getting to Hay-on-Wye

Hay is reached by road on the B4350 and B4348, about half an hour from Brecon. There's no station in Hay, so if you're coming by train, travel to Hereford and take a bus or taxi. Parking in town is limited during the festival, so arrive early.

Where to stay for the Winter Weekend

Rooms in and around Hay go quickly over festival weekends. Look further afield to Brecon, Talgarth or the villages of the Wye valley, and book as early as you can. The places to stay listed on this page are around Hay, Brecon and Bannau Brycheiniog. See also cosy Christmas cottages.

Is the Hay Festival Winter Weekend good for families?

Yes. The programme usually includes events for children alongside talks for adults, and the town's bookshops and the castle grounds are easy to walk around together.

Make a weekend of it

The Royal Welsh Winter Fair in Builth Wells follows straight after on 30 November and 1 December, so you can combine the two. See Christmas markets and festive fairs for more.

#6D7F8A

More festive weekends

Inspiration

Royal Welsh Winter Fair

Two days of prize livestock, a food hall full of Welsh produce and early Christmas shopping at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells.
Cosy Christmas Cottages in Mid Wales

A wood burner, a tree in the corner and a walk from the door. Christmas cottages in Mid Wales sell out early, so it pays to book ahead.
Dark Skies and Stargazing in Mid Wales

Some of the darkest skies in Britain, with the Milky Way overhead on a clear night. Here is where to go, what to look for and when.
Winter Walks in Mid Wales

Frost on Cadair Idris, low sun on the Elan Valley reservoirs and a sheltered forest trail when the wind blows. Winter walking in Mid Wales, with a fire at the end.
Christmas Gift Shopping in Mid Wales

Welsh wool, pottery, books, cheese and gin from the people who make them. Mid Wales is a good place to do your Christmas shopping away from the crowds.
Christmas Markets and Festive Fairs in Mid Wales

Food halls, craft stalls, Christmas lights and bookshops open late. The festive fairs of Mid Wales run from late November to just before Christmas.

Number of results: 28

, currently showing 1 to 21.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Adventure Britain Group Accommodation

Address

Adventure Britain, Ty Anturiaeth, 83 Church Road, Seven Sisters, Neath, SA10 9DT

Telephone
01639 700388

Seven Sisters

Value for money Visit Wales quality graded Merlins bunkhouse is used for Adventure Britain Activity Holidays. Situated on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The Castle of Brecon Hotel

Address

Castle Square, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9DB

Telephone
01874 624611

castle.brecon@innmail.co.uk

Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Castle of Brecon Hotel is an historic hotel of great charm and character. Occupying the site and remains of Brecon Castle close to the centre of town, it stands on a bluff of land between two rivers commanding extensive views.
Hergest Croft Gardens | Haywood Cabin

Address

Kington, Herefordshire, HR5 3EG

gardens@hergest.co.uk

Kington

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Haywood Cabin is situated near the top of the Maple Grove and offers light and spacious accommodation for two people.
East Wing @ Broomfield House

Address

Glasbury On Wye, Herefordshire, HR3 5NS

Telephone
01497 842970

info@broomfield.wales

Herefordshire

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Broomfield is a Grade II listed Georgian house of Italianate Regency style, standing in an elevated position commanding stunning views across the Wye Valley to the hills beyond.

Price
Price £1,470.00 per unit per week
The Sleeping Giant Hotel

Address

Penycae Inn, Brecon Road, Penycae, Swansea Valley, Powys, SA9 1FA

Telephone
01639 730100

info@thesleepinggianthotel.co.uk

Penycae, Swansea Valley

At The Sleeping Giant in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, experience the perfect blend of luxury, charm, and nature. Named after the nearby mountain that resembles a slumbering giant, our hotel captures the essence of the Welsh…
The Coach House

Address

Orchard Street, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8AN

Telephone
01874 620043

reservations@coachhousebrecon.com

Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Coach houses were traditionally warm and welcoming places. This particular example is one of a new breed, offering contemporary townhouse accommodation. The Coach house is one of only 2% in the country that hold the five star GOLD award

Price
Price £92.00 to £165.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Brecon Retreat

Address

Brecon Retreat, Glynmeddig House, Pentrefelin, Sennybridge, Powys, LD3 8UA

Telephone
01874 636263

info@breconretreat.co.uk

Pentrefelin, Sennybridge

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Unique luxury self-catering accommodation with Hot Tubs. Nestled next to the stream and river in the beautiful surroundings of the Brecon Beacons.
Quabbs Cabin

Address

Rhos-y-Meirch, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1PD

Telephone
07900437229

stepmac19@yahoo.co.uk

Knighton

Quabbs Cabin, situated on a secluded sheep farm near Knighton, has been carefully designed with eco-conscious travellers in mind, using repurposed materials and incorporating off-grid elements to create a rustic yet luxurious escape. Escape to…
Broomfield House

Address

Glasbury On Wye, Hay-on-Wye, Powys, HR3 5NS

Telephone
01497 842970

info@broomfield.wales

Hay-on-Wye

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Broomfield is a Grade II listed Georgian house of Italianate Regency style, standing in an elevated position commanding stunning views across the Wye Valley to the hills beyond.

Price
Price £150.00 to £275.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Brecon Beacons Camping & Caravan Park

Address

Dan-yr-Ogof, The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Dan-yr-Ogof, Abercrave, Swansea, Powys, SA9 1GJ

Telephone
01639 730284

admin@showcaves.co.uk

Abercrave, Swansea

Dates

Brecon Beacons Camping and Caravan Park is situated in the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park. A great holiday base for your caravan, motor home, camper van, or tent.

Price
Price £15.00 per person per night to £35.00 per pitch per night
Aberhyddnant Farm Cottages

Address

Crai, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8YS

Telephone
01874 636 797

info@abercottages.com

Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Lovely, comfortable cottages on working organic hill farm in the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park. Great walking from your doorstep, 200 acres to explore, have a campfire, go building, stargazing or relax surrounded by nature.

Price
Price £505.00 to £1,134.00 per unit per week
Llangorse Multi Activity Centre | Accommodation

Address

The Gilfach, Llangorse, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7UH

Telephone
01874 658272

adventures@llangorse.com

Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Bunkhouse and Farmhouse at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre offer historic self-catering accommodation for groups of up to 51, in the heart of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park.
Ideal for schools, families and groups looking…

Price
Price £16.00 per person per night
The Hayloft

Address

Upper House, Treburvaugh, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1SG

Telephone
07765 874843

thehayloft.midwales@gmail.com

Knighton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Self catering barn conversion with hot tub, sleeping 11, set in the Mid Wales countryside bordering Shropshire and Herefordshire.

Price
Price £1,500.00 per unit per week
Usk and Railway Inn

Address

Sennybridge, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8RS

Telephone
01874 636101

hello@uskandrailwayinn.com

Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A very friendly Inn at the centre of Sennybridge village, in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Price
Price £39.50 per person per night to £99.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Bryn Heulog

Address

Llanfairwaterdine, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1TU

Telephone
01547 528155

bryn.heulog@bednbreakfast.co.uk

Knighton

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Bryn Heulog is a large modern guest house which stands in approximately 3/4 acre of beautiful gardens. It is situated in the village of Llanfairwaterdine in the centre of the Teme Valley. 1.5 miles walking distance from Offa's Dyke.

Price
Price £30.00 per person per night for bed & breakfast to £65.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
The Rodd Estate | Orchard Cottage

Address

The Rodd, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2LL

Telephone
01544 260149

stay@sidneynolantrust.org

Presteigne

This lovely, one-bedroomed space can accommodate up to two people (and one well-behaved dog) comfortably. Ample parking. Available all-year-round for 3-, 4-, or 7-night stays.
The lovely one-bedroom cottage, formerly the gardener’s cottage, sits…

Price
Price £615.00 per unit per week
The Bear Hotel

Address

The Bear Hotel, High Street, Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1BW

Telephone
01873 810408

info@bearhotel.co.uk

Crickhowell

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

A quaint individually furnished 15th century historic coaching inn in the centre of Crickhowell. Our outstanding designed bedrooms offer a range of accommodation including four poster beds and jacuzzi baths.

Price
Price £37.50 to £70.00 per person per night for bed & breakfast
By the Wye | Glamping

Address

Hay-on-Wye, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR3 5RS

Telephone
01497 828166

hello@bythewye.uk

Hereford

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Riverside glamping in Hay-on-Wye, Powys, with luxury safari tents set amongst ancient woodland beside the River Wye. Ideal for couples, families and nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape. Optional wellness experiences and outdoor activities can be…
Roundhouse Farm

Address

Waun Ebbw Road, Nantyglo, Abergavenny, NP23 4QS

Telephone
07805150805

DAVID_REES2@sky.com

Abergavenny

Roundhouse Farm offers charming holiday cottages and a renovated farmhouse in Nantyglo, Blaenau Gwent, blending modern comforts with historical charm, near the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. Enjoy a peaceful and secure stay within a walled…
Old Mill

Address

Felinfach, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0UB

Telephone
01874 625385

thefelinfachmill@yahoo.co.uk

Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Apr 2026to31 Oct 2026

A 16th century converted corn mill, peacefully situated, en-suite rooms, residents lounge. Ideal for walking and touring the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and Hay-on-Wye.

Price
Price £85.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Llangorse Multi Activity Centre | Campsite

Address

The Gilfach, Llangorse, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7UH

Telephone
01874 658272

adventures@llangorse.com

Brecon

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Set in the heart of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park, Llangorse Multi Activity Centre offers spacious, informal camping and cosy Camping Pods, with stunning views overlooking Llangorse Lake and the surrounding countryside.

Price
Price £9.50 to £13.00 per person per night