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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.

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.

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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…
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.
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
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
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…
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
Craig Y Nos Castle | Dog Friendly Accommodation

Address

Brecon Road, Craig-y-nos, Penycae, Swansea, SA9 1GL

Telephone
01639 731167

info@craigynoscastle.com

Penycae

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Serviced accommodation Craig-y-Nos Castle stands in the Brecon Beacons National Park in the Upper Swansea Valley in South Wales.

Price
Price £140.00 to £220.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast