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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.

Number of results: 28

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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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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