Hay-on-Wye: A book lovers nirvana

I thought to myself, "A town filled with bookstores, FABULOUS!" Winding my way through dusty stacks of books, looking for the perfect gift... digging through manuscripts, first editions, looking for that much-desired collectable...

On our way from Cardiff to our next stop in Tewksbury, we stopped by the "Bookstore Capital of the World." Nestled in the picturesque Welsh countryside lies Hay-on-Wye, a charming little town with a population of just over 2000. It’s known as the “town of books” and is home to more than 20 bookstores! The town has over two dozen bookshops, and hosts the annual Hay Festival, which is one of the world’s leading literary events.

Hay-on-Wye is a small town in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. It is known for its many bookstores and as a hub for the used and antiquarian book trade.

The town is situated on the River Wye, near the border with England. It is a popular tourist destination, especially for those who love books.

There are more than 20 bookstores in Hay-on-Wye, ranging from small shops selling second-hand books to large stores with an extensive selection of new and used titles. Many of the stores specialize in specific genres or subjects, such as history, science fiction, or children's books.

In addition to its many bookstores, Hay-on-Wye is home to the annual Hay Festival, a 10-day event that attracts some of the world's leading authors, thinkers, and performers. The festival is held in May or June each year and features a program of literary talks, workshops, and events. Unfortunately we visited Hay-on-Wye in April of '22, so we missed out on the festival. We will retun sometime in to experience it.

History of the Town

Hay-on-Wye’s history as a center for books dates back to the 1960s, when local bookseller Richard Booth opened the first shop. Booth had a vision for the town as a haven for used and secondhand books, and his shop soon attracted attention from book lovers around the world.

In 1977, Booth declared Hay-on-Wye an “independent kingdom” and crowned himself its king. This publicity stunt helped put the town on the map, and it has since become a popular tourist destination.

Bookstores in Hay-on-Wye

Today, Hay-on-Wye is home to a vibrant community of booksellers, publishers, and writers. The town continues to host the Hay Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the world.

Hay-on-Wye is often referred to as the "town of books" and it's easy to see why! This small town in the Welsh countryside is home to dozens of bookstores, making it a nirvana for bibliophiles.

There are plenty of secondhand and antiquarian bookstores to explore, as well as more modern establishments. Many of the stores specialize in a particular genre or type of book, so there's something for everyone. With so many options, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are a few of our favorite bookstores in Hay-on-Wye:

The Hay Cinema Bookshop: This store is half cinema, half bookstore! The cinema side screens art house and independent films, while the bookstore stocks an impressive selection of both new and used books.

Richard Booth's Bookshop: Richard Booth was the man who put Hay-on-Wye on the map as a destination for book lovers. His shop is full of treasures, both old and new. Make sure to check out the rare books room upstairs.

Addyman Books: This store has been open since 1961 and specializes in academic books. They also have an excellent selection of fiction and nonfiction titles.

There are many other great bookstores in Hay-on-Wye, so be sure to explore them all during your visit!

Conclusion

Hay-on-Wye is well known for its bookstores, but there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in this charming Welsh town. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets and admire the historic buildings, visit one of the many cafes or pubs for a bite to eat, or explore the surrounding countryside. For those feeling energetic, there are plenty of walking and cycling routes to follow. And of course, don't forget to bring a good book to read while you're here!