Pictures of Hay-on-Wye

About Hay-on-Wye

Hay-on-Wye, as its name implies is picturesquely situated on the River Wye at a point where Herefordshire meets with the border of Wales.

The origins of the town stretch back over the centuries and there are numerous interesting old properties to be seen in the town. A few of which have been turned into antique shops where you enter through a small doorway to find yourself stepping onto a creaking oak floor with ceiling above and surrounding walls bulging with the weight of ancient oak beams. The vast majority of the buildings in Hay are now Book shops, for what was once a peaceful market town is now a mecca for second hand book lovers from all over the world. Buyers do not just come to Hay to search out a bargain, they come more in the hope of the rare find that has eluded them in other destinations. Hay, is a friendly town set in the picturesque border country crammed with medieval cottages and handsome farmhouses. The River Wye flows through here and Offa's Dyke Path runs close-by. There are ancient meadows and gurgling little streams, used as watering holes for grazing cattle.

In the town you will find shops that provide for every requirement as well as the specialist antique and book shops. There are warmly welcoming inns and public houses, most of which serve excellent home cooked food, good wine and ales. Near to Hay-on-Wye is the majestic Hay Bluff which rises to a towering 2220ft and the idyllic villages of Pembridge and Presteigne are but a short distance away. This whole region is awash with ancient churches, old monuments and beautiful gardens that give a great deal of pleasure and are a joy to explore