If you’re a book lover and haven’t yet visited Hay-on-Wye, this is your sign! This charming town on the border between England and Wales is home to over 20 bookshops.
Every year, Hay-on-Wye also hosts the annual Hay Festival, which brings together authors, writers, and readers to celebrate all things literary. It usually takes place in May or June and is a great opportunity to attend talks and book signings with both upcoming and well-established authors.
If you’re planning a trip to Hay-on-Wye for the first time, here are my favourite bookshops I recommend looking out for and some tips to make the most of your visit.
Best for new fiction
My favourite bookshop in Hay-on-Wye is Richard Booth’s Bookshop. Spanning three floors, they sell both new and second-hand books, craft supplies, and gifts for book lovers. But what I love the most is their incredible selection of new hardback fiction.
North Books on Castle Street has an eclectic selection of new fiction including contemporary women's voices, fantasy, young adult, and children’s. I love how cosy the space feels, with wooden floors and bookshelves stretching from floor to ceiling.
Best for second-hand book shopping
Hay-On-Wye Booksellers is an iconic shop located in the heart of the town, opposite Hay Castle. Although Hay Booksellers do sell new books, they're most well known for their second-hand books. If you're interested in rare or antique books, this is the place for you! There are rows of wooden shelves filled with books, and it's an interesting shop to explore.
Hay Cinema Bookshop is home to over 200,000 secondhand books. As you can guess from the name, this is a converted old cinema and it is HUGE. Be prepared to get lost in here!
Best for mystery and thriller books
Although Murder and Mayhem is smaller than some other bookshops in Hay, it's a must-visit if you love mystery and thriller books! You’ll find books by popular authors such as Stephen King, Harlan Coben, Karin Slaughter, and the queen of crime fiction, Agatha Christie.
Best for beautiful classics
There are two Addyman Books in Hay-on-Wye; the main shop on Lion Street and Addyman’s Annexe on Castle Street. Both bookshops have beautiful decors and rooms filled with books, including some of the most stunning classic editions I’ve seen. Their prices are also very reasonable.
Best for LGBTQ+ Fiction
Gay on Wye is one of Hay’s newest independent bookshops and specialises in LGBTQ+ fiction across a variety of genres. Beyond being a bookstore, they also host regular events including author readings, book clubs, workshops, and discussion panels.
Tips for your first visit
- There are free toilets inside Hay Castle, or paid public toilets next to the main Oxford Road car park and the Town Clock
- During Hay Festival, consider using one of the park-and-ride services (details available on the Hay Festival website)
- The famous open-air Honesty Bookshop can be found in the grounds of Hay Castle where you can pick up paperbacks for only £1 donation
- Shepherds Parlour serves delicious locally made ice cream - perfect on a hot day!
- Hay-on-Wye hosts markets on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Special Days where you can browse independent producers, street food vendors, breweries, flea stalls, and artisan makers (visit the Hay Markets website for information on upcoming events)
What are your favourite bookshops in Hay-On-Wye?
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