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Hay-on-Wye clock tower. (Image: Getty) Hay-on-Wye, locally known as Hay, is a traditional market town in the historic county of Brecknockshire. With more than 30 bookstores, many specialising in out-of-print or rare copies, entice literary lovers to the market town of 2,000 people, known as the Town of Books.

Nestled in the County of Powys on the England/Wales border, Hay-on-Wye is most popular during the yearly Hay Festival at the end of May. some 80,000 visitors descend for readings and seminars and explore the town's two Norman castles, indulge in the cozy pubs and admire the pleasant stream. function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.



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addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript()ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)}) Take a trip and lose track of time in Richard Booth's sprawling bookshop and if the weather takes a tun for the worst, watch a film in the cinema or indulge in a slice of lemon polenta cake at the cafe. Hay-on-Wye has been named as the 'world's first book town' (Image: Getty) READ MORE: Inside ‘best B&B in England’ that’s cheaper than a Premier Inn [LATEST] You can tuck into the vegetarian menu at the Electric Shop, surrounded by a whacky collection of vintage furniture and house plants.

Hay has plenty to offer to locals and tourists, including kayaking along the Wye. The river spans over 100 miles. Why not tackle a multi-day camping and kayak adventure on a tour or self-guided voyage? Look out kingfishers, herons, cormorants, swans, and otters as you wind downstream.

Wild swimmers, stone skimmers, and picnickers head to the Warren, a shingle 'beach' and open meadow just a short walk west along the riverside path running behind St Mary's Church. The World's First Book Town, Hay-on-Wye (Image: Getty) DON'T MISS: The beautiful European seaside town where you can book hotel room for just £25 [LATEST] Pretty UK town with unusual nickname looks like it should be in Cotswolds [LATEST] Trending SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding.

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy The tiny green county is a stunning spot for a UK staycation. You can escape to the country and stay in cool family villas, dog friendly cottages and even luxury manors.

The hardest choice? Whether to stay in the sticks or a characterful market town. Hereford itself is slap bang in the middle of the county so makes the perfect base if you plan on plenty of exploring. A week in peak season for a family of four will set you back at least £1,000.

Low-season prices are anywhere from £600-£1000. The recent average cost for a family to travel abroad for a week is £3,500 (2023), so if you're looking to experience a new environment, and stay in plush accomodation, this is a perfect fit..

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