By: Heather Keys
Located right about on the border between England and Wales, Hay-on-Wye is a tiny market town with a big literary reputation. Known as the “Town of Books,” this charming spot is a bibliophile’s dream, filled with independent bookshops, narrow streets, and a festival that draws some of the world’s greatest writers, thinkers, and storytellers.
A Book Lover’s Paradise
With a population of under 2,000, Hay-on-Wye is home to over 20 bookshops, many specializing in rare, secondhand, and antiquarian books.
One of the most famous spots is Richard Booth’s Bookshop, a sprawling, multi-level haven of literature and crafts. Booth, often credited with putting Hay-on-Wye on the literary map, even declared the town an independent “Kingdom of Books” in 1977, complete with its own king (himself) in a successful effort to bring more tourism money into the area.
- If you want to know more about Booth’s contributions to literary legacy (including the fact that his shop was listed in the Guinness World Records for having the most secondhand books and miles of shelving for them in the world!) check out this article—it’s completely fascinating.
Beyond Booth’s, you’ll find everything from Murder and Mayhem, a crime and mystery-focused bookshop, to The Poetry Bookshop, which stocks poetry collections from around the world. Addyman Books is another favorite, known for its labyrinth-like layout, quirky decor, and hidden reading nooks.
And then there’s the Honesty Bookshop, an outdoor bookstall located at the ruins of Hay Castle—it’s as magical as it sounds.
The Hay Festival: A Gathering of Literary Greats
Once a year, Hay-on-Wye transforms from a quiet town of bookshops into the buzzing epicenter of the literary world. The Hay Festival, held every summer, brings together renowned authors, poets, journalists, and thinkers for ten days of discussions, debates, and storytelling.
Described by Bill Clinton as “the Woodstock of the mind,” the festival has hosted literary icons like Margaret Atwood, Stephen Fry (currently the Hay Festival President), and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Even outside festival season, Hay-on-Wye is a wonderful place for writers and creatives looking for inspiration. Many come to enjoy the town’s bookish energy, sit in a quiet spot with a notebook, or browse the shelves in search of their next great read.
- The 2025 Hay Festival is May 22—June 1
- If you can’t go to the festival in Wales, there are events in other destinations, like Spain, Colombia, Hungary, and beyond!
- There are also lots of resources online for bibliophiles, like interviews with authors and discussions about current events and more
In a world that moves fast, there’s something really special about a town that still believes in the magic of books—wouldn’t you agree?
About the Author
Originally from Indiana, Heather believes every destination has a story worth telling and a reason to visit. With a deep love of adventure, history, and psychology, she shares travel trivia, tips, and inspiration to encourage you to explore the world with curiosity and optimism. Read her other articles on Frayed Passport here.Featured image by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash
Frayed Passport is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also may share links to other affiliates and sponsors in articles across our website. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us.