One of the most uttered phrases by people who have never been to Hay-on-Wye is "ooh, I want to go there!" Don’t put your Hay-on-Wye holiday off any longer. Delaying means you're just missing out on what the rest of us know: that Hay-on-Wye is all kinds of amazing, whether you're there in summer or winter, for a short weekend or a week long break. Read more
The Cider Mill is a luxury holiday cottage in the Herefordshire countryside, with beautiful views of a cider apple orchard and a location within walking distance of the traditional Portway Inn pub. It sleeps six people in three ensuite bedrooms and has a flexible layout that suits families, extended families or friends. The cottage is eight miles from Hereford and within easy reach of Ludlow, Ross-on-Wye and Hay-on-Wye. The Brecon Beacons National Park and Wye Valley are close, making this a fantastic holiday destination for anyone at any time of the year. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Garden Cottage is in rural Herefordshire, close to the Wye Valley and within easy reach of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It's the perfect holiday home to relax in beautiful surroundings, with walks and bike rides from the door. There is space for six people to sleep in three bedrooms, with a flexible layout that suits families, extended families or friends. Hereford is only eight miles away, while Hay-on-Wye, Ross-on-Wye and Leominster are all within half an hour's drive. Play golf, go fly fishing or canoeing in the River Wye, browse local markets and antique shops, and eat well whether you self-cater or dine out. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Monnington House and Garden Cottage offer spacious holiday accommodation for large groups in Herefordshire, close to the Wye Valley and convenient for the M5 and the M50. The beautiful holiday retreat sleeps up to eighteen guests and has been awarded 5-Star standard. Guests have two acres of grounds that include playing fields and outbuildings with games rooms. The house and cottage are at the end of a country lane with no passing traffic making it an ideal place to escape away with friends or family to catch up or celebrate a special occassion. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Full of Four Star Gold luxury, character and style, this beautifully presented barn conversion provides accessible dog-friendly self-catering in Staunton on Wye, amidst glorious Herefordshire countryside. The surrounding area offers peace, tranquility and lovely walks, and is an ideal base for exploring Hay-on-Wye, Hereford city, the Wye Valley, Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
The Welsh Borders are famous for stunning views, fantastic food and a rich history. Drovers Lodge, being just four miles from the beautiful book town of Hay-on-Wye, provides the ideal place to stay while exploring it all. Offa's Dyke Path, the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Black Mountains are all nearby to offer endless opportunities for wonderful walks or bike rides, while the River Wye and Llangorse are great for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and sailing. The self-catering lodge has space for up to five guests and is perfect for couples, families and friends who will quickly discover that however long they stay, it will never be enough!
Red Kite Lodge is located a short four mile drive from the famous book town of Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh Borders and is a superb base for exploring the Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountains and the Offa's Dyke Path. A popular holiday choice with outdoor enthusiasts, you can enjoy fabulous walks and cycling; or for those who enjoy water sports, kayaking, fishing and canoeing on the River Wye and Llangorse. Sleeping six guests, Red Kite Lodge is perfect for a family holiday, friends who want a weekend of adventure and also couples.
A spacious 16th Century Grade II listed farmhouse in a quiet village within strolling distance of an award-winning pub, Bridgefarm House has it all. Four gorgeous bedrooms provide self-catering accommodation for 6-10 people, with a huge country kitchen/dining room, living room with a log burner, and plenty of outdoor space. The owner has two romantic yurts close by that can be booked together with the farmhouse to sleep 12-14 people. Hereford, Ludlow and Hay-on-Wye are all close, and there are miles of footpaths and mountain bike trails to explore through the Herefordshire Hills, the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Black Mountains. It's an unspoiled slice of rural bliss that is ideal for a holiday with families or friends.
Enjoy the beautiful Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park from this charming riverside holiday cottage. Forest Mill Cottage is beside the River Monnow in the quiet village of Craswall. It's large enough to sleep six people in two bedrooms, so it is ideal for families but cosy enough to feel comfortable and welcoming for couples as well. Spend your time walking and cycling through spectacular scenery, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and exploring historic places that include Hay-on-Wye, Hereford, Brecon and Abergavenny. The cottage and grounds are very dog-friendly. Holiday bookings are available all year round, with short breaks possible outside of peak season.
Spend time with your favourite person in this delightful holiday cottage in the charming town of Hay-on-Wye. Ty Bychan, or Little House, is centrally located within a stroll of the pubs, tea rooms, and the independent shops in the Book Town, which sees its small population swell by over 100,00 people every May when it hosts one of the largest literary festivals in Europe. Hay is wonderful for walking, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, being on the doorstep of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the border of England. It's a superb place to visit in any season, with many guests of Ty Bychan being regular visitors to the town. The cottage is dog-friendly and sleeps two people in one bedroom with a pretty cottage garden.
Oozing character and charm, this stylish 18th Century barn conversion provides a warm welcome at any time of the year. Offering relaxed yet stylish self-catering accommodation, the cottage is perfect for couples (one or two) and families with a quirky shepherds hut that can be rented separately to accommodate an extra two guests. Nestling in the picturesque Golden Valley, The Stable is surrounded by glorious Herefordshire countryside on the English/Welsh border with plenty of attractions for day trips out (including the Book Town of Hay-on-Wye) within easy reach.
An 18th Century listed barn conversion providing self-catering packed full of character. Sympathetically designed to offer relaxed accommodation, Cothill Barn sits in the picturesque Golden Valley amongst beautiful rolling Herefordshire countryside on the Welsh borders. Hay-on-Wye and plenty of attractions are just a short drive away.
Your chance to escape the pressures of every day life in a stunning location. Llangain Farmhouse and Barn is full of character and enjoys a picturesque rural setting on the Wales/Herefordshire border just three miles from Hay-on-Wye. Close to the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park, you can enjoy fabulous walks, attractions or simply stay put and enjoy the spectacular views that span for some seventy miles! Tourist board rating: 3 Star
Bryn Bwthyn sleeps eight people in four bedrooms, with a flexible layout that makes it a fantastic property for larger families and groups of friends. Less than two miles from Hay-on-Wye, it sits on a private farm with stunning countryside views. Walking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, climbing and horseriding are just a few of the activities in the area, while market towns like Hay, Brecon, Crickhowell and Abergavenny provide amazing food and great shops. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A lovely self catering holiday cottage in a wonderfully rural location on the Herefordshire/Wales borders. Close to the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park, Bullen's Bank Cottage sits in an elevated position commanding breathtaking views extending for seventy miles! Perfect for those who want to escape away and relax in a tranquil country setting with lovely walks to enjoy as well as other outdoor activities and attractions (Hay-on-Wye is just three miles away). Tourist board rating: 3 Star
A rural holiday retreat with sensational views and no passing traffic, only 10 minutes from the Herefordshire village of Kington with it's shops, cafes and pubs. This 16th Century cottage sits halfway up Bradnor Hill and has fantastic walks and bike rides from the door. Hereford, Ludlow, Leominster, and Hay-on-Wye are all within easy reach, as are Offa's Dyke, the Brecon Beacons, Wye Valley, Shropshire Hills, and the Malvern Hills. It's a gorgeous place to escape for a romantic break, an adventure weekend with friends or a fun family holiday. The cottage sleeps up to four people in two double bedrooms with a beautiful garden.
Popular towns in and around Herefordshire:
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Located on the banks of the mighty river Wye, Hay (as it’s called locally) is in Powys, right on the border between Wales and England, in the north eastern point of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Part of its fascinating - and at times bloody - history can be seen in the remains of two Norman castles, while other buildings date back to the 1500s.
Hay-on-Wye is well known for being a book town. As well as having a wealth of specialist and second-hand book shops, it holds an annual literary festival in late May and early June where around 100,000 visitors come to hear acclaimed authors from around the world speak about their work. Hay has a great selection of antiques and curio shops, and independent boutiques. The excellent market held on Thursday mornings from 8am in the centre of town is just the place to pick up local ingredients for a picnic lunch or a delicious dinner.
Hay is a small and lively country town, but you don’t have to go far beyond its boundaries before you are in stunning countryside. Being so close to the Black Mountains means there are lots of exciting opportunities for thrill seekers. You can go off-roading on a mountain bike or in a 4x4, go canoeing, gliding and hang gliding, try canoeing and white-water rafting, climb a rock face before abseiling down, or go caving. Less adventurous sorts can play golf, cycle country lanes, try their hand at clay pigeon shooting, or simply walk to a view point and admire the scenery.
If you’re planning to explore the area, possibly via Offa’s Dyke Path, you’ll find Hay-on-Wye a convenient base. Hereford is the nearest city, being just over 20 miles away, and there are good road links to Brecon, and Builth Wells.
Hay-on-Wye is wonderful at any time of year. Time your visit to coincide with the Hay Festival, Royal Welsh Show (third week in July), or Abergavenny Food Festival (third weekend in September). Browse the book shops, enjoy freshly made cake in a café, or switch off completely in an environment where “peak hour” is no busier than a line of ducks crossing the river.
