Hay-on-Wye: The World's First Book Town and a Mecca for Literary Excellence
I often find myself drawn to the sci-fi and fantasy section in Booths.
Hay-on-Wye is a town I know well—perhaps too well! My mother-in-law lives there, which means I’ve spent many weekends trawling its bookshops, searching for my latest literary obsession. Nestled on the border between England and Wales, Hay-on-Wye is a town unlike any other—a place where books reign supreme, where stories spill onto the cobbled streets, and where literature thrives in a way rarely seen elsewhere. It’s a destination that calls to bibliophiles, scholars, and writers alike, earning its reputation as the world’s first book town and the home of the prestigious Hay Festival of Literature & Arts.
From Sleepy Town to Global Book Haven
Believe it or not, Hay-on-Wye wasn’t always synonymous with books. In fact, it was once just another picturesque market town, nestled in the shadow of the Brecon Beacons. That was until the 1960s, when a man named Richard Boothchanged everything. Booth, a visionary entrepreneur (and self-proclaimed "King of Hay"), recognised the potential of second-hand bookshops in reviving a struggling local economy. He purchased numerous empty buildings and filled them with books, transforming Hay into an international centre for book lovers.
Fast forward a few decades, and the town now boasts over 20 bookshops, many specialising in rare, antique, and specialist books. Whether you’re looking for centuries-old manuscripts or contemporary fiction, Hay-on-Wye offers an unrivalled literary treasure trove.
The Hay Festival: A Celebration of Ideas and Words
If Hay-on-Wye is the capital of books, then the Hay Festival is its annual coronation. Established in 1988, the festival has grown into one of the most influential literary events in the world, drawing Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, and global thought leaders to its stages.
Held every May, the Hay Festival is more than just a book event—it’s a celebration of ideas, creativity, and discussion. Writers, journalists, politicians, activists, and artists converge to share insights on literature, world affairs, philosophy, and science. Past speakers have included the likes of Margaret Atwood, Stephen Fry, Bill Clinton, Salman Rushdie, and Caitlin Moran.
The festival’s atmosphere is electric. Tents are buzzing with conversations, books are flying off the shelves, and late-night debates spill over into Hay’s historic pubs. For anyone passionate about literature and culture, attending the Hay Festival is a pilgrimage worth making.
Famous Inhabitants: A Town of Thinkers and Dreamers
Over the years, Hay-on-Wye has been home to (or a retreat for) numerous notable figures. Aside from Richard Booth, the town has drawn writers, historians, and artists seeking inspiration in its literary atmosphere.
One of its famous past residents was Francis Kilvert, a 19th-century diarist who chronicled life in rural Wales with poetic detail. His works, though lesser known, provide an evocative glimpse into the traditions and landscapes surrounding Hay.
More recently, authors like Horatio Clare and poet Owen Sheers have frequented Hay, using its tranquil surroundings and intellectual energy as a creative muse.
Why Hay-on-Wye is a Book Lover’s Dream
In a world increasingly dominated by digital media, Hay-on-Wye stands as a defiant champion of the printed word. Here, books are not just objects—they are bridges to knowledge, nostalgia, and discovery.
Whether you lose yourself in the labyrinth of Murder and Mayhem (a shop dedicated to crime fiction), browse ancient tomes in Booth’s Bookshop, or simply soak in the festival’s electrifying discussions, Hay-on-Wye is the kind of place that reminds us why books matter.
So if you’re heading there this weekend, prepare to be enchanted. You’re not just visiting a town—you’re stepping into a living, breathing story, where every street corner whispers a tale and every bookshop holds a new adventure.
