Hay-On-Wye is probably the best place for Bookworms in the UK. It’s located just over the Wales/England border and is self-described as the world’s first book town. There are over 20 bookshops to visit – which is a lot for a town of roughly 2,000 people!
Most readers would choose a place they could read all day every day and it just so happens there’s a town where you can do just that.
Bookshops for all bookworms!
The bookshops come in all shapes and sizes, but a number are of the bigger-on-the-inside kind (my favourite) with rows extending back and back and back and upstairs and downstairs and so far you think you’re going to come out in a different country.
Although these bookshops make it the best place for bookworms, they’re not the only thing to see in Hay. There’s lovely countryside, a small but interesting castle, regular markets, and plenty of places to eat (the Burger Me restaurant at The Globe at Hay is recommended).
Unsurprisingly, the town hosts a famous book festival every year and I can only imagine how busy the place must feel then – it was fairly well-stocked on a sunny weekend in May. But if you love books and you have the chance it’s definitely a must-see. Just bring plenty of spare bags for new books!
What do you think? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
09/10/2023 at 3:40 PM
It looks lovely! I believe my brother took his girlfriend to that book festival and they had a blast! Though most of the photos I was shown were of the “book haul” lol
25/10/2023 at 6:18 PM
That takes me back a bit! It’s a long time since we were there. Barter Books in Alnwick’s old station is wonderful too.