This blog post is all about bookshops in Hay On Wye.
The world’s first book town, Hay On Wye, is probably best known for hosting the Hay Festival. Bringing together authors, readers and reviewers alike to this small Welsh village.
I had the pleasure of visiting this village in December last year, as my boyfriend’s family home is conveniently less than an hour’s drive away.
The book town boasts a total of 26 bookstores for its population of 2,000 people. That’s 1 bookstore per 77 people in the small village. Aka, my kind of place.
I wanted to make a list of all the bookshops in Hay On Wye, if like me, you want to visit and browse every single one.
You can find my monthly book reviews here, and follow me on Goodreads here.
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If you need somewhere to eat during your visit to Hay On Wye, check out The Cosy Cafe. We had a gorgeous breakfast here before starting to browse the book town!
You can also explore Hay On Wye visually in my Hay on Wye YouTube vlog as I recorded my time there, wandering through many of the bookshops in Hay On Wye:
This blog post is all about the best bookshops in Hay On Wye.
The 26 Best Bookshops in Hay On Wye, Wales
Below are the best bookshops in Hay On Wye to visit.
1. Richard Booth’s Book Shop
Address: 44 Lion Street, HR3 5AA
Often considered the heart of Hay-on-Wye’s literary scene, Richard Booth’s Bookshop is a must-visit. This iconic store, founded by Richard Booth, the self-proclaimed “King of Hay,” boasts a beautifully designed space with towering wooden bookshelves, cozy reading nooks, and a charming café. It offers a mix of new, second-hand, and rare books, making it one of the best bookshops to visit in Hay On Wye.
2. Addyman Books
Address: 39 Lion Street, HR3 5AA
One of the quirkiest and most atmospheric bookshops in Hay On Wye, Addyman Books is packed with character. Specializing in second-hand and antiquarian books, this shop is a labyrinth of hidden corners, colourful decor, and themed rooms. From rare finds to contemporary literature, every visit feels like an adventure through literary history.
3. Gay on Wye
Address: 3 Lion Street, HR3 5AA
A unique and vibrant bookshop specializing in LGBTQ+ literature, history, and culture. This inclusive space offers an excellent selection of fiction, memoirs, and academic texts celebrating queer voices. A must-visit for those looking to explore diverse perspectives in literature.
4. Castle Book Shop
Address: Castle St, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford HR3 5DF
Nestled near Hay Castle, this cozy independent bookshop offers an eclectic mix of new and second-hand books. It’s a great spot for browsing contemporary literature, local history, and classic fiction. The charming location adds to the experience.
5. The Poetry Bookshop
Address: The Pavement, Lion Street, HR3 5BU
A dream destination for poetry lovers, this is the only bookshop in the UK solely dedicated to poetry. Established in 1979, it offers an extensive collection of new, second-hand, and rare poetry books from around the world. The peaceful ambiance makes it an inspiring place to browse and discover hidden literary gems.
6. Murder & Mayhem
Address: 5 Lion Street, HR3 5AA
As the name suggests, this bookshop is dedicated to crime fiction, thrillers, and mysteries. With dramatic black-and-red interiors and books stacked high, it’s the perfect place for lovers of whodunits and noir fiction. Whether you’re looking for a classic Agatha Christie or a modern psychological thriller, this is one of the best bookshops in Hay On Wye for a delightfully eerie shopping experience.
7. Clock Tower Books
Address: 5 Market Street, HR3 5AF
A charming independent bookstore known for its carefully curated selection of second-hand books. Located near Hay’s famous clock tower, this shop has an excellent variety of literature, poetry, and history books, making it one of the best bookshops in Hay On Wye to stumble upon something unexpected.
8. Hay Cinema Bookshop
Address: Castle Street, HR3 5DF
One of the largest bookstores in Hay On Wye, this shop is housed in a former cinema and offers thousands of second-hand books across various subjects. Whether you’re looking for history, travel, philosophy, or art books, this spacious store is a haven for dedicated book hunters. The sheer variety and quantity make it easy to spend hours browsing.
9. Green Ink Booksellers
Address: Grove House, High Town, HR3 5AE
A small but carefully curated bookshop, Green Ink specializes in second-hand and antiquarian books with a focus on literature, history, and the arts. The welcoming staff and well-organized selection make it a pleasant and rewarding place to explore, especially for those seeking unique or collectible editions.
10. Hay On Wye Booksellers
Address: 13/14 High Town, HR3 5AE
One of the larger bookstores in Hay On Wye, Hay-on-Wye Booksellers spans multiple floors and is packed with second-hand books in every genre imaginable. The well-organized sections make it easy to browse, and the shop’s inviting atmosphere makes it a joy to spend time in.
11. North Books
Address: 4 Castle Street, HR3 3DF
A beautifully curated independent bookshop with a strong focus on contemporary fiction, design, and photography. If you love aesthetically pleasing bookstores with a well-thought-out selection, North Books is a fantastic stop.
12. Francis Edwards
Address: First floor of Hay Cinema Bookshop, Castle Street, HR3 5DF
One of the finest antiquarian bookshops in Hay On Wye, this shop specializes in rare and collectible books, including fine bindings, first editions, and historical manuscripts. Serious collectors and history enthusiasts will find plenty to admire here.
13. The Addyman Annexe
Address: 27 Castle Street, HR3 3DF
An extension of the beloved Addyman Books, this smaller shop specializes in classic literature, poetry, and philosophy. With a cozy and quiet atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for those looking to get lost in thought-provoking reads.
14. The Old Electric Shop
Address: 10 Broad Street, HR3 5DB
A relatively new addition to the many bookshops in Hay On Wye, this modern independent bookshop focuses on contemporary fiction, non-fiction, and thought-provoking reads. It’s a perfect stop for those looking for something fresh and unique.
15. The Children’s Bookshop
Address: Toll Cottage, Pontvaen, HR3 5EW
Located just outside Hay-on-Wye in nearby Herefordshire, this charming bookshop specializes in children’s literature. From classic fairy tales to modern young adult novels, it’s a magical place for young readers and nostalgic adults alike. It also carries beautifully illustrated books and rare editions that make wonderful gifts.
16. Haystacks Music & More
Address: Backfold, HR3 5EQ
A hidden gem among the bookshops in Hay On Wye, especially for lovers of books, music, and vintage finds. This shop not only sells books but also an eclectic mix of records, CDs, and musical memorabilia, making it a great stop for anyone interested in arts and culture.
17. The Hourglass Collection
Address: 2 Broad Street, HR3 5DB
A specialty bookshop with a selection of rare, beautifully bound, and collectible books. If you appreciate craftsmanship and elegant editions, The Hourglass Collection is worth exploring.
18. Carden Bookseller
Address: The Nursery, Forest Road, HR3 5DT
An old-school second-hand bookstore filled with literary treasures. With well-stocked shelves of history, fiction, and travel books, this shop offers a nostalgic browsing experience reminiscent of classic bookshops in Hay On Wye of the past.
19. Broad Street Book Centre
Address: 6 Broad Street, HR3 5DB
A spacious second-hand bookshop with an extensive selection covering everything from history and art to science fiction and biography. With multiple dealers contributing to the collection, the variety is vast, and you never know what gem you’ll uncover.
20. Tom’s Record Shop
Address: 13 Castle Street, HR3 5DF
While primarily known for its vast vinyl collection, Tom’s Record Shop also carries books on music history, artist biographies, and cultural studies. A fantastic place for music enthusiasts looking for rare finds in both records and literature.
21. Mostly Maps
Address: 2 Castle Street, HR3 5DF
Not strictly a bookshop, but a fascinating store specializing in antique maps, prints, and travel-related literature. If you love history and cartography, this is an intriguing stop in your bookshops in Hay On Wye exploration.
22. Tangled Parrot
Address: 2 Lion Street, HR3 5AA
A lively independent shop specializing in alternative literature, music, and subculture books. Whether you’re looking for punk zines, political manifestos, or underground fiction, Tangled Parrot offers an unconventional and refreshing selection.
23. The Hay Binders
Address: The Blacksmith’s Shop, Lion Street, HR3 5AD
One of the fascinating bookshops in Hay On Wye that doubles as a bookbinding and restoration studio. Here, you can find handcrafted journals, beautifully restored antique books, and learn about the art of bookbinding. A hidden gem for book lovers who appreciate fine craftsmanship.
24. The Black Mountains Bindery
Address: Oxford Terrace, HR3 5AH
Similar to The Hay Binders, this shop focuses on bookbinding, conservation, and restoration. Visitors can browse a selection of finely bound books and even inquire about custom bookbinding services.
25. The New Strand
Address: Eardisley, Hereford, HR3 6PW
A hybrid bookstore and café located just outside Hay-on-Wye, The New Strand offers a warm and welcoming environment for book lovers. Enjoy a cup of coffee while browsing a carefully curated selection of books covering a variety of topics.
26. Brecon Books
Address: 11, Lion Yard, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7BA
A second-hand bookshop known for its impressive collection of non-fiction, particularly history, politics, and military studies. If you’re looking for well-researched and informative reads, Brecon Books is one of the best bookshops in Hay On Wye.
The Best Bookshops in Hay On Wye to Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Hay On Wye for the iconic Hay Festival, make sure you have your list of bookshops ready to go.
I adored my visit to Hay On Wye and would happily move there tomorrow morning. It’s a quaint village full of bookstores and people who love books. What more could you ask for?
Make sure to save this guide to the best bookshops in Hay On Wye so you have it to hand for your upcoming trip.
Happy bookshopping!
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By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
