Hay
The market town of Hay-on-Wye could plausibly have made its mark on the tourist map simply by merit of its quaint little streets, historic interest and idyllic setting on the banks of the River Wye.
As it is, however, little Hay boasts an international reputation as the second-hand book capital of the world and plays host to a panoply of studious bibliographers, hard-nosed bargain-hunters and more than a few eccentric collectors during the annual Festival of Literature every May.
Year-round the hustle and bustle of the town focuses on the 30 plus bookshops and the numerous craft centres scattered through the narrow streets. Above it all towers Hay Castle, a 12th century Norman fortress which, after a rich history as a defensive fort, gentleman's residence and town goal, has now entered retirement as a second-hand bookshop.
