There are very few places in the world so engrossed in a single passion that the entire town is imbued with its fragrance. If you love books, if the scent of old pages thrills you, if libraries and bookstores are like temples to you, then Hay-on-Wye, a small town on the border of England and Wales, will be nothing less than a dreamland for you. This town is often referred to as “The Town of Books,” and rightly so, because the number of books and bookstores found here is perhaps unmatched by any other place in the world.
Just stepping into this place feels as if time has stopped and you’ve entered a fantasy. The narrow streets, the wooden shop boards, the thousands of books displayed behind the walls and the people wandering among them—every scene reminds you that you’re standing somewhere special. Hay-on-Wye is not just a town, but an experience, a cultural heritage that awakens the reader hidden within every book lover and imbues them with its own colors.
The History of Hay-on-Wye: How a Book Kingdom Came to Be
Hay-on-Wye’s history is as fascinating as the old books that line its streets. Once a quiet and unassuming village, in the 1960s, a man named Richard Booth purchased an old library and transformed it into a bookstore. He convinced locals to bring used books from around the world, transforming the town into a hub for books. This idea gradually became so successful that numerous bookshops, both large and small, began to open, and the town quickly became the world’s largest second-hand book market.
Richard Booth, often called the “King of Hay,” attracted attention by declaring himself the town’s “king.” This may have been humorous, but it led to a surge in both book awareness and tourism. Today, Hay-on-Wye has become a pilgrimage destination for literature lovers, writers, readers, and book collectors from around the world.
The Unique World of Bookstores and the Stories That Lie Around Every Corner
Hay-on-Wye’s greatest attraction is its countless bookstores. Walking through the town’s winding streets, you’ll find a new bookshop every few steps. Some are small and cozy, with wooden shelves lined with antique books. Others are so spacious that you’ll feel like you’ve entered a private museum.
Many shops also have open shelves outside, known as “Honesty Bookshops.” Here, books are displayed outdoors, with a small box nearby where readers can voluntarily deposit their money. This system is an example of trust and literary respect—a tradition that reminds you that books are the soul of this town, and that people still cherish the integrity associated with them.
Some shops focus on specific genres—such as old poetry, ancient literature, rare historical documents, science fiction, children’s books, and classic novels in languages from around the world. Walking through these shops feels like traveling through time, where each book reveals a new world.
Hay Festival: The World’s Largest Literary Festival
The City of Books is further enhanced by its famous Hay Festival. Held annually in May-June, this festival is one of the world’s largest literary festivals. Writers, poets, journalists, thinkers, philosophers, artists, and thousands of readers from around the world participate in it.
During Hay Festival, the city comes alive. Discussions are everywhere—debates on books, dialogues on science and society, poetry readings, and storytelling for children. This festival is not just a celebration of literature, but has become a symbol of freedom of thought and expression. It is said that the atmosphere of this small town becomes so inspiring during the festival that many books, poems, and ideas are born here.
The scent of old books and a fusion of new experiences
The most striking thing about walking through the streets of Hay-on-Wye is the vibrant atmosphere of books. Every bookstore here not only sells books but also holds a special story. In some shops, you can find personal notes from the owners on antique books, making each one alive and emotional. Many books are over 100 years old, and flipping through their pages feels like talking to history.
Shopping in this town is a unique experience. People sit quietly and read books, making their selections, while shopkeepers explain the details of the book. This is a town where hours seem to pass like moments, as each new book gives you a different experience.
A unique confluence of nature, history, and literature
Hay-on-Wye is not only a town of books, but also a place rich in nature and history. The town is surrounded by a beautiful confluence of greenery, rivers, and mountains. Walking here, you feel as if you’re enjoying both the literary world and the natural beauty. Many writers come here simply to write and find inspiration in the serene atmosphere.
The city also boasts numerous historical buildings, including medieval fortresses, old churches, and ancient markets. Each building tells its own story. While the city’s natural and historical beauty are invaluable, it’s also worth reading.
Conclusion: A Literary Journey to Remember
Hay-on-Wye is not just a place, but an experience—a place every book lover should visit at least once in their life. Its bookstores, its streets, its air, and its people all combine to create a literary atmosphere that touches you deeply. This is a place where the joy of reading can be experienced in a new way, where books call to you and you let yourself be lost in their world.
If you are one of those for whom books are not just entertainment but a part of life, then a trip to Hay-on-Wye will prove memorable and inspiring. This city will give you not only new books, but also new experiences, ideas, and stories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
