I found bookshops, castle views and quirky treasures in Wales’ prettiest town

Wales is well known for its stunning scenery and picturesque towns from the rugged Eryri National Park and the Brecon Beacons to wonderful Portmeirion and Tenby.

But when Hay on Wye recently claimed the title of being one of the most beautiful towns in the world and the finest in Wales, I had to revisit.

Living just 25 minutes from Hay on Wye its somewhere I visit a few times a year to wander the narrow lanes, browse in the unique independent shops and enjoy the architecture and feel of the town with its castle, timber-framed buildings and beautiful surrounding countryside.

I know its special and a joy to wander around and I am grateful to live so close to such a gem.

But now the town has been named one of the world's most beautiful towns, following a ranking by Love Exploring, where it was placed 48th out of 67 global destinations, I thought it was time for a closer look.

Hay-on-Wye also topped the acclaimed list as the prettiest town in Wales, beating the harbour town of Tenby, which ranked 65th.

Hay-on-Wye's reputation as the 'town of books' certainly contributes to its newfound fame, with around a myriad of bookshops housed in ancient stone buildings and timber-framed structures along the narrow streets.

There's a reason its called National Book Town - visitors will find novels around every corner, adorning doorways and tucked away in ancient stone walls. In fact, the town has more bookstores than anywhere else in Wales, given its compact size, with a population of under 2,000 residents.

Love Exploring hailed Hay-on-Wye as a "must visit for bibliophiles", thanks to its "vast array of bookshops".

The transformation from market town of the Marches to Book Town of the world began in 1962 by bookseller Richard Booth. In 1977 King Richard, as he had become known, announced that Hay would become independent from the rest of the UK. The revolution was televised and Hay thrived on it.

The influence of the self-proclaimed 'King of Hay' continues to shape the town, most notably through Richard Booth's Bookshop on Lion Street, previously described as the 'world's largest second-hand bookshop' and today recognised as 'one of Europe's largest second-hand bookshops'. The three-storey treasure trove overflows with pre-loved and new titles, alongside art and craft materials, all contained within a distinctive timber structure featuring an eye-catching red-and-white 19th-century exterior.

There are plenty more to discover from pre-owned volumes at Green Ink Booksellers to detective fiction at Murder and Mayhem, speculative literature at Bookshop 451, collectable editions at Francis Edwards, The Children's Bookshop, Hay Cinema Bookshop and Hay on Wye Comics, The Addyman Annexe and Addyman Books has been trading since 1987.

But Hay isn't only about books there are plenty of other independent offerings including Tom's Record Shop, Haystacks Music Nan Tiques and more, plus Mostly Maps. These sit alongside honesty bookstalls, and shelves dotted throughout the town that is packed with tales.

There is a Thursday market all year, a Saturday produce market and a Friday vintage market from March to October, various clothes and jewellery shops, galleries such as The Table, delis, plenty of cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels to refuel.

There is even a golden pillar box celebrating local hero Josie Pearson who won gold at the London Paralympics in 2012 in the discus.

But everything in Hay is quirky and done with humour from the golden geese as Goosy Gander's lighting shop, and an Alice in Wonderland Shop filled with the former collection of Mr Edward Wakeling and more modern additions.

Standing high above Hay's wonderful streets is Hay Castle. King Richard put the property up for sale in 2011 and the charity Hay Castle Trust was formed in order to keep Hay Castle as a public building for the people of Hay and visitors to enjoy.

In 2016 Hay Castle Trust received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, and in July 2018 builders John Weavers started a four year construction period. The Castle as it is now opened to the public in 2022 and now holds tours, various events, is home to a cafe, a shop and changing exhibitions.

The Welsh town also plays host to the Hay Festival in May each year, one of the world's finest literary celebrations, which honours literature and the arts across 11 days and attracts as many as 250,000 visitors.

Having just held a Fungi Festival, the town is now preparing for its Hay Festival Winter Weekend held in late November, a smaller version of the summer event but with a packed programme of speakers and incorporating the Christmas lights switch on.

After all the shopping and reading, there is a wonderful riverside walk along the Wye – a chance to spot some wildlife and some wonderful wildlife sculptures, enjoy some refreshments or a picnic and even a paddle in the summer.