MORE THAN A TOWN OF BOOKS!
There is no doubt that Hay on Wye is a haven for bibiophiles! The town boasts over 20 second-hand bookshops including several with specialist focus, as well as the largest in the world! While the town may be best known for its literary connections, books are far from all Hay has to offer. Antique stores, old world pubs, a romantic, crumbling castle and even a boutique cinema are all within five minutes walk of Sycamore House, not to mention the wonderful local produce available at the town's weekly market, restaurants, cafes and specialist food retailers (Welsh lamb, Herefordshire beef, Wye Valley asparagus, sheep's milk cheese and ice cream..!)
Right on the border of England and Wales and set within the Brecon Beacons National Park, Hay's location also makes it the perfect base to experience spectacular scenery - both the wild, untamed beauty of the Black Mountains and the bucolic, pretty vistas of the River Wye, the Golden Valley and Herefordshire's 'black and white' villages.
Take the time to explore these landscapes on foot, by bike, by boat or on horseback. From the house you can easily walk or cycle directly into the beautiful surrounding countryside. If you're an angler, the River Wye is just a 5-minute stroll; there's a wonderful wild swimming spot 15-minutes walk away; while a few-hour hike (or ten minute drive) will take you to Hay's Bluff where you may well be distracted from the far-reaching views by a wild pony or two!
The RIVER WYE
Enjoy the pleasures of the River Wye. Wild swim, sunbathe and skim stones at local meadow and beach, the Warren; get active and canoe the river from Glasbury to Hay with a picnic in hand; or fish for your supper at local angling spots!
Hay & the LOCAL aREA
Enjoy rummaging the shelves of Hay’s countless bookshops or visit during the Hay Festival when writers from around the globe descend for literary events! Pick up local produce at Hay's weekly market or wander the old castle grounds.
Further afield, learn to operate locks on a daytrip on the Monmouth & Brecon canal; find out how to grind flour (the old fashioned way!) at Talgarth Mill; or how cheese is made at the Monkland Dairy.
HEREFORDSHIRE
Discover Herefordshire's distinctive 'black and white' villages or enjoy a leisurely cycle ride from Hay to the Tram Inn in Eardisley along country lanes and over the toll bridge at Whitney (free for cyclists!)
Alternatively head to Hereford to see the world's largest medieval map, the Mappa Mundi and the 12th century cathedral where it's housed. Follow this with a visit to the city's cider museum to learn all about the county's most distinctive tipple!
THE BLACK MOUNTAINS & BRECON BEACONS
Discover the Black Mountains, the eastern boundary of the Brecon Beacon's National Park and the ancient border between England and Wales. Drive the Gospel Pass, a scenic route through the hills (and the highest road in Wales!) to the stunningly situated Llanthony Priory. Walk in the footsteps of 12th century monks before lunch at the pub built into the old ruins.
Climb Hay’s Bluff for both a sense of achievement and wonderful, far-reaching views. Look out for the wild ponies that graze on the hillside. Alternatively, explore the mountains on a half day’s pony trek with a trusty companion!