Things to do

Looking for an adventure in nature? A quiet mooch around a local town? You’re in the right place. Our local bit of Wales is packed full of things to do and places to explore. Here are a few ideas. 

A morning or afternoon to spare

  • Mooch around the town of books: Hay-on-Wye is a pretty boutique town crammed with vintage shops and booksellers. Top tips for places to visit are ‘The Old Electric Shop’ for all things quirky and vintage, ‘Shepherd’s Parlour’ for locally produced ice-cream or great coffee and of course you can’t visit Hay without dropping into a few bookshops, try Booths and Addyman’s. Thursday is market day, when the town really comes alive. You’ll find artisan bakers and locally made products in abundance.

  • Explore Talgarth: Just five minutes drive from Wye Glamping, and 15 mins from our Hay sites, is the sleepy town of Talgarth. Take a tour of the Talgarth Mill then wander over to the Deli/Butchers to pick up some yummy things to go with the artisan bread you inevitably bought from the Mill. Extend your visit by exploring Pwll Y Wrach (Witches Pool), a magical walk through the woods to a small waterfall (LD3 0DS).

  • Spend time at the river: Wild swim, skim stones or just enjoy the surroundings at our favourite river beaches in Glasbury and on the outskirts of Hay. The pebble beach in Glasbury (HR3 5NP) is perfect for a picnic, or treat yourselves to an ice-cream or lunch at the River Café overlooking the river. ‘The Warren’ is a peaceful spot from which to enjoy the river Wye. It is in Hay, just a short (accessible) walk from Starry Meadow, Cross Hay bridge and join the riverside path on the other side heading right. If coming from Wye Glamping, join the path behind the Three Tuns pub. Follow the old railway line alongside the river, (spotting the hand-carved sculptures along the way), and through the little woodland until you reach the beach.

  • Climb Hay Bluff: It’s a beautiful drive to the foot, then a short but sharp climb to the top. Follow signs to Llanthony Priory up into the mountains. You’ll eventually come to a plateau at the foot of the mountain where you can park.

  • Drive through the Black Mountains: After gazing at them during your stay, a drive through the mountains is a must and Llanthony Priory (NP7 7NN) which dates back to the 12th century provides a good destination for your trip. There is a pub, serving food, open Tues – Sun within the priory walls.

Walking and cycling

With the Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons, the Begwyns, and the rivers Wye and Usk on your doorstep, you’re spoilt for choice. 

Something more adventurous

  • Canoeing on the River Wye which is just a mile away, Try our friends at Wye Valley Canoes or Want to Canoe? (who offer trips down the Wye from Hay-on-Wye, especially handy for our Starry Meadow glampers).

    Horse riding - Tregoyd Mountain Riders have a great selection of horses and direct access from the stables up into the trails on the Black Mountains. If you’re staying at Wye Glamping this is only 5 minutes away. 

  • Zip lining, high walks, kayaking and a whole load of other high octane activities - Black Mountains Activity Centre, in nearby Three Cocks, offers the lot!

  • Gorge adventures, raft building, archery and more - Fred at Interactivities has lots of options.

  • Climbing, abseiling and a high wires course - Llangorse Activity Centre  is great for indoors activities as well as outdoor. Pony trekking is also available here.

Also worth a visit