Old Black Lion Historic Inn

A historic coaching inn in the heart of Hay-on-Wye

The Old Black Lion is one of the oldest and most characterful buildings in Hay-on-Wye, the world-famous town of books. A historic Grade II listed inn with a rich past — Oliver Cromwell is said to have stayed here in 1645 — it is full of period charm, with a welcoming bar, a well-regarded restaurant and comfortable rooms. It makes a memorable, atmospheric base for exploring the town, the River Wye and the surrounding Black Mountains.

History and character

Staying at the Old Black Lion means sleeping somewhere with centuries of stories behind it. The inn offers comfortable, characterful en-suite rooms steeped in history, blending original features with the comforts you need for a relaxing stay. With space for up to seven guests across its rooms, it suits couples, friends and small families wanting a base with real personality rather than a standard hotel room.

Bar and dining

At the heart of the inn is a welcoming bar and restaurant — just the place to settle in for a drink and a meal after a day spent browsing bookshops or walking in the hills. Traditional inns like this have long been the social hub of their towns, and the Old Black Lion is no exception, offering the kind of warm, characterful atmosphere that turns a stay into something more memorable. It is an ideal spot to round off the day before retiring to your room upstairs.

Hay-on-Wye, the town of books

Hay-on-Wye is famous the world over for its second-hand and antiquarian bookshops and for its celebrated annual literary festival, which draws visitors and authors from across the globe. The Old Black Lion sits right in the heart of it, within easy reach of Hay Castle, the independent shops and cafés, and the River Wye. Beyond the town, the Black Mountains, the climb to Hay Bluff and the dramatic Gospel Pass, and the wider Brecon Beacons are all close by for walkers and explorers. For more places to stay and ideas, see our guide to holiday accommodation in the Wye Valley.

A characterful base for Hay

For book lovers, walkers and anyone drawn to places with a real sense of history, the Old Black Lion is hard to beat. You can spend your days hunting for treasures among the bookshops, walking sections of the Offa’s Dyke Path, or heading into the Black Mountains, then return to the warmth and character of one of Hay’s oldest buildings. Its blend of history, good food and a genuinely central location makes it a wonderful choice for a stay in this special little town.

At a glance

• One of Hay-on-Wye’s oldest buildings; Grade II listed historic inn
• Oliver Cromwell is said to have stayed here in 1645
• Comfortable, characterful en-suite rooms (sleeping up to 7 in total)
• Welcoming bar and restaurant
• In the heart of the famous town of books
• Close to Hay Castle, the River Wye and the Black Mountains

Frequently Asked Questions

How historic is it? It is one of Hay’s oldest buildings, a Grade II listed inn; Oliver Cromwell is said to have stayed here in 1645.

Is there a restaurant? Yes — the inn has a welcoming bar and a restaurant.

Where is it? In the heart of Hay-on-Wye, the famous town of books.

What is the town known for? Its second-hand bookshops and its world-famous annual literary festival.

What is nearby? Hay Castle, the River Wye, the Black Mountains and Gospel Pass.

For an atmospheric, historic base in the heart of Hay-on-Wye, the Old Black Lion is a memorable choice. Check availability and book your stay using the booking options on this page.