The Swan Hotel at Hay

An elegant Georgian hotel in the book town of Hay-on-Wye

The Swan at Hay is a beautifully refurbished Grade II listed Georgian hotel in the centre of Hay-on-Wye, the world-famous town of books on the edge of the Brecon Beacons. With nineteen en-suite bedrooms, a restaurant serving seasonal Welsh dishes and graceful walled gardens, it blends classic period character with relaxed modern comfort — a lovely base for the town, the river and the Black Mountains.

Rooms and dining

The hotel’s nineteen en-suite bedrooms are styled to make the most of the building’s Georgian elegance while keeping things comfortable and contemporary. Downstairs, the restaurant serves modern menus built around seasonal Welsh produce from local suppliers, and there is free WiFi throughout. The walled gardens are a peaceful spot in good weather and a popular setting for weddings and private celebrations; the hotel also caters for meetings and small conferences.

At a glance

• Grade II listed Georgian hotel, beautifully refurbished
• 19 en-suite bedrooms
• Restaurant with seasonal Welsh menus from local suppliers
• Walled gardens; weddings, events and meetings catered for
• Free WiFi throughout; graded 4-star by Visit Wales
• In the centre of Hay-on-Wye

Hay-on-Wye, the town of books

Hay-on-Wye is known the world over for its second-hand and antiquarian bookshops and for the annual Hay Festival of literature, which draws visitors and big-name speakers every spring. Beyond the books, the town has Hay Castle, independent shops and galleries, and a lovely position on the River Wye where England meets Wales. It sits right on the edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, so wonderful countryside is on the doorstep. For more places to stay in the town, see our guide to accommodation in Hay-on-Wye.

Days out from the hotel

The hotel makes a fine base for exploring the borders. Walkers can head straight for the Black Mountains, Hay Bluff and the dramatic mountain road over Gospel Pass — the highest in Wales — or follow Offa’s Dyke Path along the frontier. The wider Brecon Beacons, with Pen y Fan and the waterfalls around Ystradfellte, are within reach for a bigger day out, while the market towns of Brecon and Abergavenny and the bookshop-and-antiques trail of the surrounding villages reward a gentler one. Back in town, browsing the bookshops is a pleasure that can fill an afternoon all by itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many rooms are there? Nineteen en-suite bedrooms.

Is it a historic building? Yes — a Grade II listed Georgian hotel, beautifully refurbished.

Is there a restaurant? Yes, serving seasonal Welsh dishes using local produce.

Can you hold a wedding there? Yes — the walled gardens and hotel host weddings and private celebrations.

What’s nearby? Hay Castle, the bookshops, the River Wye and the Black Mountains.

Who it suits

The Swan at Hay suits a wide range of stays. It is a natural choice for book-lovers and visitors to the Hay Festival, for walkers heading into the Black Mountains, and for couples after an elegant base with good food and a relaxed atmosphere. Its walled gardens and event spaces also make it a popular setting for weddings and celebrations. With the bookshops, river and mountains all within easy reach, and comfortable rooms to come back to, it works equally well for a lively festival weekend and a quiet countryside escape. Booking ahead is wise around festival time, when the town fills with visitors from across the world.

Book your Hay-on-Wye stay

For an elegant, welcoming base in the heart of the book town, check availability and reserve your room at The Swan at Hay using the booking options on this page.