Visiting Hay Festival 2026 from Coety Bach

Every May, the small market town of Hay-on-Wye becomes the centre of the literary world during the famous Hay Festival. In 2026 the festival runs from 21–31 May, bringing writers, thinkers, performers and curious minds together for eleven days of conversation, storytelling and ideas.

For guests staying with us at Coety Bach, it makes a wonderful day trip.

Many of our guests visit the town and bring a good book back to the cabin for a quiet evenings read.

Hay-on-Wye is around 45 minutes from the cabin, an easy drive across the Mid Wales countryside. Many guests enjoy the journey itself, winding through the Radnorshire hills before arriving in the lively book town on the banks of the River Wye.

What to Expect at Hay Festival

Hay Festival has grown into one of the world’s best-known celebrations of books and ideas. Each year the programme includes talks from authors, journalists, historians, scientists and performers, alongside music, walks and cultural events.

You do not need to fill your day with tickets either. Many visitors simply spend time wandering between the festival site and the town itself, dipping into events, browsing the famous bookshops and finding a café to sit and watch the world go by.

Hay-on-Wye has been known as the “town of books” for decades, with independent bookshops tucked into old buildings and hidden courtyards. Festival week adds an extra buzz, but the town never loses its relaxed feel.

A Festival Day, Then Back to the Hills

One of the lovely things about staying in Mid Wales is that you can enjoy the festival during the day and still return to the peace of the countryside in the evening.

After a day of talks, books and busy streets, many of our guests enjoy coming back to Coety Bach to slow the pace again.

Light the log burner, settle in with a drink, or sink into the hot tub while the evening settles over the valley. It is a quiet contrast to the energy of the festival and a rather nice way to round off the day.

Staying Near Hay Festival

If you are planning to visit Hay Festival 2026 and are looking for places to stay near Hay-on-Wye, Coety Bach makes a comfortable base.

The cabin sits in the hills above Penybont near Llandrindod Wells, within easy reach of Hay while still offering the space, views and quiet that make a Mid Wales break so special.

You can spend the day in Hay and return to the cabin for a peaceful evening under the dark skies of the Cambrian Mountains.

If that sounds like your sort of stay, you can check availability here