Things to do
The Grainstore is the perfect spot for those who want to get away from it all, relax, chill and read a book, but there are vibrant places to visit for evenings out and interesting things to see, do and experience by day.
Local towns
Hay on Wye with its bookshops, galleries, independent stores, pubs, cafes and restaurants is a magnet for tourists. The newly restored Hay Castle is a 'must see' and has interesting and unusual exhibitions as well as a cafe with amazing Sunday lunches.
Booths cinema will spoil you for going to watch a film anywhere else - it is small and intimate, and has an excellent restaurant for fine dining before relaxing into a large, comfy chairs complete with a place to put your wine glass while watching a film.
The Globe is a great meeting place for coffee before enjoying their exhibitions and festivals on site.
The Hay Craft Centre beside the main Car Park is a wonderful collection of small stores each run by enthusiasts of their craft. The glass studio runs half and day long courses on glass blowing (pre booking essential) The Tourist information office is also housed in this complex. On the other side of the road you will find Country Supplies, which sells lots of practical presents to take home and you will also find the Hay Post Office here.
"No Grumpy People" is a sign near the till at Jones Hardware which always raises a smile. You will find the shop lives by that motto - it has been there for as long as I can remember and you are always served by knowledgable and friendly staff. You can find almost everything there, including things you probably thought weren't available any more, and they have a very well stocked cookshop too.
There are several excellent clothing shops for ladies and gentlemen, galleries with an eclectic mix of work by local artists, and a thriving Thursday Market. If you are in Hay on a Saturday, drop into the old Buttermarket where there are often specialist markets as well.
Opposite the Buttermarket you will find the Hay Antiques Centre which is full of small individually owned shops selling furniture, glass, porcelain, silver and jewellery.
Further afield you will find Brecon (approx 12 miles) where you can take a trip on a narrow boat or hire a small boat to explore the Brecon and Monmouth Canal.
Leominster and Hereford (both approx 25 miles).
A lovely day out is to follow the Black and White Trail through some of Herefordshire's most scenic villages with ancient timber framed houses. Stop for lunch along the way, then continue to Leominster for a peaceful walk around the Minster.
Hereford has lots to offer as well as the better known chain stores, and of course the world famous Mappa Mundi and Hereford Cathedral shouldnt be missed.
The highly acclaimed Big Pit near Abergavenny is within easy reach for a fascinating day exploring an old Welsh Coal Mine too!
Walking
The walking opportunities in the area are very extensive and there are suitable walks for every level of fitness. Several footpaths cross our fields and lead across valleys. through woods and across the open hill. For the adventurous there are opportunities to walk Penyfan, Hay Bluff, the Waterfalls, local Nature Reserves as well as a decent walk across the Begwyns to Painscastle for lunch in the Roast Ox. For those to whom more gentle exercise is appealing, a meander down to the local stream with a glass of wine in the evening is a lovely way to end the day. Walking on flat ground is covered too - the old railway line or along the Wye are both very attractive paths if you're not into hill climbing! Maps of the locality are kept in the Grainstore for visitors to borrow.
Riding
There are many options for riding in the locality which cater for everyone. Lessons with accredited British Horse Society Instructors are available at Bryngwyn Riding Centre (highly recommended by our previous visitors) for both adults and children, and there are several excellent pony trekking centres in the area.
If you just fancy a hands on introduction to horses, we offer lessons on site. Learn how to approach a horse safely and without fear, groom, lead, tack up, lunge - in fact anything you want to know - except actually riding! Charlotte is a qualified teacher with over 50 years experience who has competed at the highest levels, and loves sharing her passion for these beautiful animals with our guests.
We also welcome visitors who would like to bring their own horse on holiday with them. Please contact us for further details.
Outdoor Activities
Canoeing, climbing, archery, abseiling, wild swimming etc are all availably within 5 miles.