Pool Cottage is ideally located within a few minutes walk of the centre of Hay. The 'Town of Books' is fascinating, the shops their will not only provide for all your practical needs but also offer hours of browsing. There are boutique clothes shops, antique dealers, retailer's catering for crafts and interiors amongst many other things.
There are some excellent pubs and restaurants and the most wonderful, old-fashioned sweetie shop. The little shops sit along quaint, narrow streets with the stunning and picturesque backdrop of Hay's 12th century, partially ruined castle.
Hay-on-Wye sits next to the river and the Welsh/English border, so is a great spot for those looking to explore Herefordshire or the Wye Valley walk and Offa's Dyke path. As a result of its position on the border, Hay has a colourful history and has two Norman castles to discover.
Battles raged in and around Hay from as early as 1070 when William Fitz Osbern, Earl of Hereford and friend of William the Conqueror fortified the town following his successful defeats of three Welsh Kings. Since that time this area has been an important strategic town in the battle for control of Wales. Many of Hay's bookshops carry information on the history of Hay and a walk to the site of the original castle and a tour of the partially restored second castle will provide further insights.
For those looking for an active holiday this location offers a huge choice of outdoor activities and sports. With some of the best cycle routes in the region you'll be spoilt for choice. The incredible Gospel Pass is on your doorstep allowing direct routes into the Llanthony Valley, Offa's Dyke Path, and the National Cycle Route 42. Pool Cottage is also ideally located near footpaths leading up to Hay Bluff or across the fields to Llanigon. Many of these routes double as excellent horse riding or hill walking tracks and the views from almost any point will take your breath away.
With the River Wye a few minutes walk away water enthusiasts can enjoy canoeing and fishing. Further activities such as hang gliding, shooting, rock climbing, abseiling, gorge-walking, rafting, pot-holing, golf, off-road driving, paint-balling, orienteering and quad-biking can all be arranged locally - this is a real hotspot for outdoor activities.