Dark Orchard

Why stay here ...

Dark Orchard is a quiet secluded off grid site with NO EHU, toilets or showers tucked away on the edge of Hay-on-Wye, yet only a 5 minute walk to the shops, restaurants, pubs and other amenities that this unique Welsh Marches market town has to offer.

Dark Orchard is a level, well sheltered grassy site. The site is bordered on one side by the Dulas Brook and divided by the Nantyglasdwr stream. We welcome families and pets. Dogs must be kept under total control at all times in the interest of other site users and farm animals in the adjacent fields. Any mess must be cleared up immediately. We regularly see a lot of wildlife at the site including kingfishers, dippers, red kites, buzzards, hedgehogs and otters playing in the brook.

Hay-on-Way Town of Books is world famous for its second hand bookshops and is fast gaining a reputation for its antiques, collectibles and other fiercely independent shops. Although only a relatively small market town, Hay-on-Wye has a great vibrancy and many facilities including a cosy 65 seat cinema and is also famous for the annual Hay Festival of Literature & Arts held for ten days at the end of May. Work is due to start on the renovation of Hay Castle during 2018 to create a unique new centre for culture and education. Hay-on-Wye also has a lively Thursday Market which features many local artisans and producers.

Two long distance footpaths, Offa's Dyke and Wye Valley Walk, both pass very close by Dark Orchard. Alternatively many other excellent walks can be found direct from the site. Take a walk to Hay Bluff and enjoy the panoramic views of the Wye Valley or try one of our shorter circular walks to explore the lower lying areas. Excellent fishing can be found on the River Wye for which day tickets can be bought locally. Or why not hire a canoe and explore the river.

Dark Orchard is also well placed to explore the Brecon Beacons National Park. At over 500 square miles and including Pen Y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales. The park is a paradise for all lovers of the outdoors. With mountains and moorland, standing stones and castles, lively waterfalls and vibrant communities, the Brecon Beacons National Park has masses to offer visitors. With a long and colourful history and a rich and varied mythology and culture, the park has something to offer everyone with fabulous scenery, walking, cycling, mountain biking, castles, gardens, caves and much, much more.

Dark Orchard is also ideally situated for visitors to the annual Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells in July as well as a host of other events and shows held at the Royal Welsh Showground throughout the year.

The surrounding area of Herefordshire also has much to offer with its Black & White timber-framed buildings, Cider Making or visit the 13th Century Mappa Mundi at Hereford Cathedral.

We also have a recently refurbished cosy self-catering Victorian cottage, sleeping 3, next to Dark Orchard. Check out our website.