Why we love it
Just three miles outside of Hay-on-Wye, you’re surrounded by wildlife, with fire pits and hot tubs on hand, and effortless style everywhere you look
What you'll love
Dogs will love
- Taking a warm shower in the doggy cleaning station
- Finding their towel, bowls and throw waiting inside
- Napping in front of the log burner
Humans will love
- Waking up with floor to ceiling views
- Toasting their choice of stay in the hot tub
- Perusing thousands of books in Hay-on-Wye
The place
Willow cabin at Cynefin Retreats is an exemplary model for eco-living. Designed to be engaging at all times of day, and in all seasons, you’ll find yourself enjoying the little things, waking to daytime breaking through the floor to ceiling windows, cooking up snacks to eat on the covered patio in the midday sun, or watching the sun retreat whilst you sip something bubbly in a bubbling hot tub. Your dogs will love cantering alongside you exploring the meadows ripe for picnics, or sniffing out the fruit in the orchard you’re welcome to help yourself to in season, or even going to spot the ‘secret willow garden’ at the end of the woodland.
In the neighbourhood
- Favourite Walk Nearby, 26-minute drive: Brecon Beacons National Park is in easy reach from Cynefin, spend the day taking on soaring mountains, and low riverside walks – and finish off at a pub with a roaring fire
- Hay Castle, 9-minute drive: Visit Hay Castle where canine friends are welcome on the ground floor and in the café, as well as in the grounds. Just be sure to keep dogs on a lead at all times
- The Globe at Hay, 7-minute drive: An independent arts centre embracing an ever-changing arts landscape, check in to find out what new display is on. The food here is locally sourced, and you’re very welcome to have your four-legged friend join you.
- Hay on Wye, 30-minute drive: has been made famous for its book shops and international literary festival, is a great place to stroll for an afternoon. Some of the shops might be a little cosy for larger dog breeds, but you can always hitch them up outside for a minute.

