The Hourglass Collection
Geological wonders and handcrafted treasures in the heart of Hay-on-Wye.
A curated gift shop on Broad Street in Hay-on-Wye specializing in fossils, crystals, minerals, and handcrafted items. The Hourglass Collection offers everything from affordable pocket-money pieces to rare collector's specimens, including Baltic amber jewellery and unique air plants mounted on crystals. The shop combines natural history with artisanal craftsmanship, providing an immersive browsing experience in a fully accessible, welcoming environment.
A brief summary to The Hourglass Collection
- 2 Broad St, Hereford, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5DB, GB
- +447510360416
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit Thursday through Sunday when the shop is open; it closes Monday through Wednesday. Opening times are 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM Thursday–Saturday and 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sunday.
- Allow time to browse slowly—the shop rewards unhurried exploration. Staff are knowledgeable about the specimens and happy to discuss the geological or historical significance of items.
- The air plants mounted on crystals make exceptional gifts and are exclusive to the shop. They combine living plants with mineral specimens, offering a unique blend of nature and craft.
- Combine your visit with exploration of Hay-on-Wye's famous bookshops and cafés. The town's literary culture and independent retail character make for a rich half-day or full-day experience.
- The shop is fully wheelchair accessible with seating available inside. Staff are welcoming and the layout accommodates visitors with varying mobility needs.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Hourglass Collection location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about The Hourglass Collection
A Treasure Trove of Natural Wonders
The Hourglass Collection stands as a distinctive gift shop on Broad Street, where the boundaries between retail and natural history museum blur delightfully. Since 2006, this establishment has curated an extensive inventory spanning fossils, crystals, minerals, and jewellery, creating an adventure in time and space for visitors of all ages. The shop's philosophy embraces both the casual browser seeking an affordable souvenir and the dedicated collector hunting for rare specimens. From dinosaur eggshell fragments and fossilized fish to exotic mineral varieties like Caribbean Calcite and K2 Granite, the collection tells geological stories spanning millions of years.Craftsmanship Meets Natural Beauty
What distinguishes The Hourglass Collection from typical gift shops is its commitment to artisanal creation. The shop produces its own air plants mounted on crystals—a stunning fusion of living greenery and mineral beauty that serves as both decorative object and living ecosystem. The Baltic amber jewellery collection deserves particular attention, featuring necklaces, bracelets, and rings that showcase the ancient resin in its various forms, some containing preserved insects trapped for millions of years. This combination of found natural objects and handcrafted pieces creates a unique shopping experience where visitors encounter both the untouched wonders of geology and the skilled hands of contemporary makers.Accessibility and Inclusive Design
The shop demonstrates genuine commitment to welcoming all visitors. The space is fully wheelchair accessible throughout, with a small lip at the front entrance and a lowered kerb outside for easy access from the roadside. Seating is available inside for those who need to rest while browsing. Staff members are knowledgeable and genuinely helpful, offering guidance to those seeking specific items while encouraging leisurely exploration for those simply discovering what catches their eye. The shop's layout accommodates both purposeful shopping and wandering, with items organized by category yet arranged to invite unexpected discoveries.A Destination Within Hay-on-Wye's Cultural Landscape
Located in Hay-on-Wye—a market town renowned for its literary heritage and independent shops—The Hourglass Collection represents the broader character of the community. While Hay is famous for its numerous bookshops and publishing heritage, this gift shop offers a different kind of collection: one rooted in natural history and geological time rather than written words. Yet both share a common thread of curation, education, and passion. Visitors often combine a visit here with exploration of nearby bookshops, cafés, and the castle, making it part of a larger cultural pilgrimage to this distinctive Welsh border town.Price Points for Every Collector
The Hourglass Collection deliberately stocks items across a wide price spectrum. Pocket-money pieces allow young enthusiasts to begin their own collections affordably, while unique and rare fossils and crystals cater to experienced collectors willing to invest significantly. This democratic approach to collecting means that a family visit might result in a child purchasing an inexpensive polished stone while a parent acquires a rare specimen, each leaving satisfied with their discovery and expenditure.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Pen y Fan
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Offa's Dyke Path National Trail
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Castell Bronllys
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Talgarth Mill
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Pwll y Wrach nature reserve
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Dinas Castle
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Kinnersley Castle
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Essential places to dine
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Railway Restaurant
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The Bull's Head
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The Cock Hotel
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Bridge End Inn
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Casa Lupo
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The Mill Restaurant
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The Pantry Restaurant
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Fforest Inn
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Castle Inn
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Hourglass Collection
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Geological wonders and handcrafted treasures in the heart of Hay-on-Wye.
Eighteen Rabbit Fair Trade
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Escos
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Cribs Clothing
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Quirky
- Casual
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
