Hay-on-Wye

Our drive home from Cardiff was going to be a four hours of drudgery. But, but! I had looked at our '36 Hours in…' book about Europe and they suggested, after visiting Cardiff, to swing by a wee village that has become famous for its number of new, second-hand, and antiquarian bookshops. It was bit out of our way, but mostly in the right direction heading home, so a stop in Hay-on-Wye was a go! 

After our adventures at the Doctor Who Experience the day before, I was excited to arrive at Hay-on-Wye to see this banner at our first bookstore.

Best. Banner. EVER!

It really is a tiny little village. Because we arrived the Monday after Easter, things were a bit sleepy in the town. Which meant we got a good on-street parking spot that cost nary a hay penny - virtually unheard of in the UK!  

Another bookstore

We cruised the High Street and perused many of the quirky bookshops.

Books, books, books! 

I keep my books in the fireplace, don't you?

Everyone bookshop needs a section on beekeeping!

Quirky bookstore

My favorite had to be Addyman's books. It was housed in a old, rambling, multi-story home in which various rooms (and even cupboards) were decorated for their specific genre. 

Fairy tale corner

Steam punk alley

Vampire zone

They even had a posh antiquarian section that looked like the Granthams' Library (Downton Abbey)… well, if the Granthams had been hoarders!  

Hoity toity corner

Addyman's bookshop had become so famous, they expanded to a few offshoot locations. One of those was dedicated to crime fiction (think Sue Grafton, John Grisham, etc.) and true crime (catching serial killer, infamous murderer bios, etc.) called Murder and Mayhem. I'm not really into that genre, but the shop was appropriately decorated.  

No, Bill! Don't go it...

Oh, dear!

A few hours later (and a cheeky purchase or two) we made our way back to the car. We were swayed by the smell of scones and decided a quick stop for lunch wouldn't hurt. A quick photo of the local castle ruins and off we went,  headed home. 

Hay-on-wye castle ruins

Even if you're not into books, Hay-on-Wye is a fantastic little village.