Brilliant Bookshops: Hay-on-Wye
Hay-on-Wye- also known as the Town of Books- has become well known for its bookshops and is a book-lover’s dream. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the town is also full of history with its impressive castle which towers over the streets. I love Hay and have been visiting for many years, both to the annual festival and to the town itself. Although some of the bookshops come and go, there are some which are permanent- and remain firm favourites!
Richard Booth is considered responsible for transforming the market town into the world's foremost home for books. He opened his first bookshop in the town's former fire station in 1961 (now Ty Tan Art). The current shop has a very impressive frontage, full of fascinating features, which belies the size of the space within. It is a beautiful shop, stocking a fantastic range of mostly new books, displayed upon row after row of dark wood shelving. It’s a joy!
Murder and Mayhem is a fabulous shop for all crime lovers! From the shop front depicting moonlit night on the moors, the whole shop is decorated in suitably spooky style. If you’re an Agatha Christie fan, this is certainly the shop for you!
Just opposite is Addyman Books- a labyrinth of a bookshop- with so many alcoves and nooks to explore. It’s a must visit location - just make sure you allow plenty of time for a visit as there is so much to see! They have another shop called the Addyman Annexe which is also well worth a visit!
No visit to Hay would be complete without a trip to the Cinema Bookshop. It is a massive space, chock full of books on every subject! It is easy to get very carried away here- which makes being able to park up outside in their customer parking very useful!
And finally in this selection- but not in the town!- the Hay-on-Wye Booksellers. Housed in a Tudor building, it is a delight to spend time here. A vast range of books is on offer and it has a wonderfully calm atmosphere!
Just a few of my favourite bookshops in this wonderful town! Make sure you visit soon!