Hay on Wye

a pictorial tour.

I know you want to visit Veddw garden. But what else would you do if you came, and where would you stay?

Well, it’s just an hour on a beautifully scenic route to get to Hay. Or you can take the coward’s route - more on that in the next post.

If you think of Hay you probably remember two things: BOOKS! and Hay Festival. And I’m happy to say those two have taken us to Hay several times, once (boasting) when I was interviewed by Tim Richardson. Here’s the interview (I think)

I had no idea there was a huge screen, with me on, behind me.

But mostly I go to Hay for pleasure: regular days out with a great friend, and others with Charles. There are fewer bookshops than there were when we were first visiting, but Hay has managed not to go into decline because of this. It is full of small independent shops. Of quality and interest. And recently the castle has opened, after a massive refurbishment. Great place for lunch. Or tea.

Doesn’t look mended, but it is now.

There’s another view and Charles, strangely, wearing a jumper I designed and made: with a castle on it!

And here’s the fabulous topiary.

And inside the wall, the Honesty Bookshop:

It’s best, we have discovered, at some cost, not to go to Hay on a Tuesday. Lots of shops honour the ancient and mostly forgotten habit of half day closing. Frustrating. But on Thursdays there is a great market

Here are some random photos of Hay Pleasures:

Some a long time ago. But illustrative.

Market again.

Tourists, of course.

More market

Events

Tuesdays…

Reflection…

Sad loss - this used to be the garden bookshop.

O, yes!

Looking good…

The Castle tea room - usually fuller than this…..

Love that dress!

The effective creator of modern Hay.

Err.. not my pic.

But how come I don’t have a photo of the great Haymakers!?? Too busy looking and talking there…

But having enjoyed all that, plus cake, time to go to Veddw. If you are brave and a very good driver, you can go over Hay Bluff Which we did, just to show you….Next Time.

I will be returning to Making Veddw, since we are by no means finished with that story yet. But I thought we might all enjoy a break and some novelties. Hit the heart if you did???