Make a weekend of it
Things to Do in Hay
We chose the market town of Hay-on-Wye for our wedding because of its border location (practical AND romantic), its proximity to the Brecon Beacons and River Wye, and for all its incredible shops and restaurants.
In particular, Hay-on-Wye is famous for being the world's first "Book Town" and we really recommend spending some time exploring. The town is very walkable, so if you're making a weekend of it, here are some of our favourite things to do in the area.
Our Favourite Things to Do
Hay Castle
Wander around Hay Castle — with fantastic views and exhibitions.
The bookshops
Visit the famous Honesty Bookshops, open-air bookshelves where you can browse and buy books on an honour system, or check out Richard Booth's Bookshop — an iconic Hay institution with a lovely café.
The antiques market
Have a rummage for treasures.
The Christmas Market
Visit the Christmas Market on Saturday (before the wedding).
Market days — Hay MarketsThe River Wye
Walk along the banks of the River Wye following the Offa's Dyke Path (round the corner from the Globe at Hay).
The mountains
Head into the Brecon Beacons or Black Mountains for spectacular views and great walks — we recommend walking up Hay Bluff or Lord Hereford's Knob (we'll be doing this on the Friday!).
Places to Eat & Drink
The Old Electric Shop
Cute café and shop selling books and gifts.
Tomatitos Tapas Bar
For small plates.
The Blue Boar
For a nice gastropub meal (we're meeting here on Friday evening).
Chapters Restaurant
For a special meal in the heart of town.
The Granary Café
For coffee, cake, and a relaxed lunch while book-shopping.
The Cosy Café
For breakfast crêpes.
Hay Takeaway
For fish and chips.
Origins
For wood-fired sourdough pizza (usually based outside the Hay Cinema Bookshop).
Treehouse Café
Riverside snacks and drinks.
Photos: Immanuel Giel (CC0), Bikeboy (CC BY-SA 2.0) and Dominic Nelson (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.