Hay Castle – Visits and Tours
Welcome to Hay Castle – Visits and Tours
A visit to Hay Castle adds another layer to a day in Hay-on-Wye. Above the town’s streets, the medieval castle and later mansion bring together different periods of local history, with exhibitions and guided tours offering ways to explore beyond the view from outside. The Great Hall and shop are free to enter; other parts of the visitor experience are ticketed.
Volunteer-led tours introduce the building and the people connected with it. They are a useful choice if you want more context for what you see, rather than simply passing through. Tours depend on volunteer availability, and private visits for larger groups can be arranged with the castle team. The route includes steps down to the cellar, so discuss access needs before booking.
The castle’s story also connects with Hay’s identity as a town of books. Richard Booth bought it in the 1960s and helped establish the book town; Hay Castle Trust later took on the building and its restoration. The castle opened to the public in 2022, giving visitors a new way into a place long associated with the town.
Changing exhibitions make the visit about more than the building alone. Allow time for the current display or combine a tour with a look around the Great Hall. The café is a separate, freely accessible part of the castle, with windows overlooking the lawn.
Entry is from Oxford Road near the public car park. A lift serves the castle floors apart from the cellar, and accessible toilets are available. The castle sits within Hay itself, so the visit can fit naturally alongside time exploring the town’s streets and independent shops.
Hay Castle, Oxford Road, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5DG
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How to book
Use the castle’s tour information for current arrangements. Private group visits and access requirements can be discussed with the castle team before booking.
