Hay Castle
A beacon of art, culture, history, and food at the heart of the Town of Books.
Hay Castle, Oxford Road, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5DG
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Easily accessible without car
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Facilities for children
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
There is lift access to all floors in Hay Castle apart from the cellar (the film on show in the cellar can also be seen on the ipads in the Reading Room). There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor near the café and a further one on the first floor.
We do not have any parking at the Castle itself but you can park in the disabled bays at the top of the car park in Oxford Road and there is level access across the zebra crossing and up our drive. At the top of our drive there is a ramp which provides wheelchair access to the ground floor and the lift. Please contact us to make prior arrangement for special access.
A spectacular site, with layers of history, from medieval roots to contemporary arts. A beacon of art, culture, history, and food at the heart of the Town of Books.
Originally built in the 12th Century as a border stronghold for the De Braose family, Hay Castle has suffered destruction by fire and siege warfare across the centuries. Now, following a major renovation, it is a shining jewel in the crown of Hay on Wye.
Home to a beautifully restored medieval keep, an exciting new art gallery, and a programme of creative workshops – not to mention a delightful shop and café – this unique blend of old and new architecture has something to offer for all visitors.
Boasting the best rooftop views of Hay and the winding Wye, Hay Castle also offers a stunning animation in the cellar, medieval costumes to try on, a variety of exhibitions, the crown jewels of the Independent Kingdom of Hay, the original Honesty Bookshop, and the space to explore, or simply relax in, the grounds.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Hay Castle is open to visitors seven days a week from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Castle is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. Additionally, the Castle will be closed for maintenance from Monday, February 2nd to Friday, February 6th.
Admission Prices:
- Adults: £7.50 (includes entry for one year)
- ArtFund members: £3.75
- Under 18s: Free
- Historic Houses Members: Free
- Friends of Hay Castle: Free
Tours: Guided tours are available daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Tour tickets cost £12.50 for adults, which includes the £7.50 entry fee. Private tours for groups can be arranged by appointment.
Hay Castle Café: The café is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Brunch is served from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, and lunch is served from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Hot drinks, snacks, and other refreshments are available throughout the day.
Exhibitions: Hay Castle hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing local and international artists. Current exhibitions include works by Clive Hicks-Jenkins and Hannah Firmin.
Accessibility: The Castle is accessible via a lift to all floors except the cellar. Accessible toilets are available on the ground and first floors. Sensory bags are available for visitors with additional sensory needs.
Visitor Information: Dogs are welcome on the ground floor, in the café, and on the grounds, provided they are kept on a lead. Parking is available at the public car park on Oxford Road, which includes disabled bays and free electric vehicle charging points.
Castle Visit – Adults £7.50* (affords free entry for one year)
18 and under – FREE
Hay Castle Pass Holders – FREE (The Hay Castle Pass is a card that gives unlimited free entry for those who live within a 10-mile radius of the castle. There is a £3 admin charge to cover the costs of the card.).
Friends of Hay Castle – FREE
Castle Visit plus a Tour
Adults – £10
18 and under – FREE
Hay Castle Pass Holders -£5
Large Group Visits – Please email [email protected] for more details
Large group visits are always welcome – please contact [email protected] for more information.
A fantastic opportunity to see behind the scenes of this unique and historic building. Tours run daily at 11am and 2pm
For larger groups we are able to offer private tours by appointment. Contact [email protected]
Hay Castle welcomes school visits throughout the year. Students can explore the amazing history and heritage of the Welsh borderlands, or participate in an array of exciting educational and cultural workshops in our specially made Clore Leaning Space.
For further information, please contact Mari Fforde, Hay Castle’s full-time Activities and Learning Manager, [email protected]
See www.haycastletrust.org/tours.aspx for details. Please select a date, then choose the tour time, then indicate the number of tickets required.
Children under 16 can enjoy tours free of charge.
Please note: not all parts of the tour have step-free access. Tours do involve going down steps to the cellar – if you may find this difficult then please inform the tour guide at the beginning of the tour.
Email [email protected] or call 01497 820079 to find out more.
There is lift access to all floors in Hay Castle apart from the cellar (the film on show in the cellar can also be seen on the ipads in the Reading Room). There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor near the café and a further one on the first floor.
We do not have any parking at the Castle itself but you can park in the disabled bays at the top of the car park in Oxford Road and there is level access across the zebra crossing and up our drive. At the top of our drive there is a ramp which provides wheelchair access to the ground floor and the lift. Please contact us to make prior arrangement for special access.
Getting here
Hay Castle, Oxford Road, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5DG
There is no parking at Hay Castle but it is opposite the big car park on Oxford Road in the centre of Hay-on-Wye. If you are coming from the Brecon direction follow the signs for the main car park and you will see the castle immediately across the road.
Dogs
We are dog friendly at Hay Castle and our canine friends are welcome on the ground floor and in the café as well as in the grounds. Please do keep dogs on a lead at all times – Thank you.
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