Hay Castle
Powys, Wales
Photo: Dominic Nelson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Batty, (Robert), d. 1848 Finden, Edward Francis, 1791-1857, CC0 · John George Wood, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Hay Castle Trust
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Builth Road, 14.4 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Opened 2022 after restoration; daily tours
Pinpoint
HAY CASTLE, Oxford Rd, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford HR3 5DG
Telephone 01497 820079
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Reopened in 2022 after a long restoration, this is a castle explicitly built around Hay-on-Wye's identity as a book town - a bookshop occupies part of the site alongside the daily tours. Admission to the cafe and gift shop is free even without a castle ticket, which reviewers appreciate as a low-commitment way to have a look.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The bookshop inside the castle grounds, which reviewers say regularly turns up interesting finds.
Before you go
The cafe can get pricier than expected and doesn't cater well to allergies according to one reviewer, so check the menu if that matters; tours require a separate ticket from the free grounds and shop access.
What visitors say
Hay Castle reviews · 4.5 / 5 across 745 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently single out the café and gift shop as highlights, alongside friendly staff and attractive views over the town from the castle grounds.
Several visitors with food allergies or intolerances note the café's options are limited (though the venue is upfront about this), and parking around the site is chargeable.
Overall the castle tour and setting come recommended, especially when timed around Hay's festivals and events.
“Nice castle. Tours and information about it's restoration are available! Has a lovely gift shop and cafe!”- Sammi S, visitor review
Getting in - what Hay Castle Trust says
Lift provides access to most floors; accessible toilets on ground and first floors; sensory bags with interactive resources for visitors with sensory needs; disabled parking with level access via zebra crossing and ramped driveway; not all tour areas step-free (involves cellar stairs).
Taken from Hay Castle Trust’s own website and read 28 July 2026 - check the current version. Access can change with building work, weather and staffing - if the visit depends on it, ring ahead.
Weddings at Hay Castle
Hay Castle is on our wedding roll because Hay Castle Trust mentions weddings on their own site. Visit their site.
Comparing options? See every castle wedding venue in Wales, or the full UK wedding roll.
Dates, capacity, licensing and exclusivity change constantly and we hold none of it - treat this as a starting point and speak to the venue before you plan anything around it.
History
William Revel · c. 1121
A motte and bailey castle built around 1121, thought to have been constructed by William Revel. The later stone castle dates from the late 12th century onwards and was damaged by Owain Glyndŵr's rebellion around 1401 and again during the Wars of the Roses in 1460. It was substantially expanded in the 17th century into a Jacobean mansion before falling into ruin.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Facilities
- “You can tour the castle with the purchase of a ticket if you want the history, but admission to the cafe/ giftshop is free.” - Joy Johns
Common questions about Hay Castle
Where is Hay Castle?
Hay Castle is in Powys, Wales, at HAY CASTLE, Oxford Rd, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford HR3 5DG.
Do you need a ticket to visit Hay Castle?
Yes - Hay Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Hay Castle Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Hay Castle?
The bookshop inside the castle grounds, which reviewers say regularly turns up interesting finds.
Is Hay Castle a ruin or still intact?
Hay Castle is a partial ruin - Opened 2022 after restoration; daily tours.
