Key facts
- Operator
- Hay Castle Trust
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
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.
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.
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.
Opened 2022 after restoration; daily tours
“Nice castle. Tours and information about it's restoration are available! Has a lovely gift shop and cafe!”— Sammi S, visitor review
