Hay Castle
Castell Y Gelli
A castle in the centre of Hay on Wye
- Type
- Attraction
- Location
- Hay on Wye
- Region
- South East Wales, Wales
- Price
- from £7.50 per person
- Opening hours
- 10:00 - 16:00 Daily
Standing proudly in the heart of Hay-on-Wye, Hay Castle is one of the most fascinating historic sites in the Bannau Brycheiniog and an important part of the story of this famous Welsh border town. With origins stretching back around 900 years, the castle has a remarkably turbulent history. The medieval stronghold was attacked and rebuilt numerous times before eventually becoming a Jacobean mansion. Over the centuries it has been home to medieval lords, Victorian clergy and, much later, Richard Booth, the self-proclaimed King of Hay whose bookshops helped establish Hay-on-Wye as the world-famous Town of Books. Following a major restoration project, Hay Castle reopened to the public in 2022 and has been given a new life as a centre for history, literature, arts, culture and community. Visitors can explore the historic buildings, exhibitions and collections, discover the castle's fascinating stories and enjoy views across Hay-on-Wye and the surrounding countryside. The castle also hosts a changing programme of exhibitions, talks, workshops, music, performances and other cultural events throughout the year. There is a café and shop, while the grounds and ground floor are also dog friendly. For those interested in Welsh history, the Marches, literature or simply discovering somewhere with a great story to tell, Hay Castle is an essential stop when visiting Hay-on-Wye. Combine a visit with the town's famous independent bookshops, cafés and galleries and you have a great day out in one of the most distinctive towns in Wales. Hay Castle is open seven days a week, 10am to 4pm. Adult admission is currently £7.50 and lasts for a year, while under-18s enter free. Guided tours are available at 11am and 2pm, subject to volunteer availability. Discover Hay Castle and explore the history, culture and stories at the heart of Hay-on-Wye.