A HISTORIC castle is now buzzing with people after it opened its doors to a brand-new refurbished interior for the first time.
I explored Hay Castle, in the Herefordshire border town of Hay-on-Wye, to see what it looked like after all its works had been completed.
The castle’s exterior, from the front and behind, instantly draws you in, and there is no cost – which was a pleasant surprise.
As I walked in through the main entrance, I saw people look up in awe at the old stonework meeting contemporary brick, with a slick new modern staircase that flowed up through its three floors.
Over the years different people have owned this 900-year-old landmark and an eye-catching specially made animated film allows people to step back through the centuries at the bottom of the castle.
As I watched it play on the stone wall alongside other visitors, I couldn’t help but notice how transfixed everyone was on the white illustrations telling the tales of this castle while playful music set a tone in the background.
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Hay Castle has an animated film specially made about the castle's history
The peaceful atmosphere on the second floor allows you to look around at the timber beams above and along the walls, while you can choose from the array of second-hand books to sit and read in the well-fitted old armchairs.
A profound quote perfectly in keeping with the town is printed on a glass pane in both English and Welsh – “The new book is for the ego; the second-hand book is for the intellect.”
Second floor of Hay Castle
A bronze statue of the castle’s previous owner and man who put Hay on the map, Richard Booth, sits in the front garden where the honesty book shop also remains.
A quote from the castle's ex-owner Richard Booth
It seemed appropriate to see him sat in the grounds of the castle where visitors can sit and look up at what he once owned, and the statue gives off a playful tone which illudes to Mr Booth’s character.
The second floor has a room where people can sit and read a book
At the very top of all the steps inside you can find a look out which gives you a breath-taking view of the book town and beyond. You can see the river Wye which flows beside Hay and the endless fields of green that surrounds it.
A bronze statue of Richard Booth sits on the grounds of the castle
People can visit Hay Castle and grounds for free everyday between 10am to 5pm.
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