Lets learn about the amazing world of soil together! Join us for 7 evenings of a soil food web beginners course. This FREE science based approach course is full of valuable information from online experts to get you started in understanding soil.
Every Tuesday evening we will meet at 5.30pm in the core learning space at the Castle. Learn together by watching videos of experts teaching, a quiz so we can all ensure we have digested the information with time to talk and discuss at the end (7pm). Covering Soil Ecology - Soil Biology - Soil Health - Building Soil
5:30 to 7pm on the following dates:
Come and create some collage and then learn how to do some simple papercutting in our lovely Clore Space.
All materials will be provided and there will be some scissor work - we have lots of different scissors, including those for smaller children.
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket.
Join us for engaging board game sessions at Hay Castle's Clore Learning Space on Thursday, April 17th and Thursday, April 24th, from 11am to 2pm. These sessions, led by a dedicated volunteer, offer a fantastic opportunity for both seasoned players and newcomers to enjoy a variety of classic and modern board games. Whether you're a fan of strategy games, word games, or cooperative challenges, there's something for everyone.
The Clore Learning Space provides a welcoming environment where participants can relax, socialize, and immerse themselves in the fun and excitement of board gaming. It's a great way to meet new people, sharpen your skills, and experience the joy of friendly competition. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with others and discover new favorite games. All ages are welcome, so bring your friends and family.
Children to be accompanied at all times
The Hay on Wye Guild of Letterpress Printers spend the day showcasing the art of letterpress. Drop in and see demonstrations, including a poster set in wood letters printed on the Castle's vintage Columbian press, and bookmarks printed on a small tabletop press.
Come and learn about the history of printing, and browse the unique items for sale, created by Guild members.
This takes place in the Clore Learning Space every other Monday from 11am until 4pm.
PLEASE NOTE LIFE DRAWING SESSIONS ARE NOW FORTNIGHTLY
Please bring your own materials
The sessions cost £18 for the full day from 11-4pm and £12 for a morning or afternoon session only.
The morning session starts at 11am so please arrive at about 10.45am
The afternoon session starts at 1:45pm so please arrive at least 10 mins beforehand
Come and make some balancing and pop-up art! Francesca Kay shows you how to make a butterfly who perches on a stick, and a frog opening its mouth to catch a fly. Once you know how to do them, there are lots of other ways to use these simple ideas!
Parents/carers must attend but do not need a ticket.
Join us for an enriching 2 day cordage workshop with Sarah Putt at Hay Castle! Taking place on Saturday, April 26th and Saturday, May 17th from 10am to 4pm, these workshops offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature and enhance your wellbeing.
Under Sarah's expert guidance, you'll learn the ancient craft of cordage making using materials foraged from the beautiful Castle grounds. This hands-on experience not only teaches practical skills but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world around us.
Participants will explore various techniques to create strong, functional cords from plants and other natural fibers. The process of foraging and crafting is designed to be meditative and therapeutic, promoting mindfulness and a sense of accomplishment.
Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, Sarah's workshops are inclusive and welcoming to all. You'll leave with newfound skills, beautiful handmade cords, and a sense of connection to both the environment and fellow participants.
The workshop timings will be:
Sat 26 April
10am - 12pm introduction and foraging
12-1pm - lunch (bring your own packed lunch or buy lunch in our cafe)
1pm - 3pm basic techniques
Sarah will then take the materials away to dry in preparation for session 2 on 17 May
Sat 17 May
10am - 12pm starting on cord making
12-1pm - lunch (bring your own packed lunch or buy lunch in our cafe)
1pm - 3pm completing your work
These workshops have been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund - and thus are priced at £6 for each day. If you would like to attend and require financial assitance please email mari.fforde@haycastletrust.org.
Places are limited to 8 people.
Don't miss this chance to unwind, learn, and create in the serene setting of Hay Castle.
Have-A-Go Shakespeare - special Festival session
Are you curious about Shakespeare? Would you like to learn more, share what you know and ‘Have-A-Go’ in an informal environment with a like-minded group? Come for tea, a chat and a bash at Shakespeare. No experience or prior knowledge necessary!
The sessions are run by our Artistic Directors, Sue Best and Phil Bowen, who have a lifetime’s experience of working with Shakespeare in a professional and participatory context. The workshops offer an opportunity for all-comers to ‘Have-A-Go’ at Shakespeare in a fun and supportive environment and facilitate discussion around the themes of the plays in both a historical and current context.
£7.50 per session - payable on the day.
All welcome! No experience necessary
This takes place in the Clore Learning Space every other Monday from 11am until 4pm.
Please bring your own materials
The sessions cost £18 for the full day from 11-4pm and £12 for a morning or afternoon session only.
The morning session starts at 11am so please arrive at about 10.45am
The afternoon session starts at 1:45pm so please arrive at least 10 mins beforehand
Join local historians Elizabeth Bingham and Mary Morgan at Hay Castle for a delightful talk on the fascinating history of watermills. They’ll share illustrated stories of old mills near Hay, once used for grinding grain into flour, fulling cloth, and making paper. Some mills are still working, while others have been transformed into charming homes, cozy cafés, or even hydro-generating projects. It's a perfect opportunity to learn and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Hay Castle.
Every village and most hamlets had their church, the inn or at least cider house, and their mill. The Industrial Revolution and the development of steam power made many redundant in the 19th and 20th centuries but some round here, including those at Clodock, Rhosgoch and Stauton-on-Arrow, went on working into the 1950s. Recently some have been meticulously restored and others converted into homes, cafes, galleries and small hydropower projects.
In National Mills weekend (May 9th/10th 2025) several of the mills in Elizabeth and Mary’s new booklet will be working and open for visitors.
Have-A-Go Shakespeare - special Festival session
Are you curious about Shakespeare? Would you like to learn more, share what you know and ‘Have-A-Go’ in an informal environment with a like-minded group? Come for tea, a chat and a bash at Shakespeare. No experience or prior knowledge necessary!
The sessions are run by our Artistic Directors, Sue Best and Phil Bowen, who have a lifetime’s experience of working with Shakespeare in a professional and participatory context. The workshops offer an opportunity for all-comers to ‘Have-A-Go’ at Shakespeare in a fun and supportive environment and facilitate discussion around the themes of the plays in both a historical and current context.
£7.50 per session - payable on the day.
All welcome! No experience necessary
Come and explore Hay Castle with its director Tom True, who will introduce the history and invite you to get to know some of the characters from the castle’s past. He’ll also talk about running Hay Castle for the past three years.
This event forms part of Herefordshire Histories Festival 2025.
Tours are limited to 20 people and take about 45mins to an hour
The tour costs £15 per person
Come and explore Hay Castle with its director Tom True, who will introduce the history and invite you to get to know some of the characters from the castle’s past. He’ll also talk about running Hay Castle for the past three years.
This event forms part of Herefordshire Histories Festival 2025.
Tours are limited to 20 people and take about 45mins to an hour
The tour costs £15 per person
Have-A-Go Shakespeare - special Festival session
Are you curious about Shakespeare? Would you like to learn more, share what you know and ‘Have-A-Go’ in an informal environment with a like-minded group? Come for tea, a chat and a bash at Shakespeare. No experience or prior knowledge necessary!
The sessions are run by our Artistic Directors, Sue Best and Phil Bowen, who have a lifetime’s experience of working with Shakespeare in a professional and participatory context. The workshops offer an opportunity for all-comers to ‘Have-A-Go’ at Shakespeare in a fun and supportive environment and facilitate discussion around the themes of the plays in both a historical and current context.
£7.50 per session - payable on the day.
All welcome! No experience necessary
Open 10am to 5pm,
seven days a week.
Hay Castle
Oxford Road
Hay-on-Wye
HR3 5DG
01497 820079
info@haycastletrust.org