Hay Castle Bookshop

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Hay-on-Wye is crammed full of second-hand bookshops as the World’s First Book Town.

But what do you do when all those incredible bookstores close for the day?

Don’t despair. Your bookish dreams are not lost. You can still pay a visit to the Hay Castle Bookshop.

This 24-hour honesty store is perfect for those who want a late-night read.

It’s a tradition that’s been running here since the 1960s, but it’s the bookshop we never knew we needed today.

Want to know the best part? These open-air bookshelves are tucked away in the historic ruins of Hay Castle.

This accessible library is any bibliophile’s dream and a haven for history lovers too. Here’s a complete guide and why you must visit Hay-on-Wye.

Table of Contents

The history of Hay Castle

Hay Castle wasn’t always a sanctuary for the written word. This ancient stronghold has stood here for nearly 1000 years.

It was originally constructed in the 1060s, around the time of the Norman Invasion of Britain.

This was the era when the Normans built castles to capture land and assert authority. Hence why there are two castles in Hay-on-Wye.

A century later, the de Braose family rebuilt the fortification out of stone in the year 1200.

Hay Castle Honesty Bookshop Hay-on-Wye — *The open-air Hay Castle honesty bookshop in Hay-on-Wye*

You can only guess that a Norman family living in Wales at that time was no easy feat.

In fact, the castle was attacked and burned constantly in the name of Welsh independence.

This castle on the English-Welsh border was an important chess piece in strategic warfare.

It started with the First and Second Baron Wars. Then, the War of the Welsh Princes and, finally, the Welsh Uprising led by Owain Glyndŵr.

Later, it was involved in the War of the Roses. It wasn’t until the 17th century that the castle finally saw peace.

This was when a Jacobean mansion was built alongside the medieval keep, and it became a private residence.

Unfortunately, the property again caught fire in 1939, which caused major damage.

But its future was about to change when a local entrepreneur from Hay purchased Hay Castle to transform it into a book paradise.

Introducing Richard Booth, the ‘King of Hay’

Richard Booth is known as the founding father of this wonderful bookish town.

He single-handedly transformed this sleepy rural parish into a vibrant independent literary economy.

It started in the 1960s when Booth realised boys leave their small towns for university in bigger cities. But where does that leave rural economies?

After he inherited his Uncle’s estate, he decided to start the very first secondhand bookshop in Hay-on-Wye.

It was called the Old Fire Station and opened in 1961. At this time, he also purchased Hay Castle to save it from ruin.

He opened up the castle grounds to the public and placed bookshelves outside to create an honesty bookshop.

It was around this time that Booth learned many libraries in the USA were closing down.

So, he flew overseas, bought as many books as he could, and opened up a dozen more bookshops.

Richard Booth's Bookshop Hay-on-Wye Wales — *Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye*

They were popular, but Hay-on-Wye was truly put on the map when Richard Booth called himself the ‘King of Hay’.

This was in reaction to the government’s failure to support independent businesses.

He proclaimed Hay-on-Wye was its very own sovereign state, and he placed his throne within Hay Castle.

Although this move seemed strange to many, he became an overnight media sensation, and tourism in Hay-on-Wye skyrocketed.

Ever since, thousands of visitors descend on the book town every year.

This is further enhanced by the annual Hay Festival, often called ‘Woodstock for the mind’.

Although Richard Booth is no longer with us today, he leaves behind a literary legacy in Hay-on-Wye and a Book Town Empire.

Many countries around the globe have now followed his example.

Castle Open Honesty Bookshop in Hay-on-Wye — *Hay-on-Wye – The World’s First Book Town!*

The Hay Castle Bookshop has been a tradition since the 1960s. It started as part of Richard Booth’s grand vision for this Book Town.

One of his innovations was creating this open-air, fully self-service bookshop.

The town does have over 30 pre-loved bookstores today, but this is truly unique and never fails to draw in crowds.

Whether that be curious bookworms, passing tourists, or photographers who love to capture this bookish scene amongst residential buildings.

There’s something so magical about bookshelves installed in old castle ruins. It’s romantic and like something akin to a fairytale.

What’s more, this bookshop is accessible to all, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. So, there are no restrictions.

It’s perfect for busy lifestyles, early risers, or those who fancy a twilight book haul.

There is a really diverse range found here, from fiction novels, biographies, folios, history, mysteries, children’s books, and poetry.

Make sure you plan some time to have a good rummage. You never know what you may find.

Girl reading at Hay Castle Bookshop in Hay-on-Wye Wales

How much are books at Hay Castle Bookshop?

Although the books used to have different pricing for paperbacks and hardbacks. The honesty bookshop has a fixed price of just £1 per book.

I have to admit, I did struggle to buy just one book here. You may find those pennies add up in no time.

All proceeds go towards the restoration and upkeep of Hay Castle. So, bring your bookbag and dive deep.

hay castle bookshop honesty hay on wye wales 1 of 1 3 — *Hay Honesty Bookshop*

How do you pay for the books?

How it works is that you simply be honest. They set a price for their products and you pop your money through the letterbox. It’s all about trust.

In the Castle Book Stores, you choose your books and pop £1 per book in the honesty box by the bookshelves.

Then you just leave and take your brand new books home with you. Simple as that. It’s such a lovely concept.

Honesty shops can be found all across the UK, mostly in quaint countryside villages. I’ve even seen them in Europe and the States.

You’ll often find cottages with little tables outside their homes selling potted plants, seeds, old books, baked goods, eggs, and even firewood.

Some countries have entire shops with groceries on offer and no one keeping an eye.

How to find the Hay Castle Bookshop

Although this little gem is tucked away in Hay, it’s easier to find than you would think. Just follow the old fortification walls along Castle Street.

You’ll come across an old wooden door set in an archway that acts as a ‘book passage’ to the honesty shop.

You’ll find the Hay Castle bookstore lies at the front entrance of Hay Castle.