Members of Newport u3a visited the market town of Hay-on-Wye on a day trip organised by the organisation’s History Group.
A guided tour provided information about the town’s castle, which was originally built as part of the Norman defence during the invasion of Wales.
Following periods of attack and several fires, a 17th-century Jacobean mansion was constructed next to the medieval Keep.
Restoration work has transformed the castle site into a centre for the arts, literature and learning, with facilities including a restaurant and a museum.
Hay-on-Wye lies on the Welsh-English border and has a compact town centre that can be covered easily on foot, giving it an atmosphere of separation from modern life.
The town is particularly known for its bookshops, whose numbers have fallen from 50 to 15.
Specialist retailers have also become established in the town centre, selling items such as retro homewares, boutique clothing, antiques and chandeliers.
Its commercial offer has therefore broadened beyond books.
Newport u3a has more than 40 active social and cultural groups for retired people.
The groups are based at the Dolman Theatre and operate from 9.45am to 3pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.