What is a Room Guide?

Room guides have a vital role to play in the daily operations of Castle Howard. From inspiring visitors with the historical collections within the house and grounds to giving a warm welcome to visitors as they make their way around the house. Room guides will be positioned around the house experiencing each room and learning about the collections. Room guides also play an essential part in safeguarding the collections and artefacts.

What’s in it for you?

• You will become part of a friendly and dedicated team.
• Meeting new people from all walks of life and meeting new friends
• Improving your communication skills
• Enjoying new experiences and learning something new everyday
• Supportive training opportunities
• Opportunities for exclusive access and tours of private collections
• Access to information and digital guides
• Recognition through social events
• Travel expenses reimbursed
• Castle Howard pass, which allows free entry for you, plus one adult guest
• 20% off all Castle Howard outlets

What’s involved?

• Providing a warm, friendly welcome to all visitors as the public face of Castle Howard
• Sharing stories about the history of the house, family, and collections
• Helping visitors make the most out of their day by answering questions, providing directions, recommending events or activities
• Helping visitors access the digital guide
• Being responsible for the evacuation of visitors in an emergency
• Helping to protect interiors and collections from damage during open hours

This role will suit people who have an enthusiastic and friendly manner, enjoy meeting new people, enjoy operating as part of a team and who are keen to learn. Historical knowledge or in-depth knowledge of Castle Howard is NOT required for this role.

What is a Retail Volunteer (Gift Shop)?

Our retail department is a vital part of our visitor attraction, allowing us to provide inspiring merchandise that will continue to be cherished long after a visit to Castle Howard. Our retail environment also provides a key opportunity for us to engage in meaningful dialogue, with our colleagues often the last touch point before a visitor leaves the Estate at the end of their day. This is a diverse role based within our House Gift Shop, with varying levels of tasks. You may be involved in preparing new stock for the upcoming season or be assisting and welcoming visitors during a busy day in the Gift Shop. As a retail volunteer you will contribute to ensuring that our Gift Shop is a welcoming, inspiring, and commercially successful operation which ultimately helps preserve Castle Howard for the future.
 
What’s involved?
There are a variety of different activities you will have the opportunity to engage in, including:

• Welcoming and supporting visitors during their visit to the Gift Shop and surrounding area
• Assisting those visitors with accessibility needs with their shopping
• Helping to drive sales by undertaking selling activities, for example, sampling products
• Organising, checking, and pricing stock in readiness for selling on the shop floor
• Replenishing stock on the shop floor
• Helping to deliver high levels of presentation standards in the Gift Shop
• Helping with stock deliveries, including lifting and carrying boxes of stock.

Who would suit this role?
This role would suit anyone who:

• Has an enthusiastic and friendly manner
• Enjoys being customer facing and is confident working alongside the general public
• Has an interest in and passion for Castle Howard and the wider surrounding area. An in-depth knowledge of Castle Howard is not required for this role
• Has an appreciation of Heritage interiors, landscapes, and art
• Has basic numerical skills or experience
• Is comfortable with the level of physical fitness required to help with retail deliveries, including carrying boxes of stock.
   

How will you benefit?

• Meet new people from all walks of life, make new friends and be welcomed into the Castle Howard Community
• Learn new skills and engage with your passion
• Opportunities for exclusive access and tours of private collections
• Social events
• Discounts, including 20% off at Castle Howard shops and cafes
• Travel Expenses up to 40 miles covered
• Spending your time on our beautiful Estate, the filming location for iconic period dramas including Brideshead and Bridgerton.

How will we support you?

• You will be always working with an experienced retail colleague at all times
• Your main point of contact will be the Retail Supervisor in the Gift Shop that day
• The Volunteer Manager is also available to support you
• You will receive full training for this role, through an induction and on-the-job training.

Extra information
Time commitment: weekly/fortnightly, 10am - 3pm, but hours are flexible to suit you. We are looking for volunteers for weekdays and weekends. This voluntary role runs from March - December every year.
 
What’s next?

1. Apply
   Apply by registering your interest below.
2. Informal Chat
   All applicants are invited to have an informal chat about the role and who we are looking for to fill the position.
3. Shortlisting
   Applicants will then be shortlisted and contacted as to whether they have been successful.
4. Induction
   Successful applicants are invited to an Induction to prepare them for the role.
   
   

What is a Tree Nursery Assistant?

The Castle Howard Tree Nursery is a small and relatively unknown area of our Estate, but it has a proud and successful history dating back almost 50 years, and has seen exciting large scale expansion within the last two years. The role of tree nursery volunteer will be very important in supporting our staff with the growing demands of the tree nursery, from the collection of seeds from on the Estate, nursery maintenance tasks, and helping to prepare orders for customers.

A background in horticulture is not required, as the role will receive plenty of support from our friendly tree nursery staff, although a positive attitude to working outdoors, learning about trees and a willingness to learn new things, would be beneficial.

What’s in it for you?

• You will become part of a friendly and dedicated team.
• Meeting new people from all walks of life and meeting new friends
• Improving your communication skills
• Enjoying new experiences and learning something new everyday
• Support given by experienced Tree Nursery Team
• Opportunities for exclusive access and tours of private collections
• Recognition through social events 
• Travel expenses reimbursed.
• Castle Howard pass, which allows free entry for you, plus one adult guest
• 20% off all Castle Howard outlets

What’s involved?

• Joining and helping the tree nursery staff to collect seeds from the Estate’s woodlands.
• Supporting the staff with preparing tree orders, through digging or pulling trees from the ground, tree grading and counting to ensure accurate numbers and quality trees are supplied to customers.
• Maintaining the appearance of the nursery and limiting the risk of plant pests and diseases through weeding and crop monitoring checks.

This role will suit people who have an enthusiastic and friendly manner, are keen on learning new skills, and enjoy working as part of a collaborative team. Good general health and fitness will be ideal for this role, as tasks may often involve working outside in cold, wet conditions, being on your feet for long periods of time, and walking on uneven ground. An ability to follow instructions competently and work independently at times would also be a great asset, although training and support will be provided before and during tasks.

Time commitment:Hours are flexible to suit you. We are looking for volunteers on weekdays for this role.

What’s next?

1. Apply
   Apply by registering your interest below.
2. Informal Chat
   All applicants are invited to have an informal chat about the role and who we are looking for to fill the position.
3. Shortlisting
   Applicants will then be shortlisted and contacted as to whether they have been successful.
4. Induction
   Successful applicants are invited to an Induction to prepare them for the role.

What is a Litter Picking Volunteer?

Castle Howard is a 9000-acre Estate which welcomes visitors year-round to our historic mansion house and grounds. As a Litter Picking Volunteer, you will play a vital role in maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of the Castle Howard Estate. Your efforts will help protect the local environment, support wildlife conservation, and ensure that visitors enjoy a pristine and welcoming landscape.

What’s in it for you?

• Meeting new people from all walks of life and making new friends
• Improving your communication and teamworking skills
• Opportunities for exclusive access and tours of private collections
• Travel expenses reimbursed
• Recognition through social events 
• Castle Howard pass, which allows free entry for you, plus one adult guest
• 20% off all Castle Howard outlets

What’s involved?

• Collect litter from paths, gardens, woodland areas, and car parks.
• Use provided equipment (litter pickers, gloves, and bags) to safely collect and dispose of waste.
• Work independently or as part of a small team to cover designated areas.
• Engage positively with visitors, setting an example of environmental stewardship

This role will suit people who have an enthusiastic and friendly manner, enjoy being customer facing and are confident working alongside the general public. This role is outdoors so someone who enjoys being out in all weathers is preferred. Tools and PPE are provided.

Time commitment: weekly/fortnightly, 3 hour shift minimum, but hours are flexible to suit you. We are looking for volunteers for weekdays and weekends. This voluntary role runs year-round.

What’s next?

1. Apply
   Apply by registering your interest below.
2. Informal chat
   All applicants are invited to have an informal chat about the role and who we are looking for to fill the position.
3. Shortlisting
   Applicants will then be shortlisted and contacted as to whether they have been successful.
4. Induction
   Successful applicants are invited to an Induction to prepare them for the role

What is a garden assistant?

Volunteering in the grounds as a Garden Assistant, every day is different. As a garden assistant you will join the team of gardeners in the walled garden and Grounds ensuring it continues to look beautiful all year round. 

What’s in it for you?

• You will become part of a friendly and dedicated team.
• Meeting new people from all walks of life and meeting new friends
• Improving your communication skills
• Enjoying new experiences and learning something new everyday
• Support given by experienced Gardening Team
• Opportunities for exclusive access and tours of private collections
• Access to information and digital guides
• Recognition through social events 
• Travel expenses reimbursed.
• Castle Howard pass, which allows free entry for you, plus one adult guest
• 20% off all Castle Howard outlets

Is this role for me?

• You don’t need any specific experience or knowledge for this role. You will enjoy the role if:
• You like being outside in all weathers;
• You have an interest in gardening and planting;
• You want to contribute your time and enthusiasm by helping maintain our gardens and welcoming visitors to the grounds.

• Helping visitors make the most out of their day by answering questions, providing directions, recommending events or activities
• Helping with garden tasks such as planting, pruning and weeding, to help maintain high standards in the formal ornamental gardens;
• Contributing to the greater beauty of the grounds, learning about the flora, fauna and history of the landscape;
• Talking to visitors about the gardens and planting, helping them to make the most out of their time in the gardens and grounds.

This role will suit people who have an enthusiastic and friendly manner, enjoy being outdoors in all weathers, have an interest in gardening and planting, and wish to contribute your time to maintaining the beautiful walled garden. 

What is the Coach Welcome Role?

Castle Howard Coach Welcomers provide the all-important first impression to our visitors arriving by coach. This role involves warmly and enthusiastically welcoming our Coach Groups by boarding the oach and addressing the passengers, welcoming them to Castle Howard, providing ‘teaser’ information to get them excited for their visit, signposting amenities and handing out tickets and maps.

Once the coaches are welcomed, the Coach Welcomer will then head into the Courtyard to welcome arriving visitors, signpost them to where they need to go, answer questions and upsell membership to Castle Howard.

The Coach Welcomer does not need to be a ‘history buff’ as this role focusses on engaging enthusiastically with visitors from all walks of life, offering them a world class welcome and contributing to our exceptional visitor experience.

What’s involved?

• Providing a warm and friendly welcome to all visitors as the public face of Castle Howard
• Boarding coaches upon arrival and addressing the passengers
• Sharing your recommendations of highlights to see during their visit
• Signposting amenities, giving directions
• Handing out tickets and visitor maps
• Upselling Castle Howard Membership.

Who would suit this role?

This role would suit anyone who has an enthusiastic and friendly manner, is confident in and enjoys speaking to and meeting new people, is happy to operate as part of a collaborative team and is keen to learn. This is a role especially suited for anyone with experience in or an enjoyment of providing exceptional customer service. Historical knowledge or in-depth knowledge of Castle Howard is not required for this role. You will be provided with all the resources and training you need to fulfil this role.

How will you benefit?

• Meet new people from all walks of life, make new friends and be welcomed into the Castle Howard community
• Learn new skills and engage with your passion
• Access supportive training opportunities
• Opportunities for exclusive access and tours of private collections
• Social events
• Discounts, including 20% off at Castle Howard shops and cafes
• Travel expenses up to 40 miles covered
• Spend your time on our beautiful Estate, the filming location for iconic period dramas including Brideshead and Bridgerton.

How will we support you?

This role is part of the Ticket Office/Admissions team and is looked after by our Admissions Manager. Two Ticket Office Supervisors are also there to support you.

Whilst welcoming coach groups, there are the Visitor Attraction and Security team members who you will work alongside in this room and can offer you support.

Extra information

Time commitment:

Twice a week, 9.30am -15.00pm, but the hours are flexible to suit you. We are looking for volunteers 7 days per week, including weekends. This voluntary role runs from March/April-October every year, with opportunities to continue volunteering in November and December.

Training/Induction:

As part of your induction, you will spend time with the Admissions team whilst you learn the ropes. You will also receive an information pack, and an opportunity to explore the House and Grounds as a Visitor to be able to make personal recommendations.

You will also be trained on our Membership scheme to be able to upsell this to our visitors.

Expenses:

Travel costs to and from Castle Howard for your volunteering shift will be covered (up to a total of 40 miles), including public transport.

What’s next?

1. Apply
   Apply by registering your interest below.
   
   
2. Informal Chat
   All applicants are invited to have an informal chat about the role and who we are looking for to fill the position.
   
   
3. Shortlisting
   Applicants will then be shortlisted and contacted as to whether they have been successful.
   
   
4. Induction
   Successful applicants are invited to an Induction to prepare them for the role.

What is a Garden Centre Plant Care Volunteer?

Our Garden Centre is a vital part of our visitor attraction, allowing us to provide plants and gifts that will continue to be cherished long after a visit to Castle Howard. Our retail environment also provides a key opportunity for us to engage in meaningful dialogue, with our colleagues often the last touch point before a visitor leaves the Estate at the end of their day. This role is based within our Garden Centre, with varying levels of tasks. You may be involved in getting the outdoor plants looking healthy and beautiful, helping price up new stock and making sure the shop is looking tidy and enticing to customers. As a retail volunteer you will contribute to ensuring that our retail space is a welcoming, inspiring, and commercially successful operation which ultimately helps preserve Castle Howard for the future.

What’s involved?

• Advising customers on their plant care needs.
• Supporting our Garden Centre team with keeping plants watered, dead headed and looking presentable
• Organising, checking, and pricing stock in readiness for selling on the shop floor
• Replenishing stock in the Garden Centre
• Helping to deliver high levels of presentation standards in our retail establishments
• Helping with stock deliveries, including lifting and carrying boxes of stock.

What's in it for you?

• Meeting new people from all walks of life and making new friends
• Improving your communication and teamworking skills
• Opportunities for exclusive access and tours of private collections
• Travel expenses reimbursed
• Recognition through social events 
• Castle Howard pass, which allows free entry for you, plus one adult guest
• 20% off all Castle Howard outlets

This role will suit people who have an enthusiastic and friendly manner, enjoy being customer facing and are confident working alongside the general public. We are looking for people who have a passion for plants and gardening and already have a good base of knowledge on the subject. An in-depth knowledge of Castle Howard is not required for this role. Being comfortable with the level of physical fitness required to help with retail deliveries, including carrying boxes of stock would be beneficial.

Time commitment: weekly/fortnightly, 10am - 3pm, but hours are flexible to suit you. We are looking for volunteers 7 days a week. This voluntary role runs year round.
 
What’s next?

1. Apply
   Apply by registering your interest below.
2. Informal Chat
   All applicants are invited to have an informal chat about the role and who we are looking for to fill the position.
3. Shortlisting
   Applicants will then be shortlisted and contacted as to whether they have been successful.
4. Induction
   Successful applicants are invited to an Induction to prepare them for the role.