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Volunteer With Us

Discover the different ways you can volunteer at Castle Howard

The volunteers at Castle Howard play a vital role in preserving this extraordinary family home by engaging with the public and generating interest in local heritage. By joining the volunteer team, you will have the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, spend time in beautiful surroundings, experience behind-the-scenes tours and be part of a wonderful team of people.

Meet our volunteers

Ways To Volunteer

Find out more about our volunteer roles

Room Guide

Welcome our visitors and bring Castle Howard's history to life, whilst looking after the House and its contents.

Find out more about this opportunity

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.

Garden Assistants

Care for Castle Howard's spectacular Gardens and Grounds and help them to thrive. Please note, we're currently at capacity for Garden Assistants.

Find out more about this opportunity

We are currently at capacity for Garden Assistants, but you're welcome to register your interest if a space opens up.

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.

What’s involved?

Providing a warm, friendly welcome to all visitors as the public face of Castle Howard

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 you time to maintaining the beautiful walled garden.

Our commitment to you:

We want your experience of volunteering to be as welcoming and enjoyable as possible, so we will:

Treat you fairly and respectfully
Recognise your contribution, whether that's with a simple thank you or with one of our regular social events like a summer afternoon tea with Mr and Mrs Howard
Reimburse your travel expenses for getting to Castle Howard on public transport or by car when you are volunteering (mileage capped at 40 miles per day for the round trip between your home and Castle Howard)
Offer on-the-job training, optional talks and tours for you to learn more about Castle Howard and how we care for the House, collections and Grounds
Give you a volunteer pass allowing you free entry to Castle Howard and a 20% discount in our shops and cafes, so you can familiarise yourself with the Estate as a visitor, to help you in your volunteer role.
Provide cover under Castle Howard's indemnity arrangements in respect of all liabilities that may result from your appointment as a volunteer
Give you a reference with details of your volunteer role and responsibilities to show to future employers or education providers (on request).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim expenses?

Yes. You can claim reasonable travel expenses for public transport or car journeys between your home and Castle Howard so that you are not out of pocket, subject to guidelines in our volunteering expenses policy. Claims are capped at 40 miles per day for round trips between your home and Castle Howard and are paid at the HMRC rate of 45p per mile.

Is there an age limit?

The minimum age is 18. There are no upper limits. We work with all our volunteers individually to make sure their role is right for them.

How much time do I have to give?

Most of our volunteer opportunities are for a few hours a week, but volunteering can be made flexible to fit your needs and responsibilities.

What skills and experience do I need?

Most of our roles do not require any specific skills or experience. We will provide training to help you fulfil your role.

What support will I be given?

You will have a full induction and training to prepare for your role. We will also give you all the information you need to do your role, such as volunteering policies and reference materials. You can also get help and support from your supervisor and employees in the team where you are volunteering.

Is there a trial period?

Yes, there is a three month trial period for most of our volunteer roles. During this time, you'll have the chance to see whether the role is right for you. We will meet with you at the end of the trial period to review how it has gone before agreeing to continue the arrangement with you.

How do I contact you if I have a question?

You can contact us by email: volunteer@castlehoward.co.uk or by phone on 01653 648625. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Due to the high volume of enquiries this may take up to 10 working days.

What benefits will I receive?

Free entry to the House and Grounds for you and an adult guest plus 20% off in all Castle Howard outlets. You also receive 20% off entry to the Yorkshire Arboretum.

Are there social events?

We regularly organize socials, such as coffee mornings and volunteer parties so you can meet volunteers on the team you don't normally work with.