Volunteering

Autumn 2024 – There is a current short hold on accepting any further volunteer applications at present as we are now at capacity.

Do you enjoy meeting new people? Would you like to learn more about this wonderful historic site and its stories? Do you want to learn new skills or expand and use existing skills?

Look through our volunteering roles and find out how you can lend a hand. Volunteers of all ages and abilities play a vital role in the day-to-day running of the Castle. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference; to be part of the history of caring for the Castle for future generations to enjoy.

What’s in it for you?

Become part of a friendly and dedicated team
Meet people from all walks of life and make new friends
Improve your communication skills
Enjoy new experiences and learn something new

Volunteering opportunities

There are many ways you can get involved at the Castle. Read on to discover more about the roles and what they involve.

Join our team of dedicated volunteers

DELVE INTO OUR COLLECTION – NEW ROLE – Volunteer Curator

Do you have industry experience in museums or curating collections? We are looking for a Volunteer Lead to provide industry relevant advice, insights and audit on our Archive, Salvage and Stained-Glass Collections at the Castle. You will be part of a dedicated team helping to preserve the Castle’s Collections by assisting in their upkeep and development. You will liaise with our volunteer teams, staff and external agencies to assist with queries and increase external awareness of the Castle Collections. To find out more please email: volunteering@highcliffecastle.co.uk

BRING OUR HISTORY TO LIFE – Costumed Interpreter

As a costumed interpreter, you will have a passion for history and performing. You will dress in period costume and bring one of our previous owners to life – from our most famous tenant, Gordon Selfridge, to Lady of the house, Lady Louisa Waterford – engaging with visitors in the Castle or encouraging visitors in the grounds to come inside and visit.

GET INVOLVED WITH OUR FAMILY CRAFTS – Family Activity Volunteer

As part of our team of family activity volunteers, you’ll help inspire young and old to be more curious and learn new skills. Our family activity programme aims to reach families of all ages providing visitors with a range of fun and interactive activities and crafts. As an activity volunteer you’ll be creative, child-friendly, great at communication and able to work with a variety of ages.

Tour guide in front of stained glass window with visitors

BE A FRIENDLY WELCOMING FACE TO OUR VISITORS – Room and Tour Guide

Our tour guides and room stewards have a passion for history and talking to our visitors. We provide all the information and support you need to build your knowledge of the Castle, its history and fascinating occupants, to help you to bring the Castle’s interesting past to life.

A happy and friendly volunteer welcoming visitors to Highcliffe Castle in the Castle Shop

BE THE FIRST POINT OF CONTACT – Shop and Admissions Volunteer

As a Shop and Admissions Volunteer, you’ll be the first point of contact for visitors coming into the Castle. You’ll give each visitor a warm and friendly welcome, as well as letting them know how to make the most out of their visit. Our Visitor Reception is a busy place where you’ll be processing admission tickets, selling guided tours and items from our shop as well as helping orientate our visitors.

TEND THE GROUNDS – Grounds Volunteer

The Castle sits in 14 acres of land from the manicured Parterre by the Wintergarden to woodland connecting to Steamer Point Nature Reserve. Come rain or shine our volunteer grounds team do practical tasks to help keep the grounds at the Castle in peak condition and looking their best throughout the year.

Please complete our online application form HERE

Student Placements and Work Experience

Looking to develop your skills, work on a specific project for your course and gain valuable practical experience?

We have a range of opportunities for students at the Castle. Complete your college placement, or get involved in projects which give you a chance to apply your skills developed during your undergraduate or post graduate degree.

Get in touch today to see how we can help you with your career aspirations.

Apply for one of our student placement or work experience roles HERE

What our Volunteers Say

Michael

“I started volunteering here because it is such a lovely setting and it seemed like the ideal place to come and help. I like working with the other volunteers and feel like I’m making a difference to make the grounds look nice.”
Michael – grounds volunteer since March 2023.

Lady standing next to black dress

Val

“I have just moved to the area and wanted to learn more about the Castle. I love learning all the facts and meeting the visitors.”
Val – room guide volunteer since April 2023.

George

“I studied a history degree at Bournemouth University and this placement has given me great experience of a heritage site as well as transferable skills I can take anywhere. I’ve had an insight into how the Castle functions as a whole and how the small details fit into the bigger picture of the day to day running of the Castle. I particularly enjoyed my time with the Salvage volunteers and seeing how everyone works together on a project.”
George – placement student in summer 2023.