We are the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. The palaces are the setting for the stories that shape us all, and we’re bringing them to people in ways that mean more to them. We want everyone to find themselves in the spaces and stories we share.
Home Palace: Hillsborough Castle
Status: Casual, Temporary/Seasonal
Estimated Start date:1 April 2026
End Date: 1 November 2026
Salary: Seasonal = £24,577 per annum pro-rata (£13.13 p/h) / Casual wage = £14.71 p/h (incl. holiday allowance) Pro Rata
Days/Hours of work - Seasonal:
• 21-hour Part-time roles available. 3 days per week.
• Shifts will include some weekends and bank holidays.
• Casual Engagement: Zero-hours, ad hoc.
About the role and about you
New Year, New Opportunity!
Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, the Banqueting House, Kew Palace, and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in Northern Ireland.
You will be joining a dedicated Castle Host team with a flair for outstanding customer service, welcoming visitors to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens - the home of politicians and monarchs throughout its vibrant history.
We have vacancies for Summer Seasonal (temporary) jobs, and places on our ad-hoc Casual (zero-hours) register.
We are looking for people to work across both the admissions area, and on the Castle tour routes.
As a Castle Host, you will bring the amazing stories of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens to life - sharing your passion for the castle and ensuring historical accuracy and relevance of the stories. You will support the visitor experience across the estate, opening up the history of the castle and gardens in an entertaining, dynamic and engaging style.
As part of the team, you will be a welcoming presence at the Weston Pavilion, directing and engaging with our visitors and ensuring that they all receive a warm and friendly welcome. You will be selling tickets and also providing customers in our retail store with outstanding service, ensuring the smooth operation of the shop and responding promptly and flexibly to customer needs.
About You:
• You will have a flair for storytelling with the confidence to deliver entertaining stories about the castle to diverse groups. Experience of delivering information in an engaging way to both individuals and large parties is desirable.
• You will be a team player, who relishes the challenge of a busy working environment.
• You will enjoy exploring new and creative ways of working that add real value to our customers’ experiences. You’ll love showcasing retail items and upselling products and services to our visitors.
• You’ll be friendly, professional and be able to communicate effectively with all different kinds of people. And above all, you will be experienced in and share a passion for delivering outstanding face to face customer service.
• An interest and knowledge of Northern Ireland’s history is advantageous.
You will work a roster according to the needs of the business, which will be provided in advance and the shifts will include working some weekends and bank holidays.
Closing date: Sun 25th Jan 2026, at 11:50pm.
Interviews expected: 5th - 8th Feb
Summer Season: Late March to Late October.
Historic Royal Palaces is an equal opportunities employer and truly values a diverse workforce. Applications are welcome from candidates regardless of their background.
We are also committed to high quality Safeguarding practices and to ensure everyone is kept safe in our palaces. We have procedures in place to ensure this commitment is delivered and will deal firmly and swiftly with anyone representing our charity who does not meet our required standards.
You may also have experience in the following: Seasonal Palace Host, Visitor Experience Assistant, Historic Palaces Ambassador, Guest Services Associate, Exhibition Support Staff, Tourist Engagement Coordinator, Palace Experience Facilitator, Visitor Operations Assistant, Heritage Site Host, Customer Experience Representative, Cultural Site Attendant, Visitor Experience Host, etc.
REF-(Apply online only)