Volunteer opportunities at Dunster Castle

Garden staff and volunteers making a garland at Dunster Castle, Somerset — Get hands on volunteering at Dunster Castle | © National Trust Images/Sarah Allen

Volunteers are vital part of everything the National Trust does. If you've ever fancied getting stuck in, being part of a team, learning something new or just helping out, now's a great time. Find out more about volunteering at Dunster Castle and Watermill and how to apply.

Ways to volunteer at Dunster Castle and Watermill

Dunster Castle and Watermill relies on the kind people who offer their time in any way they can to help look after this historic castle and its 1000 years of history. From bringing the stories to life for visitors to helping keep the subtropical gardens looking neat and tidy, there’s a lot to get involved in as a volunteer.

Here’s a sample of the various roles volunteers are currently enjoying:

Keeping industry going as a mill assistant at the watermill
Delivering excellent customer service and tasty local treats in the Watermill Tea-room
Creating a helpful and welcoming environment as a bookshop or shop assistant
Helping those with mobility constraints to access the estate as a buggy driver
Providing a warm and friendly arrival for all visitors as a welcome volunteer
Supporting our work and caring for both flora and fauna with the garden team
Sharing stories of Dunster’s history and collections as a room guide

If any of the above sounds like you, please get in touch and share your skills.

A volunteer talks to visitors in the library at Dunster Castle, Somerset — Help visitors have a great day out | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Volunteer Recruitment Days - 22 and 23 February, 10am-2pm.

Do you fancy doing something different this year? We are looking to expand our friendly team of volunteers.

Pop along to one of our recruitment days in Tenants' Hall (at the castle) and chat with volunteers and staff to find out more about volunteering at this special place.

For more information click here.

‘What I love about volunteering at Dunster is that all through my working life I've never felt so appreciated as I do here.’

- Kate, house volunteer

Buggy drivers

We currently need support with driving our buggy access vehicle. By supporting with this role you will be providing access to the estate for those who would otherwise find the castle difficult to access.

You will work with colleagues across the estate to pick up and drop off visitors and volunteers, collect and deliver internal post, and provide orientation to visitors whilst the buggy is not in use.

We are particularly looking for support over the weekends. If this role is of interest to you or if you know someone who fits the bill, please get in touch.

A volunteer sits at the reception desk in the Outer Hall at Dunster Castle, Somerset, smiling and ready to greet visitors — Ready to welcome visitors with a warm, friendly smile | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

'Where else can you not only get to understand and explain how past lives were lived, but also experience it for yourself? The answer is Dunster working Watermill. I love being part of the team bringing the Mill to life and keeping the practice of traditional milling going to this day.'

- Gail, Mill Volunteer

Why join us?

There are lots of reasons to join us; making the move to volunteer could be the best decision you ever make.

Become part of a friendly and dedicated team
Meet people from all walks of life and forge new friendships
Utilise your existing skills and learn new ones
Strengthen your CV and help to develop your career
Enjoy the great outdoors
Learn about the history of this special place.

Get in touch about volunteering at Dunster Castle and Watermill

Interested in learning more about volunteering at Dunster? Pop in and speak to a member of the team or email DunsterVolunteering@nationaltrust.org.uk to find out more.