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Volunteer at Knole

Visitors standing in a room that has paintings on the wall and gold coloured curtains. One person is holiding a torch, to show something to the other person. There is a ornate gold clock in the background.
Volunteer and visitors in Ballroom at Knole, Kent | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

There is more to volunteering at Knole than meets the eye, and from welcoming visitors to the property to engaging with visitors in the parkland, there's something for everyone. Discover how to volunteer at Knole and find out what you can gain from the experience.

Enjoy a varied experience at Knole

Volunteers bring Knole to life through sharing stories and engaging with visitors to help them get the most out of their day. Everyone is welcome; please let us know if you need any additional support.

As well as roles in the showrooms and parkland, there are opportunities for volunteering in visitor welcome in the courtyards, on events and school visits. You could find yourself taking part in something a little bit different either on a flexible or regular basis.

To make sure you feel welcome and confident in your role, we provide a full induction programme and training. Volunteers enjoy a varied programme of social activities, including outings, walks, social get-togethers, and lectures.

 

 

Get in touch about volunteering at Knole

For more information, email our volunteering team or call us on 01732 467159.

As well as core volunteer roles, we can offer:

  • short-term and holiday volunteering
  • family volunteering
  • flexi-volunteering
  • weekend and weekday roles
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award placements
     

Young Person Volunteering

If you're under 18 and are considering Knole for work experience, volunteering or a Duke of Edinburgh award placement, please contact us rather than applying via the website. This will enable us to work with you to find the best option for you. Please email amy.sabin@nationaltrust.org.uk or call us on 01732 467159.

 

Volunteer coffee mornings

We hold regular coffee mornings throughout the year, where you can talk to current volunteers and find out about the roles that are available. Book your place here: Volunteer Coffee Mornings or you can email our volunteering team or call us on 01732 467159.

 

 

Watch this video to find out more about volunteering at Knole, the roles available and the benefits it can offer: Volunteering at Knole.

Volunteering at Knole

Watch this video to find out more about volunteering at Knole, the roles available and the benefits it can offer, from the volunteers themselves.

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Join us as a room guide

Are you warm and friendly and do you enjoy sharing stories and talking to people? Then the showrooms at Knole could be the place for you. Knole is a house of such age and complexity that visitors often appreciate more information to help them understand what they are seeing. Our House Experience team are an essential part of the overall visit and are always on hand to engage visitors with a welcoming smile.

You don't have to know Knole's history to become a House Experience volunteer, as training is given on how best to share its fascinating stories and how to tap into our visitors’ varied interests.

More information about this role is available here: Room Guide

 

Welcome visitors to Knole

Being greeted by the volunteers in Green Court might be the first interaction that our visitors have with someone at Knole, so you could help make their day extra special by offering them a friendly greeting and directions to the Visitor Centre or other facilities. Visitor Welcome volunteers also assist with Gatehouse Tower operations, including checking tickets and managing queues.

More information about this role is available here: Visitor Welcome volunteer

Large old, stone building with bright blue sky above and green grass in front.
Green Court, Knole, Kent | © National Trust/John Miller

 

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.

 

 

Thank you

Thank you to all our volunteers who give their time to support the National Trust in many different roles. 

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Frequently asked questions on volunteering 

These frequently asked questions should give you all you need to know about who can volunteer, what it involves and how to apply.

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Supporter groups in Kent 

Join your local supporter group in Kent to meet people and enjoy talks, visits, holidays, outdoor volunteering and other social and fundraising events.

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A brief history of Knole 

Knole is full of treasures and was designed to impress its visitors. Originally an archbishop’s palace, then Royal residence, now home to the Sackville family for over 400 years.

The Great Hall at Knole in Kent looking towards the ornately carved wooden screen across one wall and geometrically patterned white plaster ceiling of squares and octagons

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