Wray Castle is a striking Victorian house built for the Dawson family in 1840 in an unusual mock gothic style. It is one of a series of impressive ‘villas’ built around Lake Windermere by people who made their fortunes in the industrial revolution. The house is unfurnished but has much impressive internal and external detail from extravagantly tiled floors, spiral staircases, mock ruins and unusual garden features. The house has many fascinating stories and famous people associated with it from Hardwick Rawnsley (one of the founders of the National Trust) to Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Our Visitor Experience volunteers provide a warm welcome to everybody, making sure our visitors get the most from their time with us. Volunteers help the Wray Castle team to exceed our visitors’ expectations, every time, and for everyone.
What's involved?
Visitor + Rural Economy
Work Experience
We welcome school students wanting placements and the occasional older student needing hours etc before going to uni. These are normally a week's placement and there are relevant forms to complete on the website before applying. The work experience is open to anyone, and is from 9am to 1pm each day…
Visitor + Rural Economy
Work Experience
We welcome school students wanting placements and the occasional older student needing hours etc before going to uni. These are normally a week's placement and there are relevant forms to complete on the website before applying. The work experience is open to anyone, and is from 9am to 1pm each day…
Nature Conservation
Volunteering
The South Lakes property in the Lake District is one of the most diverse, interesting and challenging properties in the whole of The National Trust. Millions of people visit the Lakes every year and one of our key challenges is how to connect more and better with these people, from all round the…
Visitor + Rural Economy
Volunteering
Volunteering on the Steam Yacht Gondola is a unique experience. Volunteers get involved with virtually all aspects of life on Gondola as a crew member, from welcoming people on board to keeping the vessel fit for sailing.
Visitor + Rural Economy
Volunteering
Bowe Barn is a converted barn just outside Keswick, and it's the estate office for all the rangers and others who work and volunteer in Borrowdale, Buttermere Valley, Ennerdale and the Whitehaven Coast. It's the office from where we care for 17,000 hectares of beautiful Lake District open…
Visitor + Rural Economy
Volunteering
Volunteering as part of a team, Countryside volunteers help look after, improve and protect special outdoor places so that nature and wildlife can thrive and everyone can enjoy Windermere.
Visitor + Rural Economy
Volunteering
Wray Castle is a striking Victorian house built for the Dawson family in 1840 in an unusual mock gothic style. It is one of a series of impressive ‘villas’ built around Lake Windermere by people who made their fortunes in the industrial revolution. The house is unfurnished but has much impressive…
Visitor + Rural Economy
Volunteering
Our Visitor Experience volunteers provide an engaging Living History experience called Taste of Townend, making sure our visitors get the most from their time with us. Every Thursday they will be demonstrating a recipe from our 1699 Commonplace Book.
Visitor + Rural Economy
Volunteering
Our House Experience Volunteers add the sparkle to any visit – giving everyone a warm welcome, bringing stories from Townend to life and helping people get the best out of their day. The Brownes of Townend were just an ordinary farming family, but their home and belongings bring to life over 400…
Visitor + Rural Economy
Volunteering
You will lead an engaging tour through the estate to inspire visitors by sharing the fascinating industrial heritage at Acorn Bank, and it’s place in the landscape and history. Industrial Heritage Tour Guides play a vital role in delivering inspiring and enjoyable introductory tours around the…
Visitor + Rural Economy
Volunteering
Our Visitor Welcome volunteers create a positive first impression with a warm welcome; helping all visitors get all they need from their visit. You’ll also help us provide a personalised thank you, leaving people with a positive lasting impression.
Water + Catchments
Volunteering
Volunteering as part of a team, Coast & Countryside volunteers help look after, improve and protect special outdoor places so that nature and wildlife can thrive and everyone can enjoy Ullswater.
Visitor + Rural Economy
Apprenticeship
Veterinary Nursing Level 3 Apprenticeship. Veterinary nursing is the supportive care of animals receiving treatment within a veterinary practice. A veterinary nurse works as a member of the veterinary team, providing expert nursing care for sick animals. Veterinary nurses also play a significant…
Visitor + Rural Economy
Apprenticeship
Landscape Supervisor Level 3 Apprenticeship. A Landscape Supervisor can be employed to oversee work in public parks and gardens, green spaces and historic gardens, private gardens and estates or in production nurseries and retail outlets. Many businesses will be specialised in their activities,…
Visitor + Rural Economy
Apprenticeship
Candidates for this Level 3 Farriery Apprenticeship Standard must be at least 16 years of age however there is no upper age limit. Candidates must serve a period of Apprenticeship of four years whilst employed by an Approved Training Farrier (ATF). An ATF is a person who is a Registered Farrier…
Visitor + Rural Economy
Apprenticeship
Senior Equine Groom Level 3 Apprenticeship. The Senior Equine Groom will have a sound knowledge of horse anatomy and physiology and the ability to assess and promote health. They will be able to recognise and treat common minor injuries and ailments. They will be capable of presenting horses to a…
Visitor + Rural Economy
Apprenticeship
Equine Groom Level 2 Apprenticeship. This is a practical, “hands on” occupation where apprentices will work under supervision individually or as part of a team. The Equine Groom is an integral part in the life of the horse, providing essential day-to-day care. They will be involved with feeding,…
Communication + Education
Volunteering
An opportunity to assist the Travel Actively team in arranging and running events. This could include administrative tasks such as managing attendee lists, setting up stalls and helping activities run smoothly. This opportunity can help you develop your skills and experience to support you in the…
Visitor + Rural Economy
Training
An opportunity to be trained as a bike mechanic, from improving your at-home skills to becoming qualified. We can help you develop your skills and experience to fix common bike problems so the next time you are out and about you can fix that puncture and carry on! Or work towards certification to…
Communication + Education
Volunteering
A chance to become trained as a cycle leader to lead groups of riders. You could set up your own groups and lead them from a health centre to a leisure centre where there are facilities to get cleaned up. Or lead a ride round the best local shops ending at a train station for onward travel.
Communication + Education
Volunteering
Community event volunteers help to connect people to nature and also help people take action to protect nature. Events vary, and include rockpooling, guided walks, eggcase hunts, craft activities, and coastal foraging. Some events are for adults, whereas others are family events. Whatever your…
Communication + Education
Volunteering
Are you experienced at setting up geocaches? Are you based around Barrow? Then we’d love you to help create caches to connect people with nature! Geocaching is a global treasure hunt, where participants search for ‘geocaches’ using the free geocaching app and a clue. These geocaches are placed in…
Communication + Education
Training
This two-day, nationally accredited course equips you with the skills to provide first aid in outdoor environments. Suitable for outdoor activity leaders. The outdoor first aid course deals with issues involved with the long-term care of casualties in a remote setting. Outdoor First Aid sometimes…
Visitor + Rural Economy
Work Experience
As a busy centre, we can provide in-depth work experience of being employed in an equine stableyard. We are passionate about sharing experiences and helping students get a foothold in the industry. When you work with us, we will train you in safe yard practices as well as give references and…
Sustainability Leadership in Education webinar
Carlisle College Open Day
Business Bites - Penrith