Visitor Experience Officer

Summary

Being a Visitor Experience Officer for the National Trust is all about people - connecting with them, inspiring them, and making sure they have the best possible day when they come to visit.

Salary: £27,612 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Hours / working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

This role requires you to work at both Dunster Castle and Coleridge Cottage; unfortunately there is no public transport available.

What it's like to work here

Dunster Castle, perched on a wooded hill, is a place with deep historical roots, dating back to Norman times. The site includes a medieval gatehouse, a ruined tower, and a castle that was transformed into a lavish country home in the 19th century by the Luttrell family, who lived here for 600 years. The grounds feature terraced gardens with Mediterranean and subtropical plants, a tranquil riverside garden, a natural play area and a historic watermill, offering stunning views over the Bristol Channel. Dunster Castle attracts visitors from near and far, providing an opportunity to engage a diverse audience and create memorable experiences.

Coleridge Cottage was acquired by the NT in 1908 and included the Trust's first book collection. Coleridge Cottage can be considered the birthplace of English Romanticism, with both Coleridge and his friend William Wordsworth inspired by the village and natural landscape around Nether Stowey and the Quantocks. Coleridge produced the famous poems the Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Kubla Khan and Frost at Midnight, all inspired by the local area.

You'll be reporting to the Visitor Experience and Operations Manager and working in a team of staff and volunteers at both sites.

What you'll be doing

As Visitor Experience Officer, your main focus will be on providing a great service for visitors and checking and maintaining high standards of presentation onsite.

With your team, you'll be welcoming people and inspiring them to really get to know Dunster Castle and Coleridge Cottage. This might include devising and running events and activities, creating interpretive displays and other ways of bringing the place and its stories to life for everyone who comes here. You'll work with colleagues from the House and Garden teams to encourage visitors to take a closer look at artworks, precious objects, plants and landscapes cared for by the Trust.

You might be supervising and supporting the Welcome team and volunteers, organising rotas, updating visitor numbers, replenishing maps or trail leaflets or installing our Summer of Play with your team.

You could also be designing marketing communications via posters, banners and social media posts related to the core offer and special events, helping to attract visitors to come to visit or repeat visit.

Who we're looking for

• Used to multiple deadlines and managing your own workload
• Skilled in organisation and planning, with a good eye for detail
• Good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people
• A hard working and committed team player
• Comfortable with IT: Microsoft Office as well as web and social media
• Experienced in producing interpretive materials, such as displays and exhibitions, and marketing or promotional materials
• Familiar with health and safety procedures

Benefits

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% of basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places

Location

Dunster Castle, Dunster, Minehead, TA24 6SL

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment process to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.

Administrative

Closing Date: 24th May 2026