Anyone interested in a new year job change and keen to work in a unique location could find a Northumberland castle to be just the change of scene they need.
Alnwick Castle is on the lookout for new staff and has a wide range of roles to fill ahead of its busy summer season, including some which are set to appeal to would-be actors or lovers of history.
The popular visitor attraction - which is itself a star of both TV and film, having provided a stunning backdrop on the likes of Downton Abbey's Christmas special and Hollywood blockbuster Transformers - wants to find acting talents to act as historical interpreters and performers.
Read more: The Bridgerton-style past of Alnwick Castle
The castle was also the location for early scenes in the Harry Potter film franchise and now hosts the likes of broomstick lessons where there is job potential too, as part of its packed programme of family events and activities which focuses upon its fascinating history.
Dating back to Norman times and home to the Percy family for more than 700 years, it is known as the second largest inhabited castle in the UK.
The opportunity to work there brings with it all sorts of possibilities, with a range of unique jobs available for its upcoming March to October season which also include vacancies for guides for its state rooms and film tours.
Other vacancies include cleaners; kitchen staff; retail and front-of-house roles in the café and restaurant.
Explaining what the castle is looking for, head guide Daniel Watkins said: “Our seasonal team's most important role is to represent Alnwick Castle to the thousands of visitors we welcome every season; from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave.
"The guides and the castle attendants showcase the numerous amazing stories to be found everywhere around the castle, talking knowledgeably on subjects from medieval architecture to Italian Renaissance art; from Georgian high society to the local war effort in the 1940s; pointing out Victorian wood carvings or taking visitors on a tour of famous film locations around the castle and grounds.
"We are storytellers - and that’s my favourite part of the jobs."
He added: “Everyone, from the kitchens and cafes to visitor services, has a role to play in creating the best possible visitor experience.
"In particular we are looking for people who love the North East, its history and its people, and who want to share that with our many visitors from across the UK and from all over the world."
He said whether those interested are professional or amateur actors; students starting out or people interested in catering careers; shop or café work or in running broomstick lessons or taking tours, "if you think you can create a connection with strangers in a short space of time and help make a memory, then you’re the sort of person we want."
Applications for any of the jobs can be made through Alnwick Castle website here. The closing date is January 30.
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