As millions struggle with travel chaos across the UK on the first of three days of strikes by rail workers, things are looking up in Nottingham. The Castle is on the lookout for drivers ahead of the launch of their land train to help ferry visitors through grounds.
It comes after the land train took its first journey today (21 June) to mark one year since the Castle's reopening and was met with excitement from visitors and passers-by.
The role involves driving the train as well as offering an insight into the Castle for visitors. People visiting Nottingham Castle over the summer will be able to take a ride on the electric train which runs from Brewhouse Yard, down by the Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem to the top of the castle at Castle Colonnade.
The idea is that it will help to provide better access to the Castle during summer months and will be included in the admission fee. David Johns, interim CEO at Nottingham Castle Trust, said: “The Land Train will not only be an additional attraction, as visitors of all ages will be able to enjoy going past 1000 years of history on their 20-minute journey, but it provides further accessibility to those visitors that require it.
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"This is a fantastic job for anyone with a love for history, the city of Nottingham, or trains!” The shared driver and conductor role will cover the summer season and play an essential part in educating guests on the Castle’s history and its visitor offering. Applicants must be 25-years or older and hold a full, clean driving license and a PSV Category D licence.
Visitors at Nottingham Castle watched the land train take its first journey and shared their thoughts. Denise Desforges, 66, from Rise Park said: "I would come back in the summer for a bit of fun, I like trains. So yes I would come and use it."
When asked if she would consider the role, Denise added: "I am retired and I want it to stay that way but my husband would. You can see the appeal in it, a nice little summer job."
Denise's husband Brian said: "I think it is brilliant. I would come back and use it. I would like to try it [driving the train] for a day." Eva Cozlik, 82, from Keyworth said: "If I was here in the summer I would use it as well since I am 82. It is useful for older people."
The historical city landmark has undergone a £30m conservation, renovation and redevelopment, which includes the creation of new art galleries housing permanent collections of fine-art and touring exhibitions, new mixed reality games, a state-of-the-art visitor centre and an outdoor family adventure playground, Hood’s Hideout.
There is no set opening date for the land train but will start some point in summer 2022. It will run between the hours of 11am and 5pm. Interested applicants should email recruitment@nottinghamcastle.org.uk.
