Volunteers are an integral part of our team. We look for volunteers who have a positive attitude and are enthusiastic about making David Parr House a warm, welcoming, and informative experience for all.
Volunteering roles include:
House Guide
Shop and Front of House Assistant
Events Assistant
Care and Conservation Assistant
Garden Assistant
Tell me more about the different volunteering roles
House Guide
Help us share the story of this remarkable house and the people who called it home. The house is open Thursday to Saturday for House Visits and Guided Tours. House guides show visitors round the house, answering questions about its history and its inhabitants. By working closely with the Visitor Experience and House Manager, you will become an expert in the house’s history and be able to provide an engaging and informative experience for our visitors.
Shop and Front of House Assistant
Welcome visitors to the site and assist in the shop. We offer a handpicked selection of pieces by small, UK-based makers, championing slow making, sustainable practice, and skilled craft. The shop is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Events Assistant
Support our exciting programme by assisting at exhibition previews, evening talks, and artist-led workshops. Our programme is an important part of our work to explore the stories of the house. Workshops are on Saturdays during the day, talks and exhibition previews on weekday evenings.
Care and Conservation Assistant
Help us care for 186 Gwydir Street and its collections. This role includes supporting the day-to-day care and conservation of the house and its collections through weekly cleaning sessions in the house, as well as assisting with the digital cataloguing of the collection.
Garden Assistant
Help us keep our site looking its best by assisting with the general upkeep of the site’s exterior. David Parr House has two lovely gardens, and our team of garden volunteers are essential in keeping them healthy, thriving, and beautiful. The timings for assisting in the garden can be very flexible and are usually dependent on the weather.
How do I apply?
Registrations are currently open. Please apply via the link above before 6 April 2026.
We recruit new volunteers twice a year, in March and September. Please check back at these times to register your interest via on online form.
We accept new volunteers subject to capacity, so please feel encouraged to register again if you are not accepted at first.
What is expected of a volunteer?
complete a programme of six weekly induction sessions, which prepares volunteers for various roles including guiding the public through the house, assisting guests in the shop, and at talks and workshops
offer your time at least twice month
be keen to learn new skills
be positive and respectful of the public as well as the wider David Parr House community
be enthusiastic about making David Parr House accessible and welcoming
Are there any volunteer benefits?
10% volunteer discount in the David Parr House shop.
regular volunteer-run social events, to meet with the wider David Parr House community
regular volunteer outings to cultural organisations
monthly check-ins with Visitor Experience and House Manager to stay up-to-date with upcoming programming
volunteering at David Parr House is an excellent way to learn new skills in a heritage environment
How do I find out more?
If you would like to discuss our volunteering opportunities further, please reach out to our Visitor Experience and House Manager, Bob (bob@davidparrhouse.org).