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Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, the Banqueting House, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle & Gardens.

Departments: Visitor Services
Home Palace: Kensington Palace
Status: Temporary/Seasonal
Salary: Pay range 11.3 = £13.15 per hour (equates to £25,643 per annum pro rata for full time roles at 37.5 hrs per week)
Salary Rate: Per Annum
Days/Hours of work: Full-time and part-time roles available (18-37.5 hrs/wk), all including weekend working

About the role and about you  

Contract options:   

3rd March 2025 – 30th November 2025
31st March 2025 – 31st August 2025

Please note the salary is subject to a pay review from 1st April 2025 – details to be confirmed in due course.

About Us: We are the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. The palaces are the setting for the stories that shape us all, and we’re bringing them to people in ways that mean more to them. We want everyone to find themselves in the spaces and stories we share.

‘Dress Codes’ Exhibition: Explore the codes and conventions of royal clothing, and the powerful impact fashion can make when boundaries are pushed, and dress codes evolve. Among the highlights of this exciting new exhibition are pieces worn by a young Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Princess Margaret and Queen Victoria. We are looking for seasonal staff to support the operation of this exciting exhibition.

As a Palace Host at Kensington Palace every moment is an opportunity to make someone’s day. Working as part of a team you will be responsible for providing the highest level of customer service and creating memorable customer experiences for all our visitors, whilst also ensuring the day to day safety and security of our palaces, their collection and our guests.

Your main role will include bag searching, ticket scanning, wayfinding, handing out and collecting the Palace’s Digital Visitor Guide (audio-guide), and managing the entrance procedures including queue management. As a Palace Host you will also undertake cross-role working as and when required to support the Palace Host Guides and Palace Host Sales in the running of the palace and the visitor experience.

The ideal candidate will have experience in customer service, security and working as part of a team. You will have a positive and flexible approach, being able to adapt your style to respond to visitor needs.

We are a charity for everyone, an ‘Investor in People’, and we want you to fulfil your potential and enjoy your work.

Closing Date: 10th January 2025
Interview/Assessment Days Available: 22nd Jan, 29th Jan, 3rd Feb, 4th Feb

The full season at Kensington Palace runs 3rd March 2025 - 30th November 2025, but we also have shorter duration contracts available (31st March 2025 – 31st August 2025) and can be flexible if you have other commitments at the start/end of the season.

Additional Information  

Historic Royal Palaces is an equal opportunities employer and truly values a diverse workforce. Applications are welcome from candidates regardless of their background.

You may have experience in the following: Visitor Experience Assistant, Heritage Site Host, Museum Guide, Cultural Engagement Officer, Historical Site Attendant, Heritage Tour Guide, Palace Visitor Assistant, Interpretation and Engagement Assistant, Hospitality and Tourism Assistant, Events and Visitor Services Coordinator, Heritage Interpreter, Seasonal Visitor Services Assistant, Exhibition Guide, Front of House Assistant, Cultural Site Visitor Host, etc.

REF-(Apply online only)