The Ouseburn Trust have managed the Victoria Tunnel since 2010. We run seven public tours a week as well as private tours, school visits and special events. It is a very popular visitor attraction largely due to our team of wonderful volunteer guides.

Our volunteer guides

  • Meet and welcome visitors (15 per tour), check booking list and take any payments on the day.
  • Lead the tour to the Tunnel, 700m through the Tunnel and back to the entrance, explaining the history and heritage of the Victoria Tunnel and making a tour of it a wonderful fulfilling experience.
  • Monitor and observe the health and safety requirements of the tour.

Volunteers will need:

  • Passion for heritage and history of the North East
  • Experience of working with people
  • Excellent communication and organisational skills
  • The enthusiasm and the ability to work as part of a team.
  • Access to email and mobile phone text for tour planning.

Training provided

Volunteers undergo a comprehensive induction and training programme, and are given full support by the existing current team of Volunteer Guides.  A volunteer handbook is provided and half-day first aid courses are arranged.  There is a probationary period of at least 3 months but can be longer depending on the volunteer’s requirements.

Time required

Guides volunteer usually for three hours at a time. Tours usually last 2 hours and run weekdays, evenings and weekends. Guides can lead tours regularly or occasionally, and willingness to step in at short notice is very much appreciated.