- Work Hard
- 24th Apr 2026
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- 0 minute
Meet the 87-year-old Raby Castle volunteer guide who just became a ‘National Tourism Superstar’
Some people slow down with age, and then there’s Jimmy Nicol.
At 87, this Raby Castle volunteer guide has just finished third in VisitEngland’s prestigious national Tourism Superstar award, and honestly, we couldn’t be more proud of him.
Jimmy has been welcoming visitors to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens since 2018, sharing the castle’s extraordinary history with warmth, enthusiasm and a genuine love for County Durham that’s completely impossible to fake.
He was nominated for the Durham Tourism Superstar award by a colleague who recognised not just his passion for Raby Castle, but his role as an ambassador for the entire North East. After winning that regional title in 2025, he went on to represent the region on a national stage.
The competition, which celebrates champions working in tourism who go above and beyond for visitors, drew entries from across England. Jimmy finished in the top three alongside Mick Hurst from Worcestershire’s Battle of Evesham and the Hull and East Yorkshire Volunteers. Not bad for someone who insists he’s just doing what he loves.
Tim Dodgson, public engagement and learning officer at Raby Estates, put it perfectly: “Jimmy is one of the most caring people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working alongside, and it’s a fantastic achievement for him to come third in such an important national competition. His endearing character and enthusiasm for Raby and the region shines through in everything he does, and we’re lucky to have him as part of the team.”
We sat down with Jimmy to find out what makes him tick, what keeps him going at 87 and the legendary story about a lost lord and a tin of white paint that he loves to share with visitors.
AT 87, YOU’RE CLEARLY NOT SLOWING DOWN. WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED TO KEEP VOLUNTEERING?
“I really enjoy meeting lots of different people through my volunteering, whether they’re from the local area or from further afield and visiting the region.
I’m also extremely passionate about communicating what an amazing county we live in, with an incredible variety of places to visit and things to do, and volunteering enables me to do this. I can help champion the region, and I feel as though I’m able to give something back to this wonderful part of the country after living in County Durham for over 60 years.”
WHAT FIRST INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN RABY CASTLE AS A VOLUNTEER BACK IN 2018?
“I’d already volunteered for different attractions in the region and have always admired the legacy of Raby Castle, so being able to start volunteering there was a wonderful opportunity, and I’ve never looked back.
The role Raby Castle has played in English history, its stunning interiors and impressive collections inside, as well as the beautiful surroundings in the deer park, are truly remarkable, and I feel very lucky I get to welcome visitors from across the world and help them enjoy everything that Raby has to offer.
I’ve also met so many wonderful people at Raby Castle. Everyone who works there is amazing and makes volunteering a true joy. I’ve witnessed significant changes at Raby Castle over the years, and I think the way that Lord and Lady Barnard have helped Raby Castle become an integral part of the community, particularly following the major development in 2024, is wonderful.”
HOW DID IT FEEL TO BE NAMED ONE OF THE TOP THREE IN VISITENGLAND’S TOURISM SUPERSTAR AWARDS?
“It was an amazing surprise! I was over the moon to be nominated for the regional awards, but to have also represented Raby Castle and County Durham on a national level has been a huge privilege. I feel extremely proud to have had this opportunity, and it’s something I’ll remember for many years to come.”
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DID YOU EVER IMAGINE YOU’D RECEIVE NATIONAL RECOGNITION LIKE THIS?
“I was completely blown away winning the Durham Tourism Superstar, and to then be a finalist in the national competition was something I’d never imagined.
The other finalists are all exceptional and are doing some amazing work at their respective attractions, so to be named alongside them felt like a huge achievement for me. Never did I think I’d finish in the top three. What a year 2026 has been.”
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AS A VOLUNTEER GUIDE AT RABY?
“One of the things I most enjoy at Raby Castle is that no two days are ever the same! We are positioned in different rooms every week, so you need to know everything about the castle’s history, including the intricacies and different points of interest in every room. It’s our job to give visitors a friendly, memorable welcome and share with them Raby’s amazing stories, there are lots of them after all!”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE STORY OR PIECE OF HISTORY TO SHARE WITH VISITORS?
“My favourite story to share is a legendary one about when a previous Lord Barnard was lost in the mist and sought refuge at a farmhouse. He believed it was one of his own properties, but then discovered it was privately owned. Local tradition goes that after that, he ordered for the exterior of all his buildings to be painted white so he could easily identify them in the future. To this day, many buildings on the Raby Estate, particularly in Teesdale, remain white and are a reminder of this historic mistake.”
YOU’RE KNOWN FOR YOUR WARMTH AND ENERGY. WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES A GREAT VISITOR EXPERIENCE?
“That’s very kind of you to say. I firmly believe that volunteers are the faces of attractions, and it’s vitally important to be friendly and helpful to all who visit. Providing a warm welcome and being on hand for anything our visitors need is my top tip, but I also think sharing some fascinating insight that helps bring their experience to life is integral too.
I also enjoy using my knowledge of the Spanish language to help Raby’s Spanish visitors. I’m able to explain the castle’s fascinating history and share some of the amazing stories about this medieval fortress, ensuring they leave feeling even more enlightened about Raby.”
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OR INTERACTION WITH A VISITOR?
“This example isn’t necessarily a visitor to Raby, but I once sent a County Durham calendar to the Spanish royal family, along with information about the area as a Christmas present, and I was delighted to receive a Christmas card from them in return. Nearly half a billion people across the world speak Spanish, and it would be amazing if we could welcome more of them to the region to experience what it has to offer.
I have also received letters of thanks from Kensington Palace for the calendars and brochures regarding Raby and County Durham that I shared with them, and it’s so lovely to have this acknowledgement for this special part of the country.”
WHAT DOES RABY CASTLE AND THE NORTH EAST MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY?
“I feel very lucky that I get to work with a fabulous bunch of colleagues at Raby Castle. The place feels like a second home to me now, but I’ll never get tired of the calm and peaceful feeling that’s present in Raby’s grounds.
I am very passionate about the North East and everything it has to offer. I admire the beautiful natural landscapes across the region, the people, the history and the vibrant culture. It really does feel like one big community, everyone is so welcoming and looks out for each other.”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS THINKING ABOUT VOLUNTEERING, WHATEVER THEIR AGE?
“I would recommend volunteering somewhere that aligns with your hobbies and interests. Volunteering somewhere that you feel passionate about is an amazing experience.
And I would also say to not worry about how much time you can devote — even if it’s one afternoon a week, that is truly wonderful and will be hugely appreciated. You’ll never look back once you start volunteering. It really is an incredible thing to do.”
If Jimmy’s story has inspired you to explore Raby Castle for yourself, you can find out more and plan your visit at www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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