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Working holidays

Looking for a different sort of holiday? Experience life as a ranger, a farmer or gardener with a National Trust working holiday.

Volunteers take a break on a working holiday

Working Holidays have been part of the National Trust for over 50 years. In that time participants have helped us to look after some of the most incredible places in England and Wales.

No two days are the same when looking after our special places and you’ll discover just that on a ranger led working holiday. You could find yourself knee-deep in a muddy pond or enjoying one of Britain’s oldest, most traditional, and calming of crafts dry-stone walling. 

The range of locations and experiences are forever evolving, allowing participants to help care for some of the finest coast, countryside, historic houses and gardens in Britain.

It's not just about working in some amazing places. It's also an opportunity to gain new skills and enjoy unique experiences, work alongside and learn from the experts, and make lifelong friends. 

Find a working holiday

With over 170 working holidays to choose from, varying from weekend breaks to week long adventures, you're sure to find your perfect break.

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Clearing bracken on a Working Holiday at Bosigran Farm, Cornwall

Types of holidays 

From archaeology to helping out behind the scenes at one of our houses, cleaning beaches to building walls, you can learn all sorts of new skills.

National Trust vehicle at Bosigran Farm, Cornwall

Working holidays brochure 

Order a copy of the working holidays brochure to find out more about the 2019 programme.

Map reading in Cumbria

Frequently asked questions 

Find out all the essential information you'll need to know about your National Trust working holiday

A view through the spectacular Devil’s Dyke towards Newtimber Hill, with chalk downland and distant views to the Weald.

Featured holiday: The Devil's in the detail 

At the end of August, join the rangers at Devil's Dyke for some good honest work, with stunning panoramas in Britain's newest National Park. In return, we'll take you on a guided walk to explain how your work will directly contribute towards its conservation.

Find out more
National Trust working holiday volunteers on a beach holdiay Play Video
Video

A working holiday on the Devon Coast

Find out what a group of participants got up to when they went on a working holiday on the Devon Coast.

Celebrating 50 years of working holidays
Visit Neamtu Manor in Olari, Romania, on an overseas working holiday

Overseas working holidays 

We've teamed up with organisations across the world to provide a selection of overseas working holidays.

Volunteers on a Working Holiday at Poltesco, The Lizard, Cornwall, resting whilst looking over the bay

150 holidays and counting 

Working holidays leader, Bob Mclaurin did his first working holiday in 1993. 24 years later and he's now taken part in over 150 holidays.

Participant on a National Trust working holiday

The holiday that changed my life 

What makes a working holiday so special? For Sharon Groves, it was the chance to meet new people and make connections to last a lifetime.

Volunteers on a National Trust Working Holiday, at Bosigran Farm, Cornwall.

Working Holidays leaders 

Our Working Holidays are run by volunteer leaders, who work with Trust staff to ensure you have the best possible experiences. If you're interested in becoming a leader, find out more about the role.

More about becoming a leader

Book a working holiday

To find out more about our working holidays, call the Holidays Team on 0344 800 3099.