Volunteering in and around East Sussex

It's the passion of our volunteers that helps make our places extra special. Whether it's making new friends, working in amazing places or just knowing that you're helping a great cause, there's lots of reason to lend a hand with the National Trust in and around East Sussex. Tell the story of Harold Nicolson and Vita Sackville-West at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, lead walks around the Bodiam Castle estate or grow green fingers at Scotney Castle. See what adventures are in store.

A view of South Foreland Lighthouse

Volunteering with a view 

Keep watch over tours in the country's first lighthouse to use electric lights, dig deep into Britain's secretive wartime history guiding in the Fan Bay Deep Shelter or serve up delicious treats in Mrs Knott's Tearoom. Discover more about volunteering at the White Cliffs of Dover in 2019.

Volunteer at the White Cliffs
A view of Bodiam Castle taken on one of our guided estate walks

Knights in shining armour 

Be a knight in shining armour or courageous queen volunteering at Bodiam Castle. Bring history to life leading a walk around the moat and castle estate, or help out with craft activities and events.

Find a role at Bodiam Castle
A volunteer room guide talks to a visitor at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Volunteering for all seasons 

Help tell the story of Harold Nicolson and Vita Sackville-West as a room guide in the South Cottage at Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Or take up a post in the new tower project exhibition. Come Spring, join the team in the world-famous garden.

Find a role at Sissinghurst
A view across the study to Rudyard Kipling's desk at Bateman's in East Sussex

Tell a tall tale  

Help us tell the story of author Rudyard Kipling at Bateman's. Immerse yourself into his literary world as a room guide, or sprinkle a touch of fairy magic telling stories for young visitors. Behind the scenes, join volunteers who keep the millstones turning at Kiping's family home.

Volunteer at Bateman's
Volunteer at smallhythe place

Tread the boards 

Hide away in the idyllic Kent countryside at Smallhythe Place, the home of actress Ellen Terry. Go off script as a room guide or hone your craft carefully conserving our collection here. Help out in the garden as we set the stage for the summer months.

Volunteer at Smallhythe Place
Our consultant archivists working in the study

Green fingers 

Become a room steward in the house as we celebrate 180 years since the first brick was laid at Scotney Castle. Outside, grow green fingers as well as seasonal produce in the walled garden and help care for the wider estate.

Join in at Scotney Castle