Skip to content

Volunteer opportunities at Smallhythe Place

A volunteer cleans a bookshelf in the house at Tyntesfield in North Somerset
A volunteer dusts a shelf to help preserve old books | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

Volunteers play a vital role at Smallhythe Place and are involved in a range of activities including welcoming visitors, nature conservation, events assistance, and education. Read more about how to become a volunteer.

Volunteer at Smallhythe Place

Smallhythe Place thrives through the work of volunteers who help to preserve this historic home and collection.

The National Trust appreciates the incredible work of volunteers and is always searching for help with the maintenance and conservation of this special place in Kent, whether inside its museum, outside in the cottage garden or at The Barn Theatre.

Ways to volunteer

The opportunity to become part of the friendly and welcoming team at Smallhythe Place, near Tenterden, is available through a variety of volunteering roles including:

  • Room guides
  • The Barn Theatre stewards
  • Garden guides
  • Gardeners
  • Conservation cleaners
The stage and audience chairs at the 17th-century Barn Theatre at Smallhythe Place in Kent
The stage at the 17th-century Barn Theatre | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Why join us?

There are lots of reasons to join us; making the move to volunteer could be the best decision you ever make.

  • Become part of a friendly and dedicated team
  • Meet people from all walks of life and forge new friendships
  • Utilise your existing skills and learn new ones
  • Strengthen your CV and help to develop your career
  • Enjoy the great outdoors
  • Learn about the history of this special place.

Get in touch about volunteering at Smallhythe Place

To find out about volunteering opportunities at Smallhythe Place, email smallhytheplace@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01580 762334.

Thank you

Thank you to all our volunteers who give their time to support the National Trust in many different roles.

You might also be interested in

A volunteer talks to two visitors, indicating something on the wall

Volunteer 

Our volunteers make our work to look after nature and history for future generations possible. Learn more about the volunteering opportunities available and hear a selection of their stories to find out what it's like to volunteer with us.

Three ramblers, the middle one on a mobility scooter, come towards the camera

Supporter groups 

Our supporter groups are a great way of getting involved with your local place. Find out more about how you can join in.

A volunteer talking to a visitor at Wightwick Manor and Gardens, West Midlands
Article
Article

Frequently asked questions on volunteering 

These frequently asked questions should give you all you need to know about who can volunteer, what it involves and how to apply.

The exterior of the house at Smallhythe Place with the pond in the foreground
Article
Article

Our work at Smallhythe Place 

Find out about the work we do in the winter months to maintain and conserve the museum, house, theatre and garden at Smallhythe, ready for the next season, including costume conservation.

The Terry Room at Smallhythe Place
Article
Article

The Ellen Terry museum at Smallhythe Place 

Step into the Ellen Terry Museum at Smallhythe Place, a creative haven dedicated to the late Victorian actress, curated by her daughter Edy Craig.

The house and garden at Smallhythe Place showing flowers in bloom in June
Article
Article

The garden at Smallhythe Place 

Discover this charming cottage garden surrounding the house, with borders packed full of flowers, an orchard underplanted with bulbs and roses tumbling over the front of the house.

Interior of the Barn Theatre at Smallhythe Place showing a structural timber frame and a stage with chair set out in rows
Article
Article

Smallhythe Place’s famous patron, Joanna Lumley 

Joanna Lumley follows in some famous footsteps as patron of the Barn Theatre. Discover how her local connections, love of the stage and acting pedigree make her the perfect choice.