Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Smallhythe Place.
Volunteers play a vital role at Smallhythe Place and help to preserve and share our stories for generations to come.
Smallhythe Place thrives through the work of volunteers who help to preserve this historic home and collection.
We appreciate the incredible work of volunteers and are always searching for help with the maintenance and conservation of this special place in Kent, whether it's inside the Ellen Terry museum or outside in the cottage garden.
Keeping these special places for ever for everyone relies on a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who have and will continue to bring Smallhythe Place alive.
Smallhythe Place is known for its theatrical history through celebrated actress Ellen Terry, daughter Edy Craig and her two partnerts Chris St John and Tony (Clare) Atwood. It also boasts 2000 years of archaeological findings, adding to a rich fountain of local history. In this role, you can help people get the best out of their day and help to share the wealth of stories here at Smallhythe.
Help with the upkeep, development and protection of our charming garden, including maintaining its Rose Garden. Hone your hands-on skills as part of the team that helps to keep this garden looking its best all year round.
To make sure you feel welcome and confident in your role, we provide a full induction programme and training. Volunteers can enjoy a programme of talks and the opportunity to help shape the day to day experience of our visitors.
There are lots of reasons to join us; making the move to volunteer could be the best decision you ever make.
We’re currently looking for more volunteers with great people skills to join our friendly team. There are many reasons to volunteer for the National Trust, such as making new friends, gaining new skills and building your CV, as well as working with us to preserve these iconic places for the future.
To find out about volunteering opportunities at Smallhythe Place, email smallhytheplace@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01580 762334.
Thank you to all our volunteers who give their time to support the National Trust in many different roles.
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Smallhythe Place.
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.
Our supporter groups are a great way of getting involved with your local place. Find out more about how you can join in.
These frequently asked questions should give you all you need to know about who can volunteer, what it involves and how to apply.
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.
Step into the Ellen Terry Museum at Smallhythe Place, a creative haven dedicated to the late Victorian actress, curated by her daughter Edy Craig.
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.
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.