Work, rest and play

In its 45th year, bookings for National Trust Working Holidays are up 50 per cent on this time last year for more than 300 holidays ranging from repairing footpaths in Devon, to planting trees in Snowdonia and dry stone walling alongside Hadrian’s Wall.

The trend could also be a reflection of the recession with many people economising on travel plans. The National Trust packages, which include “back to basics” accommodation, activities and meals start at £75 for short breaks and from £145 per week.

The National Trust membership topped a record four million in October 2011 and head of Holidays Marianne Wanstall says the increase in bookings is great news: “Our working holidays are not just a great opportunity to learn new skills but to see behind the scenes of the National Trust, meet new people and enjoy unique experiences. The volunteering work ensures that our special places remain open, relevant and accessible.”

A big attraction of working holidays is that they include organised activities alongside hard work. Surfers in the West Country, for instance, repair footpaths and restore coastal paths, in between hitting the waves.

New for 2012 are farming holidays: hands-on experience of all aspects of farming with management of cattle, pigs and even emus. For families, new holidays offer child-friendly activities including sand sculpture, beach cleaning and orienteering. There’s also the chance to learn new skills. Four night “Bike and Build” Bike breaks in the Dales of North Yorkshire in May, from £105, include footpath building, fencing or tree guard construction – plus mountain biking on the high fellss.

Seven nights helping to rebuild the dry stone wall along the line of Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland starts at £145.

Older volunteers might prefer gardening projects. At Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire, they can join the project to transform the parterre with thousands of bedding plants, with time to enjoy Waddesdon’s history too with a Manor tour and a well deserved cream tea. That seven-night break also leads in at £145.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/workingholidays for more information.