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Working holidays

We run volunteer working holidays to help waterway restoration, with the chance to learn traditional skills – such as bricklaying and stonework – and more modern techniques – such as piling, concreting or even how to operate machinery such as excavators and dumpers.

Our Waterway Recovery Group has been supporting waterway restoration across Britain for over 50 years, so you’re in safe hands.

Book a holiday with a difference

Our Canal Camp working holidays attract a wide range of people: from young volunteers taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme; to waterway enthusiasts who want to help restore and preserve the system; to people who just want to get outdoors and dirty, have fun and learn new skills. Volunteers on our working holidays must be aged over 18 but, apart from that, age or previous experience don’t matter.

Our programme of 2024 Canal Camps is now available.  As well as view on line, you can request a brochure to be sent to you when it’s available (see below), and see our film…

Don’t delay – the Camps book up fast.

£80 for a week’s holiday includes

All meals

Cooked breakfast, lunch on site and a substantial home-cooked evening meal… along with plenty of tea breaks.

Accommodation

Accommodation is basic – volunteers sleep in a large communal space, usually in a village hall or scout hut (other than family camps, which have superior accommodation).

Transport

We can pick you up from the nearest rail or coach station. We also provide travel between the accommodation and site.

Good times

and lots of laughter, mud and fun!

Working Holidays in England and Wales

Volunteers working on the Wey &Arun canal restoration
Wootton Brook Towpath upgrade

Working Holidays