Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers. Launched in 1984, this initiative has been running for over 40 years, providing organisations and communities a platform to thank current and past volunteers for their invaluable efforts.
The campaign highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK. Volunteers’ Week fosters connections between national organisations and grassroots groups, celebrating the spirit of volunteering that enriches communities each year.
Plymouth National Volunteers Week is organised and funded by Plymouth City Council, The Box, PSNMP and National Trust. This partnership, and the whole of Plymouth, are uplifted by the time and hard work of volunteers, from marine biologists to community work, we want to recognise everyone for their contributions.
Please note: The events and activities listed below are exclusively for volunteers and aren’t open to the general public.
Tinside Lido Family Free Swims
Monday 2nd – Sunday 8th June, during Lido Opening Times
Tinside Lido is kindly donating 75 free family swims in one of Plymouth’s most iconic locations. Overlooking the city’s stunning waterfront, the lido offers a unique open-air swimming experience in a truly memorable setting. It’s our way of saying thank you—come relax, unwind, and make lasting memories with your family at one of the city’s most cherished landmarks.
Booking required: Volunteer Reward: Family Swim Fun at Tinside Lido
Mount Batten Bell Boating Adventure
Tuesday 3rd June, 4:30-6:00
The Mount Batten Centre is generously offering a free bell boating adventure for volunteers and their families to enjoy the thrill of being out on the water together. Set against the backdrop of Plymouth’s vibrant waterfront, this fun and accessible activity is perfect for all ages and abilities. It’s a chance to say thank you—come paddle, laugh, and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones in one of the South West’s best-loved outdoor activity spots.
Booking required: Volunteer Bell Boating Adventure!
The Box Herbarium Highlights
Tuesday 3rd June, 10.30am-12pm, 1.30-3pm
Wednesday 4 June, 10.30am-12pm, 1.30-3pm
Explore the herbarium (plant collections) with Sarah and help take part in an inventory check. You will be able to get up close with collections, learn about safe handling and care and help us complete paper records. Please note- this job may not be suitable for anyone with plant allergies including nuts and fruits. (max 3 per session)
Booking required: Volunteers’ Week: Herbarium Highlights – Treasures of the Plant Collection – The Box
Poole Farm: Gnaw and Explore Beaver Tour
Tuesday 3rd June,10-12, 1pm-3pm
Come join us for an exciting Farm Tour at Poole Farm! Get up close and personal with our friendly animals, learn about sustainable farming practices, and enjoy the fresh country air. This in-person event is perfect for families, animal lovers, and anyone curious about farm life. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the charm of Poole farm firsthand. Book your spot now!
Booking required: https://tinyurl.com/VolunteerCelebrationPF
Saltram Heritage Tour
Wednesday 4th June 11:00 – 12:00
Saltram is offering a special heritage tour to thank our volunteers, where you’ll explore the rich history and stunning architecture of this magnificent estate. Discover the fascinating stories of Saltram’s past as you wander through its beautifully preserved grounds and rooms. The tour concludes with a relaxing opportunity to enjoy the surroundings and reflect on the day. It’s the perfect way to appreciate the heritage of one of Plymouth’s most treasured landmarks while celebrating the invaluable contributions of volunteers.
Booking required: Please contact saltramvolunteering@nationaltrust.org.uk to book.
Mount Edgcumbe Grounds Tour & Firepit session
Thursday 5th June,10-1pm
Mount Edgcumbe is offering a special thank-you experience for volunteers: a guided tour of its stunning grounds, rich in natural beauty and historic heritage. Discover the stories behind this remarkable estate as you explore its gardens, woodlands, and architecture. The tour finishes with a relaxed gathering around a firepit, complete with snacks—an ideal way to unwind and celebrate the difference volunteers make in our community.
Booking required: Select tickets – Volunteer Mount Edgcumbe Walk & Firepit Session! – Mount Edgcumbe
Behind the Scenes at the Box
Thursday 5th June, 11am-12.30pm
There’s a whole other world behind some of the doors at The Box and a lot more to see besides our galleries and exhibitions! Join Kat & Stacey from our archives team for a fascinating glimpse of life behind the scenes in our research room, basement and stores. This is a chance to learn more about how we manage and protect our collections and why, in creating The Box, it was so important to bring Plymouth’s most historically significant archives together under one roof.
Booking required: Volunteers’ Week: Behind The Scenes at The Box – Thursday 5 June
Around the Galleries in 60 Minutes at The Box
Thursday 5th June, 2-3pm
Fancy taking a whistle-stop tour of The Box’s amazing permanent galleries?
Join Marketing and Communications Officer, Jo Clarke for an hour-long tour that will highlight some of the key objects on display including Scott of the Antarctic’s skis, the Egyptian mummy coffin, the Royal Naval ship’s figureheads and, of course, Mildred the woolly mammoth.
Booking required: Volunteers’ Week: Around the Galleries in 60 Minutes – Thursday 5 June – The Box
Parish Registers Taster Session at The Box
Friday 6th June, 10am-12pm
Visit the Cottonian Research Room and see how the hundreds of Parish Registers we hold get indexed to help family historians find their ancestors. You can book a short taster session to try out creating entries for the database. No two people have the same handwriting and some of the entries can be more challenging than other to read. Help us add to the 1.5 million entries already created. (2 per half hour, 2 x 10am, 2 x 10.30, 2 x 11am, 2 x 11.30)
Booking required: Volunteers’ Week: Parish Registers Taster Session – Friday 6 June – The Box
Hidden Landscapes Tour of Saltram
Friday 6th June, 11am – 12pm
We are excited to be piloting HistoryScapes at Saltram, a new GPS-based app that takes you on a journey back in time, immersing you in the sights and sounds of Saltram in the late 18th century. As you explore Saltram, you’ll be guided by the character of Henry Stockman, a local carpenter who worked on the estate in the summer of 1775. Henry’s narrative provides a unique perspective on life at Saltram, moving between the world of the estate’s hired labourers and the grandeur of the Parker family.
Booking required: Please contact saltramvolunteering@nationaltrust.org.uk to book a space
Volunteer Thank You Event
Saturday 7th June, 5-6pm
To close National Volunteers Week and the Box’s Super Saturday Volunteering event, we’re hosting a relaxed, low-key social event to thank the volunteers of Plymouth. Join us on Saturday, 7th June 2025, for an afternoon of appreciation and connection with fellow volunteers. This is a wonderful opportunity to unwind, share experiences, and celebrate the incredible contributions made by volunteers across the city.
Booking required: Volunteers’ Week: Thank You Event – Saturday 7 June – The Box
Mount Batten Tower Tour
Sunday 8th June, 12-2pm
To show our appreciation for volunteers, we’re offering exclusive self-guided tours of the historic Mount Batten Tower. Step back in time as you explore this iconic landmark, learning about its fascinating history and stunning views of Plymouth’s waterfront. This special tour is a perfect opportunity to discover one of the city’s hidden gems while celebrating the invaluable contributions of our volunteers. Join us for a unique experience and a chance to connect with others in a truly memorable setting.
No booking required. Just meet us at the entrance to the tower!Please just check the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park social media before the day – we will post if the day is cancelled due to weather etc.
Saltram Forest School Sessions
Sunday 8th June, 11:00 – 13:00
As a special thank you to our volunteers, we’re offering an exclusive Forest School session at Saltram. Immerse yourself in nature as you explore the woods, learn new skills, and reconnect with the outdoors in a relaxed and supportive environment. This hands-on session is perfect for all ages and offers a wonderful opportunity to bond with fellow volunteers while enjoying the natural beauty of Saltram’s grounds. It’s a unique way to celebrate the contributions of our volunteers while having fun in the great outdoors.
Booking required: Please contact saltramvolunteering@nationaltrust.org.uk to book.
A massive thank you once again to Plymouth’s volunteers and we hope you enjoy a whole week of celebrating yourselves with us!