W

orking on holiday might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but bear with us – because what we’re suggesting definitely won’t require you to bring your laptop along.

Enrol on a working holiday and you’ll achieve a lot more than a suntan (though you’ll probably get one of those as well); you could pick up some new skills and meet interesting people from all walks of life, too.

The  National Trust runs a whole bunch of working holidays in some of the most historical landscapes in England. How about joining Matt and his sheepdog Bella at Bradenham Estate in the Chilterns where you’ll help protect the chalk grasslands with a bit of bramble bashing?

Of course, whacking away at unruly undergrowth is a great way to get rid of pent-up, nine-to-five stress; but more importantly, you could pick up some invaluable gardening tips from Matt along the way.

There’s even a resident reflexologist on site, so after a hard day’s work in the fresh air you can soothe those tired feet and hands with a relaxing massage (for a small extra charge).

Alternatively, how about dry stone walling? At the 16th-century  Calke Abbey in Derbyshire, you’ll certainly work up a sweat repairing the estate’s ancient enclosures – but don’t worry, there’s plenty of opportunity to take a break from all that lifting with a steaming mug of tea.

Sounds good eh? But maybe not as good as being paid in cider. Head for  Broome Farm in Herefordshire and you could spend your days collecting apples under the late summer sun before sipping the fruits of your labour with farmer and resident cider expert, Mike Johnson. Well, it is thirsty work after all…