Volunteer Programs in Wales

Known as “the land of song,” Wales has a distinct cultural identity and language that is hard to come by outside its borders. If you’re into funky folklore, Celtic oddities, and rugged landscapes, then becoming a volunteer in Wales may be the perfect option for you. Keep in mind that Wales is a cute little country with a small population and few large cities, which means you’ll be able to thoroughly explore every secret nook and cranny of the Welsh countryside while volunteering in Wales.

Cardiff, the nation’s capital, is a bustling port town tucked away on the southeast coast. With impressive nightlife, medieval castles, and a wild entertainment scene, this city will offer a well-rounded look into Welsh life during your time off. And just in case the local breweries and the opera don’t tickle your fancy, you can check out the Olympic-standard whitewater facility or embark on a multi-sensory, interactive experience through time and space with Doctor Who at the Gallifrey Museum. Additionally, the city provides excellent access to some of Wales’ protected places, which are endearingly referred to as “Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”

Swansea. A mere hour from Cardiff and sharing the same coastline is the quaint town of Swansea, where futbol reigns supreme over basically everything. Much smaller than Cardiff, this little city still has a lot to offer volunteers. For a nutritious breakfast, try a traditional delicacy of laver (a gooey paste made of boiled seaweed) served with bacon and local cockles. If you’re willing to brave chilly temperatures, throw on your wetsuit and head to Langland Bay, where surfing is possible most of the year.

Bangor. If you’re a person who loves both culture and adventure, consider volunteering in the oldest city in Wales. Bangor is a small town located on the coast of North Wales, where you can take a stroll down Bangor Pier or go for a looksee at Penrhyn Castle and Bangor Cathedral. To get your adrenaline pumping, you can zoom down the local zipline, where you can reach speeds of up to 100 mph at Zip World Snowdonia in Penrhyn Quarry, nestled among the mountains of north Wales. While the locals can speak Welsh, one of the oldest languages in Europe, the vast majority of people in Bangor speak English.