November Work Week 2027
30 October 2027 @ 4:00 pm - 5 November 2027 @ 9:00 am
Join us for a week of practical work, shared purpose and community as we prepare Iona Abbey for the winter season. This volunteer retreat offers the opportunity to contribute to the life of the Abbey while experiencing the unique rhythm of work, worship and community on Iona.
Working alongside staff, volunteers and fellow guests, you’ll help with a variety of practical tasks while enjoying time to connect with others and experience the beauty of the island. Whether you’re keen to lend a hand, meet new people or experience community volunteering in a meaningful setting, this week offers a rewarding way to support the work of the Iona Community.
Costs: 6 Nights: £600 or £300 concession.
Where: The Iona Abbey
When: 30.10.2027 – 05.11.2027
Led by: The Iona Abbey Team
About the programme
The November Work Week is for people who enjoy practical work, shared purpose and being part of a community. Over six days, you’ll help prepare the Abbey for the quieter winter months, working alongside staff, volunteers and other guests to care for the buildings and grounds before the season comes to a close.
This Iona work week combines meaningful work with worship, shared meals and time to enjoy the island. Whether you’re interested in volunteering on Iona, looking for a volunteering holiday Scotland experience, or simply want to contribute to something bigger than yourself, you’ll find opportunities to work, connect and reflect together.
Many guests tell us that one of the most rewarding parts of the week is the sense of shared achievement. By the end of your stay, you’ll have played a part in helping prepare the Abbey for a season of rest, ensuring it is cared for and ready to welcome guests again in the year ahead.
Can’t make these dates? We also offer a Spring Work Week in March as we prepare the Abbey and grounds for the start of a new season.
Meet the Programme Leader(s)
Your week will be guided by members of the Iona Abbey team, who hold the rhythm of community life, worship and shared activities throughout your stay.
What to expect
Each day follows a shared rhythm of work, worship and community life.
You’ll spend part of the day helping with practical tasks around the Abbey and grounds as we prepare for the winter season. Depending on the needs of the week, this might include gardening, maintenance, deep cleaning, organising spaces, winter preparations and other seasonal projects. No specialist skills are required — just a willingness to contribute and work alongside others.
There is also time to enjoy the island, explore the coastline and connect with fellow guests over shared meals and conversation. Worship in the Abbey Church is at the heart of each day, and everyone is warmly invited to take part.
This Iona work week offers a balance of purposeful activity and time to pause. While the week is more hands-on than many of our programmes, guests often find it to be a deeply rewarding and reflective experience. For those interested in volunteering on Iona, community volunteering or a volunteering holiday Scotland experience, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the life of the Abbey while experiencing the beauty and rhythm of island community life.
The week concludes with a ceilidh celebration, giving everyone the chance to come together, mark the end of the season and celebrate what has been achieved.
Key Information
Before booking, it’s helpful to know that this week combines practical work with community life at the Abbey. You’ll contribute to a range of seasonal projects while sharing meals, worship and daily life with staff, volunteers and other guests. No specialist skills are required, and accommodation, meals and programme activities are included in the cost of your stay.
Booking Information
What's included
Your stay at Iona Abbey includes everything you need to fully take part in the experience:
+ Accommodation in the Abbey
+ Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
+ All programme sessions
+ Music, art and craft opportunities
+ Guided walks
Pricing & discounts
Prices vary depending on the type of week and length of stay.
- Standard week (6 nights): from £960 (adult)
- Reduced rates available from £480
- Children aged 5–15: £480
- Children under 5: free (contact [email protected])
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
We offer a 50% reduced rate for eligible UK residents, including:
+ Students
+ Those on state benefits or pension
+ Those earning below the real living wage
+ Refugees, asylum seekers, or those experiencing homelessness
A 15% family discount is automatically applied for groups of four or more (where adults pay full price).
We also have an Access Fund to support those who would not otherwise be able to attend.
Food & dietary
All meals are provided, with a focus on:
+ Healthy, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients
+ Primarily vegetarian meals (with one optional meat meal per week)
We can cater for most dietary requirements (including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free), but please let us know in advance.
Accommodation
+ 21 guest rooms (single, twin, triple and family rooms)
+ Some rooms are accessible, with lift access available to certain areas
+ Guests may be asked to share a room, particularly if travelling alone
+ Families of up to four can usually be accommodated in one room
If you have specific requirements (e.g. accessibility or room type), please let us know when booking.
For full room details and accessibility information, see our Accommodation FAQs.
Support our Access Fund
While you are making your own booking, please consider making a donation towards the Access Fund if you are able to, which allows financially disadvantaged people to stay at Iona Abbey. Thank you.
Your gift would help to pay towards:
| £1,000 | A week for a family on Iona |
| £300 | A week for a person on Iona |
| £200 | A week for a child on Iona |
| £100 | A week for a person at Camas |
| £50 | A night on Iona |
| £25 | A night at Camas |
Planning your stay
Getting to Iona
Travelling to Iona is part of the experience and involves:
+ Ferry from Oban to Mull
+ Bus across Mull
+ Ferry from Fionnphort to Iona
We recommend planning your journey in advance and allowing plenty of time.
Arrival and Stay
+ Arrival day is typically Saturday from 3pm onwards
+ You’ll be welcomed at the jetty or Abbey on arrival
+ Guests are invited to take part in daily community life, including optional worship and light shared tasks
Important to know
- Full balance must be paid 6 weeks before arrival
- Cancellations within 6 weeks are non-refundable
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended
- The Abbey is an alcohol-free environment
- WiFi is available but may be limited
Need help?
If you have any questions before booking, you can contact the team at [email protected]
USA North East