Whisper it quietly, but it’s nearly 2026. I know! Where did 2025 go to?! How does it feel like it’s gone so quickly? Anyway, with the new year nearly upon us, it’s often a time when people are thinking about new and exciting things they might like to do. Well… allow me to suggest a few hobbies or volunteering options you might like to take a look at as 2026 rolls in.

Volunteer for the National Trust or English Heritage

Two of our largest UK charitable institutions rely extensively on the help of their volunteers in order to keep their historic houses, beautiful gardens, and expansive wild spaces across the North open to the public. If you’re able to, volunteering for one of these institutions can be incredibly rewarding – my dad used to volunteer as a warden at UNESCO World Heritage Site Fountains Abbey (jointly run/owned by the National Trust and English Heritage), and spent hours up there, walking around (with our Labrador!) and helping guests. If looking after heritage (and potentially spending more time outside, if that’s a resolution you’re thinking about!) and being a part of telling the story of a place and its people, is something you’d be interested in, there are hundreds of properties and locations across the North at which to potentially volunteer. Check out the National Trust or English Heritage volunteering websites for more information.

There’s also many many many other amazingly charitable institutions that would love your help, if giving up a few hours of your time is something you think you might be able to achieve in the New Year. From the RSPB to the RNLI, these charities rely on their incredible volunteers to keep them going – so check out whichever cause you’re passionate about, and get involved!

Get involved with a local theatre company

Ever dreamed about treading the boards? Well, maybe 2026 is there year to try it! There are theatre companies in many towns and villages, and they’re always looking for new people to help stage shows – either to be in them, or to make them happen backstage. Just in my local area and the immediate vicinity there’s Lancaster Footlights (based at The Grand), MAODS (Morecambe Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society), LADOS (Lancaster Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society), Morecambe Warblers… the list goes on! If you’re interested in theatre, singing, dance, or getting involved backstage, then I guarantee there will be a company, charity, or organisation near you that will welcome you to their throng. And remember, if actually being on stage isn’t your thing, there are so many roles available backstage – from costume, to props, to chaperoning, to producing, to set building and painting – your skills are needed and very welcomed!

Get fitter with Parkrun or a community running/walking group

If it’s your resolution to try and do a bit more exercise in the new year, why not have a go at joining something like Parkrun (found in nearly every town and city across the UK these days, with 1381 locations!) where you can be part of a community to help support those goals? Even if you go along by yourself, you can feel as if there’s plenty of other people there with the same goal as you – to get outside and to do a bit of exercise. If Parkrun doesn’t sound like your thing, then how about looking for a community walking or hiking club? With a little bit of digging around Facebook, or dodging adverts on Google, you could find a group of likeminded people who will help you get out and about in your local area and further afield, making your goals more interesting, and more attainable in 2026.

Explore The North!

How about making your New Year’s Resolution this year all about exploring your local area, and finding the hidden gems, amazing places, and great local businesses that can be found there? I know that this is definitely going to be mine in 2026 – I want to find even more places across this beautiful area of the country and shout about it. We’ve got so much on our doorstep, whether you live in Morecambe or Malton, Ambleside or Alnwick, so go and explore what your local area has to offer. Perhaps make it a challenge? Try and find fifty places within fifty miles that you can visit, either by yourself or with family and friends, to really discover how beautiful and varied your local area can be!

Coming Soon: ‘Winter Foodie Feasts to keep your January delicious’ and ‘Best Northern bakeries I’ve visited (so far!).’ Sign up below to not miss out on these articles and more!

Until next time,
The Northish Lass