Beekeeping Experiences

Discover the fascinating world of bees with a visit to our apiary.

Beekeeping Experience

A half-day immersion into bees, honey and the craft of beekeeping

£75 per person

Join us for a relaxed, hands-on introduction to beekeeping at our home apiary. This half-day experience offers a rare opportunity to spend meaningful time with bees, learn how honey and wax are produced, and understand the role beekeeping plays in biodiversity and conservation.

Designed for curious food lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone considering keeping bees, the day balances observation, teaching, discussion, and gentle hands-on experience — all in a small, welcoming group.

What to Expect

This is a half-day experience, running from 11am to approximately 3pm, with plenty of time to ask questions, explore the equipment, and build confidence around bees.

The experience includes:

  • An introduction to honeybees and how a hive works

  • Insight into seasonal beekeeping and honey production

  • Honey tasting and discussion of flavour, forage, and seasonality

  • A look at beeswax and candle making

  • A guided visit to the hives, with the opportunity to open a hive and handle frames

  • Time for questions throughout the day

  • A light lunch, plus tea, coffee, and refreshments

Participation at the hives is optional — those who prefer to observe from a distance are very welcome and will still gain a full understanding of beekeeping and the tools involved.

Ages 12+

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult

Time
11:00am - 3:00pm

Location
Ightham, Kent

Sample Schedule

    • Tea, coffee, and introductions

    • Overview of the day

    • Safety briefing and what to expect

    • Introduction to bees, the apiary, and the surrounding environment

    • How a hive works

    • Roles within the colony

    • Seasonal beekeeping and why timing matters

    • Tools and equipment explained

    • Time to relax, chat, and ask questions

    • Covers food, biodiversity, conservation, and beginner beekeeping

    • Protective clothing provided

    • Optional hands-on experience:

      • Opening a hive

      • Handling frames

      • Observing brood, stores, and bees at work

    • Nervous guests can observe from a comfortable distance

    • How honey is made

    • From nectar to jar

    • Tasting different honeys and discussing flavour, seasonality, and texture

    • Opportunity for photos

    • Final Q&A

    • Advice for anyone considering beekeeping

    • Close at approx. 3pm

Where to Find Us

The experience takes place at our home apiary, based in a rural countryside setting. Most of the day is spent in our garden workshop and at the hives themselves.

  • Free parking available

  • Outdoor, woodland-style environment

  • Some uneven ground — guests should be comfortable walking outdoors

Toilets are available onsite (please note there is no disabled access).

Ightham, Kent

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Protective clothing is provided, including a beekeeping suit with veil and gloves. Guests should wear suitable outdoor clothing, ideally thick, loose layers (such as gardening clothes). Wellies or sturdy walking boots are recommended

  • No, this experience is designed for beginners and the simply curious.

  • No. Participation at the hives is optional. You can observe from a comfortable distance and still learn about the bees, equipment, and processes.

  • Yes — there will be opportunities for photos during the experience.

  • Sessions are weather dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable, we’ll contact you to reschedule or arrange a refund.