Beekeeping Training & Experiences
We highly recommend getting some training and ideally some hands-on experience. Learning from a qualified beekeeper or association will help you avoid common mistakes, keep your bees healthy, and ensure a more rewarding beekeeping experience.
Hands-on training offers invaluable insights into the best practices for caring for your bees, providing knowledge and experience that books and videos alone can't fully replicate.
Beekeeping Training & Experiences
Anglesey - Anglesey Bees
We are the leading provider of beekeeping training and experiences in Wales, based on customer satisfaction and numbers.
We never cancel or re-schedule our events, regardless of the weather as we have docile bees and beehives under shelter. We draw on a wealth of experience as teachers and over 30 years as beekeepers. Numbers of participants on our experiences and courses are always kept to no more than four to ensure that you get individual attention and progress quickly.
Our beekeeping experiences are aimed at individuals, families, friends and groups that would like a taste of beekeeping without committing to doing a beginner's course.
Cambridgeshire - The Barnyard Apiaries
The Barnyard Apiaries are located in the village of Litlington in South Cambridgeshire. The barns, which were originally working buildings for nearby Mossbury Farm, were converted into dwellings about 25 years ago. The land comprises approximately 1.5 acres including a mature garden, a wild flower meadow, an orchard and small spinney where the beehives are located. The Bee Barn, dating from around 1790, holds the apiary storage, honey processing facility and the teaching room. The mature garden is pollinator centric.
We run a range of day and half day courses suitable for non-beekeepers and for those with more experience. Jonathan, your instructor, has been a bee keeper for 20 years and was a Seasonal Bee Inspector for five years with the National Bee Unit (Animal and Plant Health Agency).
Cheshire - Buckleys Bees
With more than 80 years of beekeeping experience, we are a dedicated and friendly team of professional beekeepers who are committed to reversing the decline of the bee population.
Buckley’s Bees was born out of absolute passion and an evidence-based belief in the amazing value of the honeybee and the good they do in the world.
David’s experience, knowledge and inspiration, coupled with Emma’s drive to raise awareness and create new opportunities, is taking the skill of beekeeping to new places and to younger generations.
We run a range of courses for those on their beekeeping journey, whether a beginner just starting out or an experienced keeper wanting to brush up on their knowledge.
Our courses are very popular and often over subscribed, so availability can be limited.
If you would like to find out more about our courses and when they will be running please contact us.
Cheshire - Happy Valley Honey
Happy Valley Honey is a family-run beekeeping business nestled in the scenic village of Bollington, Cheshire, at the foothills of the Peak District. Founded in 2008 by Paul and Claire Beardmore, the venture began as a casual conversation over a pint at the Vale Inn, sparked by a shared appreciation for the local countryside and a photo walk around the area. Little did we know that it would grow beyond our initial dream of keeping some bees.
We are now a thriving family-run hive of activity, supplying pure English honey to customers throughout Cheshire and the surrounding areas.
Happy Valley Honey also engages with the community by offering beekeeping taster days from our base in Endon Quarry, Kerridge, providing hands-on experiences for those interested in apiculture.
Conwy - Bees Wales
If you have always wanted to learn about honeybees and how beekeepers work with them, then a one- day Taster course may be just what’s needed. If you are intent on getting bees at some point, then the two-day weekend course is aimed at getting you started. We start from the assumption that course members are complete beginners.
With both courses, there is a mix of class room instruction and apiary work with the bees. You will be under the guidance of experienced beekeepers and will be provided with protective bee suits for the apiary work.
Cornwall - Pepperpot Honey
If you're thinking about becoming a beekeeper, or have recently started keeping bees, we offer informative, practical and fun courses here at Pepperpot Honey to help you on your way.
We currently offer two courses:
A half day course for people who are considering whether beekeeping is for them, or people who are just interested in bees and how they live.
A full day course for people who have decided to start beekeeping and want some more knowledge before getting their first bees. We will provide you with a ‘toolkit’ of information and ideas you can use along with your own initiative to help you keep bees your way. This course provides a great starting point, and most importantly gives you plenty of opportunity to get up close to the bees, giving you the confidence for when your bees arrive.
Derbyshire - Whiteholmes Apiaries
We are a family run bee farm with 200 colonies spread throughout Derbyshire, in 16 different apiary locations.
We also breed honeybees, as we are a sustainable bee farming business. We also support other beekeepers who wish to grow their hobby or to help new beekeepers who are embarking on their own journey.
Discover the fascinating world of beekeeping with our "Meet the Bees" voucher for two people! Enjoy a hands-on, 2-hour practical beekeeping experience, where you'll learn about hive management, bee behaviour, and the importance of pollinators.
This voucher makes the perfect gift for nature lovers or anyone curious about bees!
Devon - Blackbury Farm
Introduction to the delights of beekeeping
A one-day taster event, repeated through the season. Covers the basics of beekeeping, how to start, basic equipment and clothing, and so on.
Includes a ‘meet the bees’ session so that you can get up close with a hive of bees and experience the work of a beekeeper.
Winter course for aspiring beekeepers
A winter course to prepare new or recent beekeepers. Six evening classes, leading into two practical apiary sessions in the spring when the hives are active.
Allows much more discussion and depth than the introductory day, with the aim of getting you started confidently in beekeeping.
Devon - Nearly Home Honey
If you'd like to find out more about the world of beekeeping, we offer a range of beekeeping experiences for you to choose from, including our very popular Beekeeping Taster Sessions, a Beekeeping & Colony Management Course, plus Tailored Beekeeping or Private Beekeeping Taster Sessions. Each experience will provide opportunities for you to get hands on with the bees or just observe, depending on how involved you'd like to be.
Devon - Quince Honey Farm
Get hands-on, practical knowledge in the craft of beekeeping and enjoy a day in the North Devon countryside.
Our expert beekeepers guide you through this engaging and informative day. You will get suited-up in protective clothing and have real experience of dealing with a hive of bees. You will be taught how to look after a colony of bees throughout the year with tips and advice for setting up your own hive.
Devon - Salcombe Bee Company
James & Tara reside in Batson with Boo, Buzz & Barnabee their beloved dogs. Having a long-standing interest in beekeeping, this has since developed into a full-time business. James, five years ago retired as regular army officer after 33 years and now is a full time commercial honey bee farmer.
Dorset - The Dorset Bee
Honey Bee Educational Experiences and Consultancy
We are a small group of low-intervention, natural beekeepers who feel incredibly fortunate to spend time with honeybees in their natural rhythm.
Our passion is sharing this experience with others, offering people of all ages the chance to slow down, connect with nature, and discover the quiet magic of the hive. Honeybees aren’t just calming to be around; they’re vital pollinators and essential to healthy ecosystems.
We offer 3 hour beekeeping experiences, day workshops, 2 day courses and a 5 night residential.
Essex - The Natural Hive Company
Have you ever wondered how honey is made? Spend a morning with our beekeeper and his bees learning the basics and working through the hive.
The experience will start at one of out Apiary’s in the Essex Countryside at Barleylands Farm Park, surrounded by farmland in a peaceful setting.
Fife - Main's Apiaries
Join us at our working apiary for an unforgettable, hands-on journey into the world of bees. Unlike many providers, we offer exclusively private sessions — giving you and your group our full attention, a tailored experience, and plenty of time to explore and ask questions. You'll suit up, open a live hive, and get a fascinating insight into the inner workings of a colony — all under the guidance of an experienced beekeeper. Perfect for individuals, couples, families, or as a unique gift, these 2-hour experiences run from late spring through summer and are suitable for all ages and abilities.
https://www.mainsapiaries.com
Gloucestershire - Harry's Bees
Would you like an experienced beekeeper all to yourself? How about a beekeeping mentor for the day?
You might be new to beekeeping, or you might have had bees for a while. If you want to learn at your pace, then this day is for you.
Join Harry at one of his working apiaries in the beautiful countryside around Cheltenham.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to work 1:1 with a full-time, professional beekeeper. He’s your mentor - you can ask him anything and everything.
Hampshire - Beeutiful
Have you every wondered what goes on inside a bee hive? Have you always had an interest or even a fascination with the workings of a bee colony? Most of us will never look inside a bee hive despite an interest, a fascination or a desire. I have been beekeeping for ten plus years, run 15 colonies and train others to become beekeepers at my local beekeeping association. I am passionate about education, passionate about the current decline of our pollinator populations and want to raise awareness of this very special insect. I am therefore inviting you to take a peek inside the magical world that is a honey bee colony.
You will learn about the workings of the hive, the role of the beekeeper, the tasks involved during a beekeeping season & most importantly you will spend time looking inside a hive, handling the bees and learning visually.
Hampshire - The Noble Bee
A hands-on beekeeping experience day at Furzedown Farm Wildlife Conservation Woodland, led by professional beekeepers Simon Noble and Chloe Harvey. The event offers an engaging and educational introduction to beekeeping and nature conservation.
Activities include:
- Introduction to The Noble Bee and the conservation woodland
- Honey tasting from around the world
- Talks on bee life cycles, beekeeping practices, and equipment
- Lunch by the pond
- Guidance on supporting bees and pollinators at home
- Observation of a wild bee colony and inspection of an active hive
- Candle-making with beeswax
- Complimentary jar of honey and Planting for Honey Bees guidebook
- Visit to the Honey Room and pop-up shop
- Tea and coffee available all day
Overall, the day combines education, hands-on experience, and relaxation in a natural woodland setting.
Hampshire - Honey Bee Happy
Come along to our country setting and spend time getting to understand these amazing creatures.
We love meeting and teaching other bee keepers. Set in the heart of the beautiful Hampshire countryside, we have courses for all experiences, whether you are new to bee keeping or experienced and want to learn about queen rearing.
Hertfordshire - BuzzWorks
BuzzWorks offers one-off experience days in addition to introductory sessions and training for new and improving beekeepers. We offer a range of experiences to suit all levels.
The Honeyworks Beekeeping Centre on Burford Way is home to our large apiary and teaching centre.
Its wildflower meadow, fruit trees and wildlife pond create the perfect environment to learn new beekeeping skills, working alongside our friendly and supportive, experienced beekeepers.
Isle of Wight - Isle of Wight Bees
Set up in 2011, Isle of Wight Bees is the result of chance. Accompanying a friend who wanted to keep bees, Christine attended a course on beekeeping. From the moment she was introduced to the honeybees at their hive, she was completely hooked. Every day since, her life has been involved in bees in some form or other. She now has over 80 hives across the Isle of Wight.
Christine now helps to train other novice beekeepers, is a registered Bee Farmer and has DASH certification (Disease Assurance Scheme for Honeybees) – an Earned Recognition Plan.
Kent - Arms Apiaries
Discover the world of the honey bee with an exclusive up-close and personal experience at our Elephant house apiary in the heart of Kent on the edge of the North Downs.
Located in Aylesford in Kent the apiary is set within Cobtree Manor country Park surrounded by ancient woodland and features green open spaces, wooded paths, picnic areas, a wooden fort playground & sculpture trail.
The experience will be held in the old Elephant house, that once was part of the old Maidstone zoo in the mid 1900’s.
I look forward to introducing you to the fantastic world of the honey bee - and I hope that this beekeeping experience may inspire you to become a beekeeper yourself.
Kent - Bramble Farm Bees
At Bramble Farm Bees, we are dedicated to bringing the finest, locally-sourced honey and bee-related products to your table. As experienced beekeepers, we manage 5 apiaries in the picturesque Medway and Maidstone area of Kent. With our flagship apiary nestled on a smallholding in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the North Kent Downs.
We offer a wide selection of products, including pure, raw honey, beeswax, propolis, and even live bees for those looking to start their own hives.
Kent - Fort Amherst
Join us for a unique experience meeting the Fort Amherst bees in the heart of Medway.
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and includes a lunch in the Cannon Cafe. Starting at 11:00 daily.
Discover the importance of bees, then don your beekeeper suit and get close up and meet them whilst they are hard at work.
Leicestershire - Honey Craft
Have you ever wondered what’s inside the beehive? What the honeybees do and what’s so special about them? Take part in the exclusive bee keeping experience with Honey Craft's Beekeeper!
Join a beekeeping inspection with our beekeeper, where you'll find out all about bees. We will open the hive so you can meet the colony and if you're lucky, you might even spot the Queen Bee... You will be kitted with a beekeeping suit and gloves for the session, but will need to bring your own wellington boots or sturdy shoes.
Lincolnshire - Bees & Co
If you’re looking for something a bit different for yourself, or as a gift, you’re in the right place!
We offer an exciting and diverse range of fun workshops and experience days. From gardening for pollinators, to beekeeping, and mead making to fire pit cooking; you can experience it all, here on Jez’s award-winning honey farm!
London - Bushwood Bees
Beekeeping can be a very rewarding craft. Many take up beekeeping to support our pollinating insects, many others for the honey, some for the great social aspects it brings, and others for the joy it brings in getting back in touch with mother nature. Whatever your reasons you should carefully consider if you have both the time and budget to dedicate to this craft. We also highly recommend you attend a beekeeping course before making any purchases and join your local beekeeping association.
We run a limited number of hands on professional courses each year in London (E1) where you will learn all the practical and theoretical skills required.
London - Hiver Beers Urban Beekeeping
Join us urban beekeeping in central London! Nestled in Kennington Park, a short walk from Kennington or Oval tube stations, our urban aviary is a haven for bees and people alike.
You'll begin the session learning all about bees before you head to the hives to get hands on. The beekeeper will teach you all about urban beekeeping, before you head for a tutored beer tasting with our expert host.
Norfolk - Staithe Farm Beekeeping
Keeping bees is fun, but there is more to it than putting them into a hive and waiting for the honey!
If you’d like to look inside a beehive to see what’s going on or do enough training to start keeping your own bees then it is advisable to learn from someone properly qualified to teach you. Richard achieved Master Beekeeper status in 2018.
Beekeeping courses at Staithe Farm vary between a Beekeeping Experience of approximately Two and a half hours duration, to a Two-day Introduction to Practical Beekeeping course designed to enable students to competently keep bees by the end of the course. Both courses are suitable for complete beginners and it is not necessary to complete the Experience course before enrolling on the Two-day course. However, if you are unsure if you wish to keep bees then it is advisable to attend the Experience course first.
Norfolk - My Patch of Norfolk
I'm an experienced RHS qualified gardener & horticulturist, Beekeeper, Grow Your Own specialist & trainer, based in the Norfolk Broad village of Filby.
Along with my husband Ray, I offer Introduction to Beekeeping experiences for people interested in keeping bees as a hobby.
Our Beekeeping Experience is for novices thinking about taking their first steps into beekeeping, or anyone who wants to know about the fascinating world of the honeybee. Adults and accompanied children over 7 years of age are welcome to come and have a hands on taste of what it's like to keep honeybees.
Northamptonshire - Made By The Beekeeper
Experience the excitement of opening a hive, during the active beekeeping season.
What’s included:
Hive inspection – duration 1-2 hrs. Weather & bee dependent.
We will carry out a standard inspection to check on the health of the colony, stores, space and evidence of the queen.
Handling frames of bees and carrying out any hive manipulations required as a result of the inspection eg: queen marking, adding queen excluders or supers.
Perhaps even some frame making. There is always lots to do! Don’t worry about the terminology, I’ll explain everything.
Use of protective beesuit
Use of hive tools & smoker
New rubber gloves
Soft Drinks & Water (it’s thirsty work!)
Certificate
Oxfordshire - T C Honey Bee
Come and join us for a fun-filled day of beekeeping!
We’ll kick off with a relaxed sit-down chat about all things bees. Learn the parts of a beehive and understand what we’re looking for during inspections.
Ask questions, sip a tea, and get comfy before suiting up to visit a real working hive to inspect the bees up close, and spot the queen (if she’s showing off).
Somerset - Magee's Bees
Ready to get hands-on with one of nature’s most fascinating creatures? Join us for a full-day beekeeping adventure at Magee’s Beekeeping Experience, set in the stunning countryside of Bath, Somerset.
Our immersive experience is perfect for beginners, nature enthusiasts, or anyone curious about bees! You’ll be warmly welcomed, suited up in professional gear, and guided by our passionate team of expert beekeepers.
- 🧥 Suit Up: Put on your protective beekeeping suit and glove, it’s your ticket to the hive!
- 🐝 Explore the Buzz: Get up close with real bees, take part in hive inspections, and discover the secrets of bee life.
- 🍯 Taste the Sweetness: Enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch, sample a variety of honeys fresh from the hive!
- 📚 Learn & Discover: Understand the importance of bees, how a hive works, and why these tiny creatures matter so much.
Staffordshire - Holt Hall Apiary
Located near Tamworth in Staffordshire, Holt Hall Apiary is an award winning bee farm. Immerse yourself in the world of bees with our Beekeeping Experience session, or full day Introduction to Beekeeping course.
Suffolk - Beta Bee
Experience the world of beekeeping like never before, in the picturesque countryside of Mink Soham Suffolk. Our beekeeping experience offers an exciting opportunity for both beginners and nature enthusiasts to dive into the intriguing world of bees, learn about their behaviors, and get hands-on in managing beehives.
This experience is perfect for individuals, couples, families, and groups who are keen to connect with nature, learn about sustainability, and contribute to the preservation of these essential pollinators
You'll gain insights into the roles of the worker bees, the queen and drones, with the opportunity to witness it all first hand for yourself.
https://betabee.co.uk/products/suffolk-beekeeping-experience
Suffolk - East Anglia Apiaries
Do you want to start beekeeping and just don’t know where to start? Watched a bit of YouTube and found it a bit confusing? No worries we are here to help start you off on your beekeeping journey.
We also include ongoing mentoring and support after the course. Any questions or stuck with something feel free to call out. We want you to feel part of our extended team and you will be very welcome to join us around our apiaries when we carrying out more advanced tasks like re-queening, harvesting and carrying out hive splits.
Suffolk - Sunnyfields Bees
We celebrate the magic of nature through unforgettable experiences.
Dive into our engaging beekeeper training that makes learning about bees a fun adventure. Discover the buzz of our hives, where you can observe these remarkable creatures in action on our bee experiences.
Join our creative nature-inspired workshops to craft beautiful items from beeswax or flowers. Or attend a talk about rural life and of course bees!
Surrey - Albury Vineyard
Nestled in the picturesque Surrey Hills, Albury Vineyard is a family-run organic and biodynamic vineyard established by Nick Wenman.
At Albury Vineyard, sustainability is more than a philosophy - it’s part of daily life. One of the quietest yet most powerful contributors to our thriving ecosystem is the humble honeybee.
Whether you're curious about beekeeping, passionate about sustainability, or just looking for a unique day out, our beekeeping experience offers something special. Come and see the bees in action and leave inspired to make your garden a little more bee-friendly.
Sussex - Hiver Beers Rural Beekeeping
Starting with an in depth look at a bee hive, hosted by our expert beekeeper, you'll handle the frames and learn all about the bees. Then you'll head back to the tasting room for guided tasting of Hiver's award winning honey drinks.
We partner with the BEEautiful Albourne Estate for our Rural Beekeeping and Beer Tasting Experience. Set deep in the glorious Sussex countryside and just 8 miles from Brighton, our Sussex partner site, Albourne Estate vineyard, is a leading producer of English wine.
Sussex - Park Farm Cottage Bees
Park Farm Cottage Bees “Inside the hive” experience – A peek into the life of a beekeeper and the bees.
Experience days are tailored to give you a flavour of beekeeping. You will have a chance to open and explore the inner workings of the hive. You will learn about the various stages of the brood and to identify the caste of bees. “The Queens are in there somewhere!” You will learn to handle the bees under the supervision of Tony, the Bee Farmer. Your first delve into a hive can be daunting, but Tony will take you through the session at a steady pace.
Your session will begin with an introduction to bees and beekeeping, the equipment and tools commonly used, and a first glimpse inside the hive. You’ll then get suited and booted, ready to inspect one of the hives, help with handling the frames, and check the health of the colony.
Groups are small. No more than six people (although we can cater for individual larger groups). Bee suits are provided, you need only bring a pair of Wellington boots and a sense of adventure. Take as many photos and ask as many questions as you wish.
Sussex - Sussex Bee Farm
Join us at our stunning orchard near Storrington, West Sussex.
We’re nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park and it’s the perfect place to be transported into the magical world of beekeeping.
What to expect: Led by our experienced beekeeper, you will learn about all types of bees and pollinators, and the vital role they play in our ecosystem.
Then we’ll take a look at the various equipment used in both modern and ancient beekeeping.
Using an observation hive we’ll discuss the lifecycle of the honeybee, how and why they make honey, and why bees swarm.
You'll suit up in protective gear and get up close and personal with the bees, getting hands-on experience with beekeeping techniques. Together we’ll undertake a hive inspection using all the knowledge learnt earlier in the day. You’re guaranteed to find the Queen!
Sussex Honey: Our experience includes a jar of our amazing local honey to take home.
Sussex - The Bee Butler
Join us for our hands-on Bee Keeping Experience in Findon, West Sussex, nestled at the foot of Cissbury Ring in the stunning South Downs National Park.
During this 2-hour session, you'll get a fascinating introduction to how beekeepers care for bees, and discover:
🐝 The different types of bees inside a hive and how modern hives work
🐝 How bees are ‘made’ and the unique roles they play in the colony
🐝 What it’s like inside a live hive - spotting the queen, eggs, larvae, and newly emerging bees
🐝 A day in the life of a honey bee - what they eat and the work they do
🐝 How honey is made, with a chance to taste samples from each of our 10 apiaries
This experience is ideal for bee lovers, the bee-curious, or anyone considering keeping bees in the future.
Bee suits are provided.
Swansea - Little Walterstone Farm
Join an immersive beekeeping experience led by LWF beekeepers James and Jade. Participants will learn about bee biology, hive management, and the ecological importance of bees while safely observing and handling them under expert guidance.
The day includes hands-on activities such as hive inspection and a honey-tasting session to enjoy the flavours of different honeys. The experience aims to deepen understanding of bees, develop practical skills, and foster a greater appreciation for their vital role in nature and food production.
Wiltshire - The Wiltshire Beekeeper
The Wiltshire Beekeeper is a jolly Bee Keeper who spends his days travelling around the Wiltshire countryside looking after his bees, collecting swarms, giving talks and selling honey products.
Wye Valley - Annie Bea's Beekeeping
Under the guidance of an experienced beekeeper, you'll explore the inner workings of a beehive, discover the art of honey extraction, and understand the fundamentals of bee behaviour. Participants will have the chance to don protective gear and interact with the bees in a safe environment, gaining practical skills and insights into sustainable beekeeping practices.
Whether you’re looking to start your own hive or simply want to deepen your appreciation for these pollinators, our Beekeeping Experience provides a memorable day filled with knowledge, connection, and the sweet taste of fresh honey. Join us and uncover the wonders of beekeeping!
Yorkshire - DunnyBees
Nestled among rolling hills, lush farmlands, and vibrant conservation areas, DunnyBees is home to a thriving network of apiaries.
Our onsite apiary is the heart of our beekeeping operation, where visitors can see the magic of honey production up close.
DunnyBees began as a hobby for founder Mark Dunne (“Dunny”) in 2023, but quickly evolved into a thriving, ethically run apiary dedicated to sustainability and biodiversity. From a few hives and a deep curiosity about bees, it has grown into a vibrant community where people, nature, and bees thrive together.
To truly experience the magic of beekeeping, we recommend signing up for one of the DunnyBees experiences—a hands-on opportunity to connect with the bees and see what ethical, passionate beekeeping is all about.
More experience providers will be added soon.
If you offer experiences and training and would like to be listed, please get in touch!