Prospective beekeepers everywhere will be buzzing with this beekeeping course, held in the peaceful and tranquil countryside of High Weald, near East Grinstead in Sussex. Under the guidance of expert horticulturalists Lisa Aitken and Olivar Sinclair, you’ll discover more about these amazing insects - and the sweet honey that, with the help of Mother Nature, they make! This course will lift the lid - literally - on apiaries and find out more about the production of honeycombs and about the symbiotic relationship between bees, flowers and the hive that produces honey. This introductory course means it’s perfect for the entry level beekeeper, as you’ll be taken right back to basics on how to tend the bees and harvest the honeycomb without disturbing the hive entirely, as well as how to look after them in different weather conditions that the UK often throws our way! You’ll also get to see inside a working beehive yourself, and spot the queen bee and learn about her role and that of the other bees within the colony. All your protective gear and equipment will be provided on the day, and the course is run in quite a relaxed environment - you’ll also have a lunch break and refreshments provided on the day (although you will need to bring a packed lunch), with a chance to socialise with your fellow would-be beekeepers. And because the group sizes on these courses are kept small, it means the experience is as fully immersive as possible. You can also head to the on-site shop at the day’s end to take home a pot of the honey produced by the bees at High Weald!
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Overview
- Learn about different types of hives
- Observe the bees at close quarters
- Tea, coffee and biscuits are included
- Courses start at 10am and finish at 4pm
What's Included
- An introductory day course into the art of bee keeping
- Learn about different types of hives and equipment required
- Observe the bees at close quarters
- Tea, coffee, apple juice and biscuits will be provided but you will need to bring your own packed lunch
- You may be in a group of up to twelve people
Suitable For
- Participants should take a pair of rubber or leather garden gloves long enough to tuck sleeves into.
- Long boots, preferably Wellingtons, with socks
- Long trousers must be worn, but protective over clothing will be provided
- There is no minimum age, but those under 16 should be accompanied by a participating adult
Availability
- Experiences generally operate on selected dates between May and August
- Courses start at 10:00 and finish at 16:00
- Dates are subject to change as the opening of hives is weather-dependent
- Please note that if for any reason the experience may need to be rearranged (e.g weather) the operator will offer the next available date
Current Scheduled 2026 Dates:
- Sunday 12th July
- Sunday 9th August
Location:
- In ancient woodland High Weald on the Sussex, Surrey, Kent border
Spectators
- There is a limited car park and two disabled spaces
- Unfortunately, this activity is not suitable for spectators
How the Voucher Works
- Purchase the voucher online
- Receive your e-voucher or gift pack
- Redeem online to select location and date
- Enjoy your experience
