Bee Keeper for a Day

What Can I Expect

Get a buzz from a hands-on beekeeping course in Sussex and discover the fascinating world of honeybees in the tranquil countryside of the High Weald, close to East Grinstead.

Set amongst beautiful woodland and gardens, the introductory beekeeping courses offer a unique opportunity to step inside the world of apiculture and experience a working beehive at close quarters. Led by passionate horticulturists and advocates of self-sufficiency, Lisa Aitken and Oliver Sinclair, you'll learn how bees, flowers and their hive work together to create one of nature's most delicious gifts — honey.

During the course, you'll discover how a bee colony works and learn about the different roles of bees within the hive. You'll have the opportunity to see the intricate patterns of beeswax, observe the fascinating activity of a working colony and, if you're lucky, spot the queen bee amongst her thousands of workers.

They'll introduce you to the basics of caring for honeybees, including how beekeepers inspect and manage a hive and how honeycomb can be harvested responsibly without harming the health of the colony. You'll also learn about the different types of beehives and the care honeybees need to thrive in the UK's changeable climate.

Most importantly, this is a practical and interactive beekeeping experience. Rather than simply listening to a talk, you'll be able to get close to the bees, observe their behaviour and see for yourself what life inside a hive is really like.

Don't worry if you've never been near a beehive before. All the protective equipment you need is provided, including the essential beekeeper's veil, and our courses are relaxed, friendly and suitable for complete beginners. Small group sizes mean there's plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get involved.

Take a break during the day to enjoy lunch and refreshments with your fellow budding beekeepers, surrounded by the peaceful Sussex countryside. In just a few hours, you'll gain a fascinating insight into the lives of these remarkable insects and the traditional skills involved in keeping bees.

And, of course, there's the honey. After discovering how bees transform nectar from flowers into honey, you can visit the Forest Garden shop and take home a jar of our own golden Sussex honey.

Whether you're looking for a beekeeping experience in Sussex, a unique countryside day out, or simply want to learn more about honeybees and sustainable living, our introductory beekeeping courses offer a memorable way to get closer to nature.

Come and lift the lid on the hive, meet the bees and discover the extraordinary world of beekeeping!

When Is It Available

• 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

2027 Scheduled Dates:

• Sunday 16 May
• Sunday 13th June
• Sunday 18th July 

Suitable For

• Participants should take a pair of rubber or leather garden gloves that are long enough to tuck sleeves into.
• Long boots, preferably Wellingtons, with socks
• Long trousers must be worn but protective over clothing will be provided
• No minimum age, but under 16's should be accompanied by a participating adult

Spectators

• There is limited car park and two disabled spaces
• Unfortunately this activity is not suitable for spectators

Anything Else

• 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