What Can I Expect

Rural beekeeping in Sussex and Surrey at its best! It's all about the bees and the honey beers in the Great British countryside, as you learn about keeping bees and how delicious craft beers are made using honey. We can't think of a sweeter combination!

These two-hour beekeeping experiences take place at the Albourne Estate in Sussex and Greyfriars Winery in Surrey. Vineyards create a wonderful environment for bees and they are both incredible backdrops to your experience. Who wouldn't want to buzz around vines and the lovely South Downs and Surrey Hills all day?

To meet the bees, you will be getting kitted out in a full beekeeper suit. As you head to the hives, you might give them a little puff of the smoker to relax those busy worker bees. Now you can lift the frames and see what's happening inside. You'll be mesmerised by what you find.

Having seen for yourself where the honey comes from, it's time for a tutored tasting from your host. It'll take place within the winery and it gives you the chance to sample the fruits of the bees' labours with delicious craft beers made using honey. If you've never tasted beers with honey before, it's a must do!

As well as the beer, you'll also learn about food pairings with your drinks, as nibbles and light bites will be served alongside, to enhance your palate's experience.

With bees (and their honey), beer and tasty bites on the menu, we agree with your honey and beer making hosts that this is 'the perfect artisan foodie day out'. You can even take time after the beer tasting to explore the vineyard. Book your places on these rural beekeeping and beer courses and spend a pleasant couple of hours in the Surrey or Sussex countryside.

When Is It Available

• Selected Saturdays from April to September
• Dates are subject to availability, book well in advance to avoid disappointment
• Current Scheduled 2025 Dates;

Suitable For

• Minimum age 18
• Not suitable for anyone with a known bee allergy

Spectators

• Not suitable for spectators

Anything Else

• In the event of extreme weather conditions, a full hive inspection is not recommended to protect the bees. Instead beekeeping-related activities will be offered on-site
• Greyfriars and Albourne Estates both offer their own wine tasting & vineyard tour experiences - so why not make a full day of it?