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Beekeeping Experience

Join beekeeper Tim Vivian for a beekeeping experience with the hives in the Walled Garden at Hanbury Hall on Sunday 1 June.

  • Booking essential

During this 90-minute experience we will open an active hive so you can see how these amazing insects arrange their home. Following the experience, enjoy a hot drink and slice of honey loaf in the Courtyard Kitchen, included in your ticket price.

The session can be as hands on as you like, and you will have the opportunity to lift out a section of the hive to see the bees 'up close and personal'. We will carry out the inspection that a beekeeper would do and talk about all the things of interest as we look through the hive. You are welcome to take photos at any time.

Before we start you will be required to put on a full protective bee suit and gloves. This is provided – please let us know which size you require at the checkout. After a brief safety talk we will go to the apiary to visit the bees that live there.

Please note, despite all the protective gear, be aware that there is a small chance of being stung. This is not the experience for you if you know you are allergic to bee or wasp stings.

Tim has been keeping bees for nearly 30 years, at Hanbury Hall and also on the roof of a number of buildings in Birmingham. He is the vice-President of Worcestershire Beekeeping Association, an organisation that Lady Georgina Vernon of Hanbury Hall helped to set up in 1882.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
Adult £50.00

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 249 1895

Suitability

Not suitable for children

Meeting point

In the Walled Garden. The hives are located to the left hand side when you walk through the gates.

What to bring and wear

Please wear closed toe shoes or wellies if you have them. Beekeeping suits and gloves will be provided.

Accessibility

There is level access to get to the Walled Garden where the bee hives are located. Mobility vehicles are available to hire free of charge, please call the office on 01527 821214 to book. The Access Vehicle runs daily from 10am - 4pm to transport visitors from the car park up to the Hall and Stableyard and back. There is an accessible toilet located in the Courtyard Kitchen.

Other

Spectators are allowed but are advised to watch at a safe distance to avoid being stung. There will be a secure area to store your belongings during the experience.

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National Lottery Open Week at Hanbury Hall 

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18 Mar to 23 Mar 2025
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