The Bee Centre
The Bee Centre
5
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
‘The Bee Centre’ is a multi-award-winning, centre of excellence for bee-related education, breeding and husbandry. We provide general education and awareness regarding honeybees and beekeeping. We also deliver our award-winning 'Bee Experience', attracting visitors from around the world. We run beekeeping courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels. These practical, hands-on courses are well respected, professionally run and receive excellent feedback. ‘The Bee Centre’ is also the regional training hub for beekeepers and bee farmers wishing to gain professional qualifications through the Bee Farmers’ Association.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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  • Jackie S
    Manchester, United Kingdom2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hands on with with Busy Bees.
    The content of the class was excellent. Very thorough and interesting. Hands on outside with the bees (opening several hives) was a wonderful experience. What brilliant little creatures they are. It was a great day. Kath and Simon took their time to demonstrate how to handle the bees. It was a great day!
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 25 April 2024
  • wherewebbyat
    15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Experience at The Bee Centre
    Husband bought this for my birthday as I’ve always said I’d like to keep bees but wouldn’t know where to start. The Bee Centre was easy to find, the facilitators were friendly, incredibly knowledgeable and informative. The bees themselves were very well beehaved🤦🏻‍♀️I found it really interesting, enjoyed inspecting the hive and could have stayed there all day, it was very relaxed, no urgency or rushing to get through, the honey tasting was a nice touch……and yummy 😋 Something different to do, environment friendly, and so important to look after our bees 🐝 Booking in for a full day bee keeping next #ihaveafeelingwherethisisgoing 🐝🐝🐝
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 27 April 2024
  • Helen B
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun fascinating and informative!!
    An excellent day out for everybody. we learnt a lot about honey bees and bee keeping, the hands on experience in the afternoon was amazing . You should definitely give it a try !! Kath and Simon are so welcoming and extremely knowledgeable
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 April 2024
  • Andy H
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Buzzing from being with honey bees 😀
    Had an amazing experience, brilliant instruction by Kath & Simon, two exceptionally knowledgeable people. All fears allayed being close up and personal with honey bees, which are fascinating creatures. Can’t recommend highly enough.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled on business
    Written 28 April 2024
  • Charlotte F
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best way to spend a day.
    Excellent experience. Whole day learning about bees in a really interesting way. Came away feeling confident to make a start on bee keeping and where how to go about it. Couldn’t have asked for better teachers.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 April 2024
  • lucy g
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It’s all the Buzz
    Absolutely amazing!!! We travelled 2 hours and it was 100% worth it! We had a thorough talk about all the types of bees we would see, safety precautions and obviously an in depth talk and taste of the honey they make! Being able to hold bees and see new bees being ‘born’ was incredible! Thank you so much guys!
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 11 May 2024
  • Emily G
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing!
    An informative and fun bee experience! Getting up close and personal with these amazing creatures is such a fab opportunity and I couldn’t recommend it enough! The honey tasting afterward was also so cool, and the different infusions were amazing! You’ll want to take them all home! 🐝🐝🐝
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 11 May 2024
  • Nadya B
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fab afternoon out learning new things and tasting incredible honey made by the guys you’re learning about 🤤
    Great place. Really enjoyed our afternoon here with my older children. The people who run and own this place are great, very knowledgable. We learnt lots about these amazing creatures, there’s so much more to them than you realise! Honey tasting after which was great and got to dress like a spaceman! What more could you want 👍🐝 🍯 😊
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 May 2024
  • Emilie P
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The best Christmas gift ever!
    My husband got me a voucher for a bee keeping experience for Christmas 2023. We contacted the bee centre and made use of our vouchers yesterday, May 18th 2024. Cath, the real queen bee, took the group to her beehives and showed us her gorgeous bees working hard at their job. Cath could answer all the questions we might have about bee hierarchy in the hive, and the fact that the bees were such calm and beautiful little creatures made it for an amazing experience. After the bee keeping experience, Simon took us back to the centre for some honey tasting and more amazing facts about bees. So, if you are a bee or nature lover, get yourself to the bee centre for a one of a kind experience!
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 May 2024
  • Kimberley O
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    UnBEElievable experience 🐝 😃
    What an amazing experience, so interesting and very well run. Husband and wife team made us all feel welcome and shared so much knowledge with us. The honey tasting session at the end was a real treat too, plus lots of bee memorabilia in the well priced shop too. The honey 🍯 is next level delicious and will definitely go back for more. Thanks for a great experience! It was unBEElievebale! 😃
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 19 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles324 reviews
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HappyWhalley
Edinburgh, UK17 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Couples
Visited the bee centre In Sept. 2020 for a “bee experience” and had the most glorious day. The information was fascinating, visiting the bee hives was amazing, and it was a great, fun day out. The team here is brilliant, and genuinely focused on the important issue of preserving bees, and treating them well. I would not hesitate to return, or to recommend a visit to anyone else.
Written 29 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your wonderful review. We're delighted that you enjoyed your Bee Experience. Hope to see you again
Written 16 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

annabanana814
Stockport, UK4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
Getting up close and personal to some extraordinary black bees in the heart of Lancashire was a birthday treat from my family. What a treat it was too. Our hosts for the morning were the brilliant Simon and Kath, whose passion for their bee families and hives is infectious. They are clearly motivated to spend time engaging and working with their visitors to promote sustainable pollination.
We kicked off with a brief and fun introduction on what to expect, and were kitted out with our trendy bee keeper outfits and wellies. The hives are just a short walk up the lane, where we spent a good while taking the hive apart and watching these extraordinary insects going about their daily buzzyness whilst seemingly mooching around the hive - they work pretty hard it turns out, in all sorts of jobs during their lifetime, from nursing through to disposing of their dead buddies. We even witnessed one little baby bee popping out of it’s birthing pod. We left our little friends to their work, popped the lid back on and headed back for the honey tasting experience. Simon gave us more information about honey made from different nectar sources and ethical production. A lovely way to relax in the Lancashire sunshine. I found the whole experience humbling, and probably one of the best things I’ve done in a long while. Go do it guys, and see for yourself what an amazing contribution bees make to our communities and environment. You won’t be disappointed. Oh, and the gin distillery next door is pretty good too! I’ll be back!
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stephen S
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
I can’t recommend it enough, a really fantastic experience, I learned a lot about bees from the knowledgable bee keepers and saw the bees at work in the hive. I’ve always wanted to have a beehive and this experience has made me more determined to get one. I’m intending to do one of centres bee keeping courses next year.
An added bonus is the delicious types of honey produced at the centre that you get to ta taste and buy at the end of your experience.
Written 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great review - thanks very much. Open vouchers are now available for the courses in 2021. Check out our online shop.
Written 3 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Dave K
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
I have been thinking about keeping bees for many years but never got around to it. January i ordered 2 hives and took the plunge. I looked far and wide for a nucleus or 2 and decided on the bee center. I wasn't disappointed. Simon and Cath have been brilliant in looking after me, delivering the bees with queens and installing them with me into my hives. I have then attended a course at Brindle distillery and purchased 2 more hives and a nuc box just in case. without the support and confidence gained by engaging with these two superstars, I would be still stumbling around in the dark. the course was fun, informative and best of all hand on.
Written 21 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the fantastic review. Kath and I are delighted to know that the course is proving helpful. We also find that both the bees and the beekeeper seem to cope much better after these sessions. I think the ongoing support and initial, in-person set-up of the hives also helps to get things off to a good start.
Written 6 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Julie C
Dereham, UK3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
I was so excited to visit The Bee Centre in Chorley with 3 family members and I was not disappointed at all with the whole experience. All 4 of us were dressed in bee suits and given time to handle the bees, which was just marvellous. The bees were so placid and calm and the setting so tranquil, you lost time once there, immersed in the world of the honey bee.
I would definitely recommend the bee experience, well worth the drive up from Norfolk!
Our hosts, Simon and Kathy’s passion and enthusiasm for the wonderful little creatures really did shine through, the whole session was very knowledgeable and engaging, right from finding out which bee did what job in the hive, to honey tasting and purchasing some bee equipment for my own hive back home. We also purchased many different flavoured honey, chocolate and lip balms. The perfect afternoon, thank you Simon and Kathy 🍯 🐝 🤩
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

S049
Blackburn, UK3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Couples
Had a visit to the shop to stock up on the gorgeous hand made honey soaps. Absolutely my favourite soap of all time, they smell lovely, last for ages, don't irritate my very sensitive skin and are a great price. After taste testing the honey we also came away with the most delicious flavoured honey. Well worth a visit.
Written 19 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ricktheblue
Helmshore, UK159 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Couples
Excellent morning spent at the Bee Centre at Brindle. Simon and Kath are great hosts, making everyone feel at ease, and explaining the incredible dynamics of bees and bee keeping. The workings of the hives was fascinating, every bee having one of the many specific rolls that make the hive function and reproduce. Amazing.
The honey tasting afterwards was lovely, opening our eyes to the wide range of colours and tastes of the different locally produced honey, all completely natural and pure, the flavours a direct consequence of the different flowers in the locality. We came home greatly impressed, armed with some lovely honey we purchased afterwards.
Do not hesitate to book on with them, it’s a very pleasant and educational few hours, the experience delivered with true passion and humour by Kath and Simon.
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RIncutti67
Manchester, UK7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
We arrived (2 adults and 2 kinds) a bit less than prepared - as it was a dry day we weren't wearing wellies ... but of course you need wellies so that your bee suit legs fit into your wellies, which are then taped securely to make sure no bees get lost. Kath and Simon were super flexible and managed to source some wellies from lost property for us - lifesavers!
The actual bee experience was very educational, and my 7 and 9 year old nieces, and 54 year old husband got to conquer any bee fears by handling the bees and finding out what the girl bees and boy bees do. We also saw the Queen bee and got to look at a couple of hives. Everyone got to ask lots of questions, and Kath and Simon are of course hugely knowledgeable about their bees.
My husband got a "free frisk" to make sure he wasn't going home with any bees, which I think he enjoyed and back at the centre we also did a bee tasting - which was delicious!!
Written 9 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the fantastic review. We love working with families and the kids were a delight to have on-site. Yes, we always carry a load of spare wellies just in case. We often get customers visit, who would like to do an experience and haven't pre-booked. Occasionally we have space but often the visitors are dressed for the warm weather. Flip flops and bees are not necessarily a good combo. It's not unusual for visitors to be a bit nervous but, as you found out, our bees are very well behaved and you quickly relax, to find the experience very calming. Glad you enjoyed it. See you again soon.
Written 16 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rob M
Preston, UK42 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
Bought my wife the Introduction To Beekeeping Course (one day) as a gift and she attended with a friend. They thoroughly enjoyed both the practical and classroom experiences which were delivered in a fun and informative manner. They are now the proud owners of two hives and have had delivery of their first colony. Supportive on-going guidance and advice from Kath and Simon is readily available and very welcome.
Written 17 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wonderful. thanks for your kind review. We do love to deliver really practical courses. It seems to make so much difference to new beekeepers and we think it also benefits their bees. We also find the ongoing support proves invaluable to customers. We're just working on a few more intermediate and advanced modules to the current course offering, so we'll let you know when these are available.
Written 6 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

55Vera
Leyland, UK4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Couples
Brilliant morning enjoying the bee experience. Very informative and lovely honey tasting. My husband is now going to book on the bee keepers course and we were truly inspired. Thank you for a lovely morning
Written 24 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the lovely review. Another beekeeper in the making :-) We look forward to seeing you both again.
Written 25 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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THE BEE CENTRE (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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