Simon The Beekeeper Beginner / Introduction To Beekeeping Courses
Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of beekeeping? At Simon The Beekeeper, we’re passionate about getting people hands-on with bees. Our beginner beekeeping courses are designed to immerse you in practical beekeeping from the start, making them perfect for anyone eager to learn by doing rather than sitting in a classroom.
We believe the best way to learn is by experiencing beekeeping firsthand—opening hives, handling bees, and building confidence under expert guidance. Whether you’re curious about keeping bees, just starting out, or looking for practical experience, this course is for you!
Simon The Beekeeper is proud to be one of the largest beekeeping equipment retailers in Europe. Our mission is to support beekeepers worldwide and make beekeeping affordable for everyone.
Course Overview
Our one-day beginner courses run on selected Saturdays from early April to late June 2025. Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your spot.
This course is all about action—minimizing classroom time and maximizing practical, hands-on learning in the apiary. You’ll gain the skills and confidence to:
- Complete hive inspections.
- Manage swarming.
- Transfer a nuc of bees into a hive.
- Harvest honey.
- Prepare your bees for winter.
After a practical demonstration by our instructor, you’ll take control of your own hive. By the end of the day, you’ll have completed key beekeeping tasks yourself, empowering you to start or enhance your beekeeping journey.
What to Expect
Morning Session:
- Kick off with refreshments and a brief introduction to the basics of beekeeping.
- Learn about essential equipment, hive setup, and bee management techniques.
- Our focus is on practical application rather than theory—expect to see how it’s done rather than just hearing about it.
Lunch Break:
- Enjoy lunch with your fellow participants, sharing experiences and excitement.
Afternoon Practical:
- Head to our apiary for a fully hands-on session.
- Work with live colonies, practicing hive inspections, identifying bees, and understanding their roles.
- Gain confidence as you manage your own hive under expert supervision.
Q&A and Closing:
- End the day with tea, cake, and a relaxed Q&A session.
- Ask questions, share your experiences, and explore tools and techniques with our team.
Course Details
- Time: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Location: Simon The Beekeeper, Unit 9, Seafire Way, Seafire Business Park, Burscough, L40 8AH
- Group Size: Maximum of 12 participants per session
- Age Requirement: 8+
- Included: We’ll provide bee suits, leather gloves, refreshments, lunch, and a printed guide to support your learning.
Additional Benefits
After the course, should you wish to purchase any beekeeping equipment, you’ll receive a 5% discount in our beekeeping shop.
If you’re also looking for bees, we can arrange for you to take a 6-frame nuc of bees home with you at the end of the course. To reserve your colony, please call 01455 698242 before the course date.
What to Bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing—check the forecast for Burscough.
- Sturdy boots or wellies.
- Avoid wearing perfume or cologne, as it may disturb the bees.
About the Simon The Beekeeper Experience
At Simon The Beekeeper, we take pride in offering the widest variety of high-quality beekeeping suits in the UK. As part of the course, you’ll be fitted with our premium Defender beekeeping suits and gloves, ensuring you’re comfortable, safe, and ready to get hands-on with the bees.
Simon The Beekeeper is dedicated to supporting beekeepers of all levels worldwide. By making beekeeping more affordable, we aim to encourage more people to enjoy this rewarding and beneficial hobby.
Our instructor Stuart brings over a decade of beekeeping experience and a passion for sharing knowledge in a practical, approachable way. You’ll benefit from his expertise and his commitment to making beekeeping accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Booking and Cancellations
Upon booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details you need, including reminders and directions closer to the workshop date.
Key Policies:
- If poor weather prevents hive inspections, we’ll reschedule the practical session.
- Courses require a minimum of six participants. If a session is canceled due to low bookings, you’ll receive a full refund or be offered an alternative date.
- Cancellations made more than one month in advance can be rescheduled or refunded minus a 25% non-refundable fee.
Join us this spring for a unique and hands-on beekeeping experience. Spaces are limited, so don’t wait—book your spot today and start your beekeeping journey with Simon The Beekeeper!