Have you ever watched bees working away on a summer’s day and thought,
“I’d love to try that”? Now’s your chance.
If so, our Taster Day will help answer some of those questions.
What to Expect:
Whether you’re ready to start a new hobby or just want a unique, nature-filled day out, this taster session offers a rare look into the secret life of honeybees.
- Get up close with a real working hive under the guidance of experienced ELBKA beekeepers
- Learn the basics of bee behaviour, hive structure, and seasonal beekeeping tasks
- Try your hand at inspecting frames and spotting the queen
- Ask questions, handle equipment, and find out if beekeeping is right for you
Feedback from past attendees:
“Absolutely brilliant! I learned so much and loved getting into a suit and seeing inside the hive. Highly recommend.”
“The tutors were fantastic—patient, knowledgeable, and passionate. I feel inspired to learn more!”
Spaces are limited to keep the experience personal and safe. Book now to secure your spot before it fills up. The cost for the day is £50, to include a light lunch, refreshments on arrival and during the day.
We’d love to welcome you to the world of bees.
The Agenda for the day is as follows:
10.00am – arrival, coffee/tea and general welcome.
10.20am – background talk.
11.20am – honey tasting.
11.30am – description of the hive, what is involved during the beekeeping year, including tools and
equipment required, the swarming process.
12.30/45pm – lunch provided.
2.00pm – demonstration of practical beekeeping with hive opening. Q&As.
4.00pm – finish.
Taster Day: Thursday 23rd July 2026
Location: Cockenzie House, East Lothian, EH32 0HY. The Willow room (under the cafe)
Date: Thursday 23rd July
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Fee: £50
Parking: Main Street. (internal car park for studio holders)
What to bring: We will provide beekeeping suits and gloves. Bring wellies or high top boots, and long socks!
The course will have a maximum of 12 delegates.
Ts & Cs
In case you need to cancel your booking, we offer flexible refund policies. You can receive a full refund within 14 days of booking (provided you haven’t attended the course). After 14 days and up to 30 days before the Taster Day, a £10 admin fee applies, with a £40 refund. Cancellations within 30 days of the course date are subject to no refund, unless we can fill your spot from our reserve list, in which case a £50 refund will be issued to you.