FAQs

Ivy Cottage Bees is located in Little Canfield, near Dunmow, just a 20-minute drive from Stansted Airport.

Yes, all visits to our apiary must be pre-arranged. You can also visit our shop by appointment.

For the beekeeping experience, we recommend wearing long-sleeved clothing and long trousers to protect against stings. Please wear wellies or sturdy boots with thick socks. We will provide all necessary protective clothing.

Unfortunately, there are no facilities at our apiary. For those who book on the Beekeeper Experience Day, there are toilet and hand washing facilities back at our house, where we will have lunch and finish the afternoon sessions.

Yes, your friends and family can join the final part of the beekeeping experience for an additional fee. This includes tea, cake, and the 'Beyond the Bees' talk. Please email us to arrange this. They can also explore the footpaths around the apiary and return for the final session.

Yes, children aged 7 and up can join the Taster session if accompanied by a paying adult who will be responsible for them. You can also book a private bee experience for the family. Please email us for more details.

This experience is tailored to everyone’s needs and interests. For some people, handling bees and being as up close and possible with them will be the highlight of their day whereas for others, just being in proximity of a hive will be sufficient. We will always check with you prior to opening hives and offering frames of bees for handling to check you are comfortable. Whether you handle the bees or not, there will be much to learn.