Apitherapy Experience - The calming world of the honey bee

What your visit includes

🐝 Private use of the Apitherapy Shed

🍯 Honey tasting from our own rescued bee colonies

🍞 Homemade bread & refreshments

🌿 Time to relax and reconnect with nature

👨‍🌾 A warm welcome from an experienced beekeeper

Relax above our rescued bee colonies in our purpose-built Apitherapy Beehouse, surrounded by the gentle hum of thousands of bees in the heart of the Shropshire countryside.

Our experiences are available for one or two guests, making them perfect for individuals, couples, family members or friends looking to enjoy something truly memorable together.

There’s nothing quite like opening a beehive and seeing thousands of honey bees working together.

Whether you’ve always been fascinated by bees or you’re simply looking for a unique countryside experience, our Meet the Bees Experience gives you the opportunity to step into the fascinating world of the honey bee alongside one of our experienced beekeepers.

You’ll leave with a new appreciation for these remarkable insects and the vital role they play in our environment.

Meet The Bees - Hands on Beekeeping Experience

Looking for an engaging speaker for your WI, gardening club, business or community group? Our interactive bee talks are tailored to your audience and packed with fascinating facts, stories and practical advice.

Bee Talks - Informative talks for groups and organisations

Gift a Unique Experience

Looking for a memorable birthday, anniversary, Christmas or special occasion gift? Our experiences are also available as gift vouchers throughout the year.

Our Apitherapy Experiences and Gift Vouchers offer a thoughtful way to give someone time to relax, reconnect with nature and discover the fascinating world of honey bees.

Gift vouchers are available throughout the year.

What is Apitherapy?

Apitherapy is a practice that has been enjoyed in many parts of the world for generations.

At Topsy Cottage Honey, our experience centres around the unique environment created by a thriving honey bee colony. Guests relax in our specially designed Apitherapy Beehouse (or Beeshack as we like to call it) while the bees continue their natural work safely beneath the ventilated benches.

There is no direct contact with the bees during your visit. Instead, you can simply unwind while enjoying the atmosphere of the hive in complete comfort.

Why Choose Topsy Cottage Honey?

At Topsy Cottage, our bees are part of the family. Many of our colonies are rescue bees, carefully relocated from wild swarms and buildings across Shropshire before being given a safe new home in our apiary. Only 10% of swarms survive the year in the wild so we give the bees a greater chance of survival by catching them and housing them in a hive. The gentlest bees are selected to live in the 4 Beehouse hives.

Every visit helps support sustainable beekeeping, local pollination and the continued care of these remarkable insects.

Located in the historic village of Wroxeter, surrounded by wildflowers, blossom and beautiful countryside, Topsy Cottage Honey offers a peaceful setting unlike anywhere else.

What to Expect During Your Visit

From the moment you arrive, we’ll make you feel at home.

We’ll begin by welcoming you to Topsy Cottage Honey before introducing you to the fascinating world of honey bees and explaining how the Apitherapy Beehouse works.

You’ll then have time to relax above our active colonies, surrounded by the gentle hum of thousands of bees as they go about their daily work beneath you.

During your session, you’ll be invited to enjoy refreshments and homemade bread served with our own honey while chatting with your host and asking any questions you may have.

Before you leave, you’ll also have the opportunity to browse our range of locally produced honey, beeswax candles and gifts if you wish.

The Hive Environment

One of the most remarkable aspects of the experience is the atmosphere created by a healthy honey bee colony.

The gentle sound of thousands of bees working together, the warm air rising naturally through the hives and the subtle aromas of beeswax, honey and propolis combine to create an environment that many visitors describe as peaceful, calming and unlike anything they have experienced before.

Every person’s experience is unique, which is part of what makes each visit so special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be in contact with the bees?

No. The bees remain safely within their hives beneath the Apitherapy Shed throughout your visit.

Can I be stung?

Even in managed colonies bees are still wild animals so there is a chance of being stung, but we take every possible step to minimise this risk. There is no direct contact with the bees during the experience, the bees can't get inside the Beehouse and protective clothing is provided to go to and from the Beehouse through the apiary. Even so if you have an allergy to bee stings it is recommended that you only attend the experience after consulting a doctor.

How long does the experience last?

Approximately one hour.

Can two people attend together?

Yes. Our experiences can be booked for either one or two guests.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing is recommended so you can fully relax during your visit. Do not wear strong deodorants and perfumes as the bees do not like this.

Can I purchase honey afterwards?

Absolutely. Our honey, beeswax candles and seasonal gifts are available to purchase following your experience.

Meet The Bees - Beekeeping Experience

Join one of our experienced beekeepers for an unforgettable hands-on journey into the heart of a working honey bee colony.

After being provided with protective clothing and a full safety briefing, you’ll open a live hive and discover the incredible organisation of a honey bee colony. Learn how bees communicate, how honey is made, the role of the queen, workers and drones, and how thousands of bees work together to support the hive.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions while enjoying a relaxed and informative experience tailored to your level of interest. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have always wanted to experience life inside a hive, we’ll ensure you leave with lasting memories and a greater understanding of these amazing pollinators.

Available April - September, weather permitting. Gift vouchers can be purchased year round.

Following your visit, you’re welcome to browse our range of locally produced honey, beeswax candles and seasonal gifts.

Bee Talks - Talks for groups and organisations

Our engaging Bee Talks are perfect for Women’s Institutes, gardening clubs, allotments, businesses, community groups and organisations looking to learn more about the wonderful world of honey bees.

Each talk is informative, entertaining and tailored to suit your audience. Topics can include the fascinating life of a honey bee colony, the importance of pollinators, how honey is produced, swarm rescue, sustainable beekeeping and the challenges bees face in the modern world.

Whether you’re looking for an inspiring guest speaker, an educational presentation or something a little different for your group, we’d be delighted to share our passion for bees and answer your questions.

If you’d like to arrange a Bee Talk for your organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

We Look Forward to Welcoming You

At Topsy Cottage Honey, we’re passionate about caring for our bees, producing exceptional Shropshire honey and sharing the remarkable world of honey bees with visitors of all ages.

Whether this is your first introduction to bees or you’re already fascinated by them, we hope you’ll leave feeling inspired, refreshed and with a deeper appreciation for these incredible insects.

We look forward to welcoming you to Topsy Cottage Honey.

Personalised Guidance for Your Experience

For custom booking needs, our team is here to provide tailored assistance.

Begin Your Journey to Natural Wellness

Discover the profound calm and restorative power of apitherapy. Your sanctuary awaits in the heart of Shropshire.