Starting beekeeping can feel overwhelming, hives, suits, tools, bees, delivery dates, frames, wax, health treatments… and that’s before you even open a hive for the first time.
For many new beekeepers, the hardest part isn’t the bees, it’s knowing what to buy, what fits with what, and when everything needs to arrive.
To make things simple, we’re excited to introduce our Complete Beekeeping Starter Packages, a fully tailored, all-in-one solution designed especially for beginners. Whether you’re starting beekeeping yourself or buying the perfect gift for a family member, this package takes the confusion out of getting started.
👉 View the new Starter Package page here:
https://bshoneybees.co.uk/pages/starter-package
Why We Created a Beekeeping Starter Package
Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of new beekeepers set up their first colony. Many customers contacted us with the same questions:
-
“What equipment do I actually need?”
-
“Which hive is right for a beginner?”
-
“When do I buy the bees?”
-
“What on earth is a Nuc?”
-
“Can I get everything delivered in time for a birthday or Christmas?”
It became clear that what beginners really needed wasn’t just bees or a hive — they needed a ready-built package that included:
-
The right hive
-
A suitable colony
-
The correct tools
-
Protective clothing
-
Clear timelines
-
Guidance throughout the ordering process
And so the Starter Package enquiry system was created.
A Package Built Around Real Beginner Needs
Our Starter Packages include everything a new beekeeper genuinely needs, without unnecessary extras, and without cutting corners.
A Complete British National Hive Setup
We supply our highly popular British National Pine Starter Hive Kit, which includes:
-
All hive parts
-
Frames
-
Wax foundation
-
Roof, floor, and crownboard
-
Ready-to-assemble components
This gives beginners the correct hive format used across the UK, ensuring easy compatibility with future equipment.
A Gentle, Beginner-Friendly Colony of Bees
We specialise in supplying Nucs of bees, small, established colonies perfect for beginners.
What’s a Nuc?
A Nuc (short for nucleus colony) contains:
-
A laying queen
-
Workers
-
Brood at all stages
-
Food stores
-
Everything on 5 or 6 frames
It’s the safest, most reliable way to begin beekeeping.
Beginners can choose between:
🐝 Overwintered Nucs – Available from April
The strongest and most popular way to start the season. These early colonies give beginners a great head start and plenty of time to learn before the busiest part of the year.
🐝 Spring Nucs – Available from May–June
A great alternative if April doesn’t suit your timing. Still ideal for beginners and easy to manage throughout the season.
We also offer postal and collection options, depending on the size of the Nuc and your preference.
Protective Clothing & Essential Tools Included
Your starter package can include everything needed to work confidently with bees, such as:
-
BBWear bee suit (Basic, Deluxe or Ultra)
-
Full National Hive
-
Smoker
-
Hive tool (Straight or J-type)
-
Additional accessories (optional)
We help beginners choose the right size suit and the best tool options, removing the guesswork.
A Personalised Experience — Not a One-Size-Fits-All Box
Every beginner is different. Some need posted bees, some want to collect them. Some want a deluxe suit, others want something simpler. Some need everything delivered discretely for a birthday surprise.
So instead of a rigid preset bundle, our Starter Package page lets you submit your options, including:
-
Bee availability (April or May–June)
-
Equipment needs
-
Suit type and size
-
Delivery preferences
-
Gift requirements
-
Budget
-
Timeframe
We then create a tailored quote for you based on your exact needs.
👉 You can explore the form and request a personalised quote here:
https://bshoneybees.co.uk/pages/starter-package
Perfect for Birthdays, Retirements & Christmas Gifts
Many starter package enquiries come from people wanting to buy bees as:
-
A 60th birthday present
-
A retirement gift
-
A surprise hobby starter pack
-
A Christmas present (with equipment sent early but bees scheduled for spring)
We can deliver equipment to one address and bees to another if needed, ideal for keeping the surprise hidden.
Limited Availability — Bees Always Sell Out
We start taking orders for the following season on 1st October each year.
Because our Nucs are in high demand, they sell out quickly:
-
Overwintered Nucs are usually fully allocated by January
-
Spring Nucs are usually fully allocated by April
The earlier you enquire, the better the chances of securing your preferred date.
New to Beekeeping? Start With Our Beginner Guide
If you’re completely new to beekeeping, this article is a great place to begin:
👉 Beekeeping: A Journey Into the World of Honey Bees
https://bshoneybees.co.uk/blogs/news/beekeeping-a-journey-into-the-world-of-honey-bees
It covers the basics, helps manage expectations, and gives a realistic picture of what keeping bees involves.
Ready to Start Your Beekeeping Journey?
Whether it’s for yourself or someone special, our Starter Package option makes getting into beekeeping simple, safe, and fully supported.
Fill out the form, and we’ll take care of the rest:
👉 https://bshoneybees.co.uk/pages/starter-package
If you have any questions at all, we’re always happy to help.
