Complete Beekeeping Starter Packages
Everything a beginner needs to start their beekeeping journey, customised into one simple package.
The Perfect Way to Start Beekeeping
Whether you're preparing to start your own apiary or buying a gift for a loved one, our tailored starter packages make beginning beekeeping simple, safe, and enjoyable.
We supply everything a new beekeeper needs, including:
- A complete British National Hive
- A calm, beginner-friendly colony of bees (Nuc)
- Protective clothing
- Essential hive tools
- Guidance on which options suit your needs
- UK-wide delivery, including live bee postage
- Full support during the ordering process
Our bees are Buckfast, known for their calm temperament and suitability for first-time beekeepers
Why Choose BS Honey Bees?
🐝 Specialists in Supplying Beginners
Most of our customers are completely new to beekeeping, we cater specifically for first-time beekeepers.
🐝 Pedigree-Bred Bees, Raised for Temperament
We retail over 9,000 queens a year and supply around 10 million bees, specially selected for steadiness and productivity.
🐝 Simple, Stress-Free Packages
We’ll advise on the right hive, suit, tools, and Nuc to match your preferred delivery date.
🐝 Early-Season Overwintered Nucs Available
Start strong with our highly recommended April Overwintered Nucs, the best option for beginners.
What’s Included in a Starter Package?
Typical packages include:
- British National Pine Starter Hive Kit (includes all frames & wax)
- Overwintered or Spring Nuc of bees
- Bee suit (BBWear) in your chosen size & colour
- Smoker
- Hive tool
- Additional accessories (optional)
What Is a Nuc of Bees?
A Nuc is a small, established colony of honey bees that includes:
- A healthy, laying queen
- Worker bees
- Brood at all stages (eggs, larvae, sealed brood)
- Food stores (honey & pollen)
- All housed on either 5 or 6 frames, depending on the type you choose
This is the standard and safest way to start beekeeping.
It is not a swarm, and you don’t need to buy a queen separately, everything comes together as a complete, functioning colony ready to grow in your hive.
5-Frame vs 6-Frame Nucs
- 5-Frame Nucs
Smaller colonies, suitable for postal delivery. - 6-Frame Nucs
Slightly larger and stronger colonies, available for collection.
Whether you choose an Overwintered Nuc (April) or a Spring Nuc (May–June), both are beginner-friendly and contain calm, gentle Buckfast bees, our recommended bee for new beekeepers.
Beginner’s Guide to Beekeeping
If you're completely new to beekeeping, this introduction will help you understand the basics: Beekeeping: A Journey into the World of Honey Bees
All bees for 2026 Fully Allocated
As all of our bees are now fully allocated for 2026, our Starter Package form is now closed.
Thank you to all those that submitted and started your beekeeping journey with us!
Form will reopen on 1st October 2026 for 2027 season.
Important Information About Availability
Starter package quotes are subject to live bee availability at the time of enquiry.
We begin taking orders for the following season on 1st October every year, and availability is limited due to high demand and the logistics of producing high-quality colonies.
Typical availability runs as follows:
Overwintered Nucs (April): usually fully allocated by January
Spring Nucs (May–June): usually fully allocated by April
If you’re planning ahead, especially for a gift or a specific start date, we strongly recommend securing bees as early as possible.
