Honey bees for sale UK

We raise a select batch of honey bees for sale in Nucs (abbreviation of nucleus). Top quality and forefronted by one of our F1 Buckfast queens they are a great way to start keeping honey bees in the UK.

When you buy honey bees from us we guarantee you a great quality colony, packed with worker bees and a mated Buckfast queen. Buckfast bees are the industry standard for great genetics in the UK, they are the most common breed of queen.

Our bee nucs for sale are on National Frames (BS4), which most beekeepers in Britain use. Please note: these are not compatible in Langstroth hives.

Useful notes:

  • Honey bees are delivered via Royal Mail post
  • Only pay the deposit now and full-price on despatch
  • Bees arrive in correx nuc box. 
Honey bees for sale UK
Q&A Icon
Questions & Answers

What is a nuc of bees?

Nucleus colonies are small beehives of honey bees with fewer frames than a full-size hive. This allows for easy movement of the colony into its final location.

When is the best time to buy bees?

The best months to start beekeeping are April to June in the UK. As the days get longer towards the summer solstice, the bees’ brood nest grows rapidly. Colonies expand quickly, growing from a 6-frame nuc to 10 frames within weeks. Many beekeepers can even harvest honey from a nuc purchased in April.

How do I receive my purchased bees?

You’ll receive your bees in a correx nuc box, a disposable plastic container we use for shipping. Our nucleus colonies are available for both collection and delivery.

How much is postage?

Delivery is only £9.50 for anywhere in the UK (excluding Ireland). If you purchase a bee colony, it will be delivered on the date mentioned on the product page via Royal Mail Special Delivery.

What time of year should I buy a beehive and bees?

We sell our over-wintered nucs between October and March. Starting beekeeping early in the year helps the colony build up enough strength before winter, improving its chances of survival.

How do I order bees?

Ordering bees from us is simple! Thousands of nucs are purchased online each year and shipped directly to customers. We transfer the bees from one of our poly hives into the correx nuc box just hours before shipping, ensuring top quality upon arrival.

Is it easy to transfer the bees from the nuc to the hive?

Absolutely! Every bee order comes with an easy-to-follow guide on transferring bees from the nuc into your hive. This guide ensures the process is smooth, even for beginner beekeepers.