Longleat House, renowned for its rich history and expansive grounds, is buzzing with excitement as it reintroduces its own honey production after a 75-year hiatus. Once a staple sold to visitors at the estate gate, honey from Longleat is making a grand comeback thanks to an expansion in the number of hives on the Wiltshire estate.
The estate’s walled garden, historically a source of produce for the house and local village of Horningsham, now hosts ten hives teeming with nearly half a million bees. Each hive, home to 70,000 Buckfast bees, contributes to the newly launched Longleat Honey, which will soon be available for purchase in Lady Bath’s Shop.
James Dare, Head of Facilities at Longleat, shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “It’s truly exciting to revive this tradition. The British Beekeepers’ Association notes that honey has been enjoyed globally for centuries, even found in ancient Egyptian tombs. We are delighted to bring back this historic practice and honour the estate’s legacy.”
The first batch of the Longleat Honey is currently being harvested and will be on sale in the coming weeks. Each hive is expected to produce around 35 pounds of honey, allowing the estate to triple its jar output. The honey, which will be free from additives, is flavoured by local flowers, reflecting the estate’s unique ecosystem.
Beekeeper Den Picton emphasised the importance of this endeavour, saying, “We are not only producing high-quality honey but also creating a safe environment for bees, which are vital to our ecosystem. Many bee species are endangered due to habitat loss, and our efforts here aim to support their survival.”
