Resident Bees At The Royal George
Hidden away in the beautiful Wye Valley, there is a quieter part of life at The Royal George that many guests do not expect to find. Beyond the gardens, the walks, and the views across Tintern, over 30,000 bees call our home their own.
We feel incredibly lucky to share our space with them. Every year, our bees gift us a small harvest of beautifully rich honey that reflects the wildflowers, trees, and changing seasons of the Wye Valley. It is one of the simplest pleasures we can offer here at The Royal George, and something we are genuinely very proud of.
You can enjoy our honey during breakfast from the buffet each morning, or take a jar home from our Café to enjoy long after your stay has ended.
Our bees are lovingly cared for by our dedicated beekeeper from Knights Beekeeping, who regularly visits us to make sure the hive remains healthy, safe, and thriving. Their wellbeing always comes first, and we are constantly learning more about how we can support both the bees and the environment around us here in Tintern.
Bees play a hugely important role in protecting the natural ecosystem of the Wye Valley. As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar, they pollinate plants, trees, and wildflowers that support local wildlife and help the landscape flourish season after season. Without bees, many of the plants that shape the beauty of the Wye would struggle to survive. Keeping bees is one small but meaningful way we can give something back to the nature that surrounds us every day.
Why We Only Harvest Our Honey Once A Year
We only harvest our honey once a year, making every jar feel like a very special gift from the bees themselves.
The health and happiness of our hive will always be the priority, which means we make sure the bees are left with more than enough honey to sustain themselves before collecting any for our own jars. It is important to us that the process is respectful, gentle, and focused on the wellbeing of the colony.
One of the loveliest things about natural honey is that no two seasons ever taste exactly the same. Depending on the flowers blooming across the Wye Valley throughout the year, each harvest develops its own flavour, colour, and character. Some years the honey is lighter and floral, while others bring deeper, richer notes. It means there is always something new to discover with every spoonful.
Supporting The Ecosystem Of The Wye Valley
Keeping bees is about far more than honey. Bees are one of nature’s most important pollinators and play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
As bees travel between flowers collecting nectar, they help plants reproduce by spreading pollen. This supports the growth of wildflowers, trees, fruits, and countless plants that local wildlife depends on. In areas as naturally rich as the Wye Valley, healthy bee populations help preserve biodiversity and encourage the landscape to continue thriving for future generations.
For us at The Royal George, caring for bees is part of caring for the environment we are lucky enough to call home.
From Hive To Table
Making honey is an extraordinary process and one that takes patience, teamwork, and thousands upon thousands of journeys between flowers and the hive.
A single bee will only produce around a twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its entire lifetime. Together, the colony works tirelessly through spring and summer collecting nectar, returning it to the hive, and transforming it into honey through a remarkable natural process.
It can take bees visiting millions of flowers to create just one jar of honey, which makes every harvest feel even more special.
Why Our Bees Are So Special
Beyond their importance to the environment, bees remind us to slow down and appreciate the small things. Watching them move quietly through the gardens on a warm afternoon is one of those simple moments that feels very connected to life here in Tintern.
Our resident bees have become a cherished part of The Royal George, and we hope that when you next visit us, you will enjoy a little taste of the Wye Valley through the honey they so carefully create.
Speak to our team to take home a jar next time you visit, or enjoy a spoonful in your tea during breakfast… We can't wait to hear your thoughts!
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