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The National Beekeeping Centre Wales is a free attraction in the countryside that teaches children about the importance of honeybees – with the chance to try lots of local honeys.

This friendly visitor centre is a supporter of Welsh honeybees, which are increasingly under threat from climate change and loss of wildflower meadows. It raises visitors’ awareness of environmental issues and shows the 4,000-year history of beekeeping and honey-making, from the ancient Egyptians to the Romans. A Hive (·ä³²) Aid scheme lets you adopt a beehive, and regular courses (from £60 per person) train new generations of beekeepers.

Fun fact

Bees pollinate (ÊÚ·Û) about a third of everything we eat and play an important role in sustaining our ecosystems. In economic terms, honeybee pollination could be worth up to £200m to the UK alone.

What about lunch?

Next door is the Furnace Tearoom, part of the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre, which serves light bites – wraps (¾í±ý), fruit salads (£7) and coffee. And the nearby Pavilion Restaurant at the National Trust’s Bodnant Garden has cooked food, including baked potatoes (£5) and daily specials such as local casseroles (±ºÅÌ) with bread rolls (£6), plus coffee and cakes.

Exit through the gift shop

There is a range of bee-themed gifts in our gift shop, including bee toys (£2), wooden honey candy (£2) and a selection of honeys all made by Welsh producers (£5). The bestselling Bodnant honey (£8) goes fast.

Getting here

We are located just off the A470 on the Bodnant Estate in the Conwy Valley, and 10 minutes from the A55 north Wales coast road. Follow the brown signs just after Bodnant Gardens.

Value for money

Visits and activities for kids are free, though donations are welcome. Taster days (from £60) and the weekend beekeeping course (£80 per person) are held at Abergwyngregyn village, 10 miles west down the A55.

Opening hours

The Visitor Centre opens daily from 10 am-4 pm but it is volunteer-run, so phone ahead to check. Expect lots of fun activities around the annual Conwy Honey Fair.

1. What do we know about the National Beekeeping Centre Wales?

A. It makes money mainly by selling local honeys.

B. It invites visitors to adopt a beehive for free.

C. It’s an educational center about beekeeping.

D. It shows visitors Wales’ long beekeeping history.

2. You can buy _______ at the Furnace Tearoom.

A. bread rolls  B. fruit salads C. baked potatoes   D. local casseroles

3. How much would you have to pay for the weekend course and two bee toys?

A. £ 64         B. £ 76         C. £ 84             D. £ 96