Cornwall still has a honey fair. Callington was granted a market charter by Henry III in 1267, and in the 19th century honey fairs were held across south-east Cornwall; Callington's is the one that survives. It was revived in 1978 after lapsing during the Second World War and is run by Callington Lions, with Cornwall Beekeepers' Association supporting the beekeepers' display and honey competitions in the town hall. Traditionally held on the first Wednesday in October, it now takes place on a Saturday. Kings Orchard Honey, from nearby Harrowbarrow, is among the local producers with a stall.
Several Cornish beekeepers work with the dark native honeybee. Gwenen Apiaries at Portreath (gwenen is the Cornish word for honeybees), The Cornish Black Bee Company, Kings Orchard in the Tamar Valley and Holywell Apiaries near Truro all keep or breed local black bees, which The Cornish Black Bee Company says will fly in the cold and in Cornish 'mizzle'. At Leigh Farm in the Lynher Valley the bees work oilseed rape, borage, phacelia, hedgerows and meadows, which gives a soft-set spring honey and a runny summer honey.
Most Cornish honey is sold through farm shops, delis and markets rather than from the door. Leigh Farm, Holywell and The Cornish Black Bee Company all list their stockists. For local beekeepers and swarm help, the Cornwall Beekeepers' Association has eight groups, and the far west has its own West Cornwall Beekeepers' Association.
Use the listing details to choose how to buy, then contact the producer before travelling.
The directory does not track live stock or harvest dates. Availability, collection, delivery, prices and seasonal varieties can change, so ask the producer to confirm what is currently available.
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