Tea with the Bees and Cake with the Cows - Experience AND 2024

Part of Experience Ards and North Down 2024. Click here to see the full programme. 

Tea with the Bees and Cake with the Cows is a unique farm experience hosted at Ballyboley Dexters, Orlock, on the coast between Donaghadee and Groomsport. As practitioners of regenerative farming, The Alexander Family are part of a small group of farmers in Northern Ireland dedicated to practices that extend beyond sustainability, focusing on revitalizing the environment and mitigating the impact of climate change.

The Alexanders will provide a warm welcome as you embark on a guided walk through the fields, discovering why the family started farming Dexter Cattle, their journey from conventional farming to regenerative practices. You will see the 16 species 'herbal leys' that replace conventional grassland on the farm. During the walk you will hear tales and facts about the local place - the history of Orlock and how Irish and Ulster Scots people influenced the area. There is so much to share about the Orlock Coach Road, the Copeland Islands and tales of smugglers!

Then it is time to meet the stars, the Dexter cattle herd and native black Irish Bees, learning about their crucial roles in maintaining a nature-friendly farm.

This beautiful experience will end with a Farmhouse Tea - wild style! Seated at a table in the middle of the field surrounded by spectacular views and picturesque landscape. The farmhouse tea will include a choice of tea or coffee, a savoury item (sandwich or Dexter sausage roll), and a delectable slice of cake or traybake.

Things to note Meet 15 minutes before, at 2.15pm

Under 16s should be accompanied by a paying adult.

Children aged 16 yrs and under will be provided with a bespoke farmhouse tea – if you want to have the adult farmhouse tea please lets us know or feel free to book an adult ticket.

Individuals need to be able to walk approx. 2km over fields with no footpaths.

This experience is based outdoors, please dress appropriately for navigating uneven ground and for warmth and comfortably as dictated by the weather.

Tickets close four days prior to activity.

Dietary requirements and allergies Please ensure that you check with all members of your party regarding food allergies, intolerances, and dietary requirements prior to booking tickets. It is the responsibility of the ticketholder to inform a member of staff at the host venue about food allergies, intolerances and specific dietary requirements.  This must be done 72 hours before the experience by contacting Lorraine: hello@ballyboleydexters.com

Due to the nature of the experience and the liklihood of visitors being around high pollen areas, if you have medical conditions such as allergies, especially with regards to bee stings, hay fever, please make Lorraine aware.

Please note: Menus for this experience are seasonal and subject to change without advance notice. For information contact the host venue for info that you are interested in.

Getting there

By Car: From Belfast follow the signs for the A2 towards Bangor.  Continue along the Belfast Road, turning right onto West Circular Road.  Take the second turn at the next 4 roundabouts.  Approaching the 5th roundabout take the 3rd exit and continue along the Donaghadee Road.  Destination on the left.

By Bus: See Translink NI website for bus departure and arrival times.

Accessibility                                                                                                                                  Individuals need to be able to walk approx. 2km over open fields that have no footpaths. Please wear suitable footwear. This experience may not be suitable for those with mobility issues - Please contact the Visitor Information Centre team for more information.                                                      

Carers  Where practicable providers within the Experience Programme will aim to accommodate carers and be as inclusive as possible. With such a diverse range of activities, operated by a number of providers, it is necessary for this to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069, and they will be able to address your enquiry.

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Online booking fees apply. Avoid the booking fee and buy direct through our Visitor Information Centres.

All details subject to change.

Entrance Fee