ClayGarden- If you contact your local council, they will have the number of a local 'swarm catcher' get in contact with them and they will put you on the list of people wanting bees! you just go and collect them! It's how I got mine. Down sides....
You never know what you will get clam/aggressive bees- mine are just a touch humpy-very much so, but I love them just the same, I just get stung a lot...by my own fault always!
Or - if they have any of the many bee diseases that are about these days.
Plus sides....they are free!
If you can get an early summer swarm its much better than a late season one, more time for the colony to strengthen before winter.
Birdie Wife - the first time I started it was by way of a bee keeping friend, we went and collected a swarm. After a 13 year gap I have restarted again from the basics by going on a course. I really needed to get up to speed on the nasty bee diseases!!
I got my bees from the local council 'swarm catcher'
Most areas have a branch of the British Beekeepers Ass. they will help you as much as possible. Our area is great and they very, very helpful.

and, SAY YES.....I am sure you will love having bees!