Skip to main content

Would You Survive England’s Savage Stinging Nettle-Eating Championship?

When asked why he climbed Mount Everest, pioneering mountaineer George Mallory tersely replied, “Because it’s there.” Of America’s first lunar mission, John F. Kennedy famously stated, “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”

Such is the inspiration behind man’s most famous, most outlandish, and — let’s be honest — stupidest feats in history. From rope-free climbs of El Capitan to solo hiking across Antarctica to sailing the Atlantic Ocean in a barrel, some things need to be done because, well because they just need to be done. Such is the case with Britain’s wholly unnecessary World Nettle Eating Championship.

The Bottle Inn
Commons/Wikimedia

The title leaves little to the imagination — this championship is exactly what it sounds like. In a most un-British fashion, the competition runs each year with little pomp or circumstance. Several dozen strangers gather with hundreds of spectators at the Bottle Inn pub in rural Marshwood, England (population: 310). Contestants are provided two-foot lengths of raw nettle. The brave soul who strips and eats the most leaves in one hour is declared the winner. To be clear, this is stinging nettle, a tall flowering plant with thousands of tiny, knife-like hairs designed to embed and inject chemical irritants into the skin. Few contestants last the full hour, while many more vomit resulting in immediate disqualification.

Recommended Videos

Stinging nettle has thousands of tiny, knife-like hairs designed to embed and inject chemical irritants into the skin.

If watching a bunch of savage Brits force-feed themselves toxic plants sounds like a form of Gitmo-worthy sadism, take heart. One local bloke told The Mirror, “It doesn’t hurt as much as you might think, you just get a tingling around your mouth.” If that doesn’t sell you, he went on to say, “The worst bit is the jaw ache because you’re chewing for an hour straight. I get quite carried away with it to be honest, with the crowd cheering us on. It’s quite exciting. It does leave you having to go to the toilet quite regularly.” So, it’s not that bad. Plus, there’s even live music, dancing, and a guaranteed family-friendly festival atmosphere!

Stinging Nettles
Mint Images/Getty Images

Nathan’s World Famous Hot Dog Eating Competition, Iowa’s now-banned Erotic Corn Dog Eating Contest, and that legendary pie-eating scene in Stand by Me — all testaments to our fascination with gross overconsumption. But, of course, these are more about the limits of human endurance. Likewise, the World Nettle Eating Championship is less about eating, and more about how much suffering humans are willing to endure before tapping out. Aptly named Philip Thorne set the all-time record during the 2018 championship by consuming 104 feet of stinging nettle leaves in one hour. That’s roughly the height of a ten-story building. Those “other [hard] things” Kennedy spoke of? These are those things.

The date of the championship changes each year as it depends on a good supply of nettles. Details of the 2019 event have yet to be confirmed, but it’s expected to take place in June or July pending an announcement on Bottle Inn’s Facebook page.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
The most surprising travel camera I’ve used this year? The HOVERAir X1 Pro Max
Here's how the world's first 8K flying action camera performed
HOVERAir X1 Pro Max outside

When I first heard about the HOVERAir X1 Pro Max, which claims to be the world's first 8K flying action camera, I was pretty curious — but also a little skeptical. A camera that flies and shoots in 8K? That sounded almost too good to be true.
I’ve tried a lot of travel cameras before, always looking for something lightweight, easy to use, and able to capture sharp, cinematic footage. So when this quirky little device promised all that, plus the ability to fly, I had to give it a try.
Here are my honest thoughts on the HOVERAir X1 Pro Max.
What makes the HOVERAir X1 Pro Max stand out

The biggest selling point is definitely the 8K video. In simple terms, that means way more detail than your typical 4K camera — the footage is super clear and colorful, and when I watched it back on a big screen, I caught things I didn’t even notice while filming. It shows off the scenery in a whole new way. Textures are richer, shadows are more dynamic, and the overall feel of the footage is elevated.
Now, about the flying part. Unlike some regular drones that need bulky controllers and a lot of space to carry, this one folds up small enough to fit in your hand or pocket. It’s shockingly compact. You launch it by hand or from a flat surface, and it flies with built-in sensors and an easy-to-use app. The setup is so minimal that it genuinely feels more like using a smartphone accessory than piloting a drone.
The camera also has a built-in stabilization system that keeps your video smooth, even when you’re moving or the wind picks up. That’s a big deal when you’re traveling and can’t control everything around you. Plus, it’s built tough enough to handle minor bumps and scrapes.
Battery life is decent for a device this size — about 15 minutes of flight time per charge. Not enough for all-day shooting, but perfect for quick shots and aerial views. Charging is simple with USB-C, but if you’re out and about all day, a power bank is a smart backup. 
The app is pretty straightforward and lets you control flight paths, adjust camera settings, and preview your footage as you shoot. It’s clear this was made for people who want great video without complicated controls. 
Field test: Testing the HOVERAir X1 Pro Max 

Read more
The most expensive vacation destination of 2025 isn’t where you think
Traveling to Rwanda will set you back about $18,000
Rwanda

New research from Faye Travel Insurance reveals where Americans are traveling in 2025, and how much they’re spending. While Europe remains the most popular destination overall, the priciest vacations are taking Americans much farther from home.

Topping the list is Rwanda, where the average trip runs an eye-popping $18,417. The East African country is best known for its once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking, but travelers are also booking luxury safari getaways and bespoke itineraries through high-end companies like Black Tomato. Their “Ultimate Rwanda” trip takes guests deep into the jungle for a nine-night adventure with endangered wildlife. 

Read more
If you’re someone who pays extra for the view, these hotels are bucket-list worthy
Enjoy a room with a view at these incredible hotels
London Marriott Hotel County Hall

I’ve always had a soft spot for a great view, and, I’ll admit, I’m the person who will happily pay a little extra for that perfect cityscape or ocean panorama. Whether it’s a skyline glowing at sunset, waves breaking just beyond your balcony, or mountains rising in the distance, the right view can elevate a trip from memorable to truly special. Here’s a look at some stunning hotels in unforgettable destinations that are worth booking for the view alone.

London Marriott Hotel County Hall, London, UK

Read more