A stinging day out in Dorset

The annual World Nettle Eating Championships on June 21, set in the idyllic West Dorset village of Marshwood, is a guaranteed hoot when competitors from all over the world gather together to risk fat lips and swollen tongues in a bid to earn this coveted title. Book now with self-catering accommodation specialists Dorset Coastal Cottages to ensure you don't miss out on the most eccentric event on the UK calendar.

Entrants are required to munch their way through huge bunches of stinging nettles and the one who consumes the most in the space of one hour, is crowned the winner.

These oddball Championships, now in their 22nd year started over an argument in a pub back in 1986, when two farmers argued about the length of each other’s nettles. The Longest Nettle competition was planned and very quickly turned in to the Nettle Eating Championships when one of the farmers pledged to eat any nettle longer than his!

The World Nettle Eating Championships, which now attracts competitors from as far afield as Australia, also offer a chance to learn more about the humble nettle and pick up some great ideas for cooking with this quintessentially English leaf. Nettles are a great source of iron and make a hearty soup, can be used as an ingredient for a tasty risotto, or can be brewed up to make a delicious, distinctive tea.

To make sure you don’t miss out on this highly eccentric event, book well in advance with Dorset Coastal Cottages, specialists in quintessentially Dorset self-catering accommodation along the Jurassic coastline.

Choose from Horseman’s Barn, a charming rural retreat in nearby Uplyme an area of outstanding natural beauty and minutes from the thriving coastal resort of Lyme Regis. The cottage sleeps up to five people and costs £555 to rent during the Championship week. Or, you may prefer Peter’s Finger’ a dreamy, thatched, chocolate box cottage in Chideock, on the lane leading down to Seatown beach and featuring a four-poster bed. The cottage sleeps up to six and costs £655 for the week.

Further information is available from Dorset Coastal Cottages at Dorsetcoastalcottages.com.