This is what will happen in the Apple Throwing Championships at North Yorkshire stately home
Newby Hall will be the place to be for anyone who has ever wanted to see the fine art of apple throwing in action.
One of North Yorkshire’s finest stately homes and gardens is to close its 2026 season on Sunday, September 27 with its quirky but hugely popular Apple Day celebrations, featuring the return of the hotly-contested Apple Throwing Championships and the World Jam Festival and Awards.
Now in their fifth year, the Apple Throwing Championships run from 1pm to 3pm as competitors attempt to launch apples across the River Ure.
The longest throw secures a place in the 3.30pm grand finale and the chance to win the trophy.
Last year’s winner, Lucas Robinson from Workington, recorded an incredible throw of more than 80 metres to secure the title.
Visitors on the day can enjoy pressing demonstrations, cider tasting and a display of heritage apple varieties from Newby’s orchards.
The World Jam Festival and Awards will also return after attracting more than 200 entries last year from as far afield as Australia and Brazil.
Judging will be led by Michelin‑starred chef Andrew Pern, with categories including jams, preserves, chutneys, relishes, pickles, curds and fruit butters.
The winner of the Best in Show trophy will also have the chance to have their entry stocked in Newby Hall’s shop.
Entertainment includes Harrogate Spa Town Ukes and Beijing‑based dancer Yulin Luo, plus a ‘Best Hat’ competition.
Newby Hall head gardener Lawrence Wright said: "Newby’s orchards are filled with heritage varieties of apples, some dating back to the 1880s.
"As well as managing the historic varieties, we work in partnership with the Northern Fruit Group to plant new more manageable trees.
"The resulting fruit is used to make apple juice and cider, and bags of apples are sold in our shop.
"Smaller windfall apples help to feed the estate’s diverse wildlife and migratory birds.”
Newby Hall Commercial director Stuart Gill said: “We’re proud to champion British apples with more than 50 heritage varieties growing in our orchards.
"Apple Day is a brilliant way to celebrate the end of the season.”
Tickets from: www.newbyhall.com