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DIVE INTO NATURE…

The Great North Swim, at Windermere, has something for everyone, for all ages and all abilities, whether you’re a seasoned open water swimmer or a beginner. Choose your distance from Swim250, Half Mile, 1 Mile, 2 Miles, 5k and 10k, or take on a SwimRun, and join thousands of like-minded people and set yourself an open water challenge in the great outdoors, at one of the UK’s biggest open water swim event.

Whether you’re tackling your first open water swim or going all-out for a 10K, there’s a place for you in the water. Expect a fully supported course, a festival atmosphere, incredible views and a shared sense of achievement.

GREAT NORTH SWIM WEEKEND

12-14 JUNE 2026

Click on each event to find out more
Great North Swim
Great North Swim Run
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12-14 June 2026

The Great North Swim brings thousands together for a unique weekend of open water swimming action, community, and Lake District beauty. There are distances to suit all levels, from beginners to experienced open water swimmers.

Start & Finish
Windermere
Swim Distances
6
Age Range
8 Years +
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Saturday 13 June 2026

Great North SwimRun is an opportunity to ditch the roads and the pool and embrace an off-road, open-water island-hopping adventure! Doing a SwimRun is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the great outdoors and experience a variety of terrain.

Start & Finish
Windermere
SwimRun Distances
2
Age Range
16 Years +

Brockhole on Windermere

The location at Brockhole on Windermere, in the heart of the Lake District is stunning. The land of Wordsworth and Wainwright, you’ll find gorgeous scenery, incredible wildlife and a rich cultural heritage. Brockhole comes alive on Great North Swim weekend, with fun for the whole family including outdoor activities and adventure play, local food and drink stalls, shopping and a warm welcome for four-legged friends.

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Shop Great Swim Merchandise
How Is Open Water Swimming Different From The Pool?
How Is Open Water Swimming Different From The Pool?

To help understand how open water swimming differs to your local pool, we’ve pulled together this guide.

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Beginning Your Open Water Swimming Journey

A few simple tips and tricks to get you started on your open water swimming journey...

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