Windermere, Lake District
12 June 2026

Arla Great North Swim

12-14 June 2026

Make a Splash in 2026! The Great North Swim brings thousands together for a unique weekend of open water action, community, and Lake District beauty. 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.

Sign up before 10am, Monday 11 August 2025 and save with Earlybird entry.

2026 Earlybird offer is available until 10am on Monday 11 August. A booking fee (£3.00 per entry) is applied at checkout.

Swim Distances

Swim250

2026 Earlybird Entry £18

If you’re keen to try an open water swim but don’t know where to start, the 250 distance is ideal, and is also a great introductory event for younger swimmers age 8 years + (Final price £24).

1/2 Mile

2026 Earlybird Entry £35

A great introduction to outdoor swimming. Equivalent to around 32 lengths of a 25m pool. Average completion time 20min. Entrants must be 12 years + (Final price £44).

1 Mile

2026 Earlybird Entry £40

Suitable for swimmers of all abilities. Equivalent to 64 lengths of a 25m pool. Average completion time 40 min. Entrants must be 16 years + (Final price £52).

2 Mile

2026 Earlybird Entry £50

Perfect event for open water swimmers looking for a longer challenge. Equivalent to around 125 lengths of a 25m pool. Average completion time 1hr 15min. Entrants must be 16 years + (Final price £65).

5K

2026 Earlybird Entry £57.50

Suits experienced swimmers looking to go that little bit further. Equivalent to around 200 lengths of a 25m pool. Swimmers must be able to swim 5k continuously & unaided within 2.5 hours. Entrants must be 16 years + (Final price £75).

10K

2026 Earlybird Entry £85

Suitable for regular swimmers who are capable of taking on longer distances. Anyone who enters should be able to swim 10k continuously & unaided within 4.5 hours. This swim will be 6 laps of the standard 1 mile course. Entrants must be 18 years + (Final price £105).

An Open Water Adventure

The Arla Great North Swim is a  weekend-long celebration of open water swimming. Expect stunning scenery, the best of local food and drink, outdoor activities, culture, art, history and thousands of like-minded people coming together. Think of it more as an open water adventure than a race. There's plenty to keep swimmers and spectators entertained throughout the weekend. New to Windermere? Find out more about the stunning location and the surrounding area here.

Which Distance?

1/2 mile

Arla Great North Swim250

If you’re keen to try an open water swim, but don’t know where to start, the Great North Swim250 event is ideal. It's perfect for new new or nervous swimmers, families, and children aged 8 and over, to test the water and get a feel for swimming in the great outdoors. 
 
What is it? 
250 metres (the equivalent of 10 lengths of a standard 25 metre pool) of open water swimming/splashing/doggy-paddling in the bay area of Windermere.
 
Please note: Please note our wetsuit policy. Every child aged 11 and under must be accompanied by one adult (per child). Anyone aged 18+ years old is classified as an adult.

All entrants will receive a swim cap and a shiny new medal, included in the entry price. 

 

sign up here  

Great North Swim250