TOP 5 UK SWIM EVENTS
- COOTS
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
We love the London Marathon. London really turns up and turns out. There’s something about the heroic effort from all the runners and the crowds cheering on every stride that you can’t help but feel inspired.
It got us thinking about swimming events. Signing up and locking in an event can give your swim sessions a real focus and give you that kick on to go faster or go longer. Even if you aren’t fussed about getting a ‘time’ taking part in a swim event with hundreds of like minded swimmers is just proper fun. Plus that drink/pizza/ice cream afterwards tastes incredible.
Here are our TOP 5 UK SWIM EVENTS with something for all levels of swimmer; whether you are thinking about entering an event for the first time or a seasoned pro looking for something that will stretch you to your limit.
WHEN: 11-13 July 2025
SWIM: 200m / Half Mile / Mile / 2 Mile / Suits vs Skins / 4 Mile
A whole weekend of swimming, live music, food, drink and some incredible small brands - what’s not to love. The swim is along a stunning section of the Thames where the Henley Regatta also takes place. You can choose to swim from 200m all the way up to 4 miles - so there’s something for everyone. The real clincher is that you can camp onsite right on the bank of the River. Absolute scenes.
WHEN: Various June - Sept 2025
WHERE: Various, England
SWIM: 24hr Team Endurance
Assemble a crew of 1-8 swimmers and swim for an hour each, for 24 hours. Simple concept, but with 2am cold swims maybe not so simple to complete. These events pride themselves on being focused on endurance, team spirit and camaraderie rather than speed or distance. Described by one swimmer as the Glastonbury of open water swimming - we love both of those things so it sounds right up our street. Knowing that you’re also doing it to raise money for Level Water who provide 1-to-1 swimming lessons for children with disabilities, makes it even more worthwhile. We're thinking of entering a COOTS Crew this year so let us know if your interested!
WHEN: 20 Sept 2025
WHERE: Hyde Park, London
SWIM: Half Mile / Mile / 2 Miles / 6 Miles
Taking place in The Serpentine, a 40-acre lake created in 1730 under orders from Queen Caroline (George II's wife). Apparently its name comes from its snakelike, curving shape. It is also the home to the legendary Serpentine Swim Club who held the first of their famous Christmas Day Swim Races in 1864. Iconic settings, iconic swim, lovely stuff.
Also talking of the marathon, this swim forms part of the London Classics - that’s the London Marathon, 2 Mile at Swim Serp and RideLondon 100. So if you’ve done the marathon and want another challenge then get on it (maybe have a chill first though ha).
WHEN: 12 July 2025
WHERE: Aveton Gifford, Devon
SWIM: 6km
This one has been on our bucket list for a while, it sounds quality. A 6km swim down a clear, sandy bottomed estuary until the ebbing tide funnels through the narrow section of the river and swooshes you along at up to four times your usual swimming speed. How sick does that sound?! Sign us up!
WHEN: 10 Aug 2025
WHERE: Marlow, Bucks
SWIM: Half Marathon (5.5km) / Mid Distance (9km) / Full Marathon (13km) / 3 Person Relay (13km)
This is the big boy. The swim marathon. Again we’re down the Thames but we are swimming a hell of a long way, 13km to be precise. The saving grace for this one is that all swims are downstream and the marathon is split into 4 sections where you exit the water and can have a drink and energy snacks. Oh easy then lol. What a thing to say you’ve done though - we’re building up to this one. It’s gotta be done.
Let us know if you sign up for any and we'll...
SEE YOU IN THE WATER.
