What's new at this year’s Coventry Building Society Great North Swim

The countdown to the Coventry Building Society Great North Swim 2026 is officially on, and this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.

From brand-new swim experiences to expanded festival activities and unique finisher rewards, there’s plenty for swimmers and supporters to look forward to at Windermere this summer.

Here’s everything new for 2026:

SwimFest Returns Bigger Than Ever

SwimFest is back for 2026 with even more opportunities to connect with the open water swimming community throughout the weekend.

Across the event village, swimmers can enjoy live Q&As, guest speakers, book signings, competitions and interactive experiences designed to celebrate all things open water. Whether you’re preparing for your first swim or you’re a seasoned participant, SwimFest will bring together inspiration, advice and entertainment across the entire weekend.

Introducing the Women Only Wave

New for this year is a dedicated Women Only Wave taking place on Friday evening.

Designed to encourage more women to experience open water swimming in a welcoming and supportive environment, the wave aims to create a relaxed atmosphere where participants can build confidence, meet other swimmers and enjoy the experience together.

Whether you’re completely new to open water or already love swimming outdoors, the session promises to be a memorable way to kick off the weekend.

Quiet Wave in Partnership with St Mary’s Hospice

As part of Great North Swim’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, 2026 will also deliver another Quiet Wave, this year in partnership with St Mary’s Hospice.

The Quiet Wave has been designed to provide a calmer swim experience, with reduced participant numbers, lower music levels and extra space both onshore and in the water. The aim is to create a more relaxed environment for swimmers who may benefit from a quieter atmosphere while still enjoying the excitement and achievement of event day.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding Sessions

For those wanting to spend even more time on the water, stand-up paddleboarding sessions will be available on Saturday afternoon.

The sessions offer a fun and relaxed way to experience Windermere from a completely different perspective and are suitable for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders alike.

Bespoke Medals for Every Distance

This year, every swim distance will receive its own bespoke finisher medal.

Each medal has been uniquely designed to reflect the challenge completed, giving swimmers a personalised keepsake to remember their achievement, whether they’re taking on their first shorter-distance swim or conquering one of the longer endurance events.

More Than Just a Swim

The Great North Swim has always been about more than simply crossing the finish line. It’s about community, confidence, challenge and unforgettable experiences shared on the shores of Windermere.

With new waves, expanded activities and even more ways to get involved across the weekend, 2026 promises to deliver the most exciting Great North Swim yet!