Swim England Open Water Swimming Hub
Henley Swim celebrates twenty years
May 9, 2024This year at Henley Swim we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary. That’s 20 years of bringing people together to swim unique, challenging and unforgettable open water swimming events.
We cater for the needs of all types of swimmers, from those entering their first open water swimming event, to experienced swimmers, racers and enthusiasts.
We’re also proud to be recognised by Racecheck for events on the back of our swimmers’ brilliant first hand reviews.
Not sure which event is right for you? Here’s a helpful summary:
Just Starting Your Open Water Journey?
- The Outdoor Swimmer Henley Festival is an ideal place to get started. Take a dip in the free river lido. It’s fully lifeguarded and a great way to boost your confidence and experience river swimming. Children are welcome too! And you can browse the shopping village for any kit you need.
- If you want to take part in an event, the 200m Splash is untimed and very relaxed. Adults and children are welcome!
- Feel you can manage a little further? The Zoggs Half Mile could be ideal for you.
- The Club to Pub is a sociable 1.5km mostly downstream to the pub – this event is nearly sold out but you can still sign up to join the waiting list.
Looking For A Good Challenge?
- The Selkie Henley Classic is 2.1km upstream, as the sun comes up – iconic!
- At the Outdoor Swimmer Henley Swim Festival you can swim a Half Mile, Mile, 2 x Mile or 4 x Mile (longer and shorter events are also available at the Festival).
- There is also the Suits v Skins – 1 mile with a wetsuit and 1 without – which can you do faster?
- The Thames Marathon has a 5.5km 9km 13km relay option with 2 or 3 lock stops where you have to exit the water. There are feed stations at these locks, breaking the swim into manageable chunks.
Outdoor Swimmer Henley Swim Festival
If you’re subscribed to the Swim England Outdoor Swimming newsletter in May look out for details to win a free swim for you and a friend with overnight camping. Plus five runners up will receive a free Henley Swim Buff.
The Outdoor Swimmer Henley Swim Festival is an outdoor swim event like no other. A weekend celebrating open water swimming, in the most stunning location on the banks of the Thames just outside Henley. There are exhibitors, retailers and experts all together in one place, with acres of space, delicious food and drink, music, and entertainment for everyone. We offer a number of different distances from 200m to the UNLTD. Swimmers can take part in the 200m Splash from age 8, in the Half Mile from age 9 and the Mile from age 14. Children under 8 are allowed to swim in the supervised Lido, giving them a chance to experience the river in a safe and controlled environment.
All swimming events take place on Sunday 14th July.
To stay up to date with the latest news and to get the best offers, sign up to the Henley Swim newsletter here.
