Swim Serpentine 2026

Saturday 19 September 2026

Take on a unique open water challenge in the stunning Serpentine, right in the heart of Hyde Park. Whether you're swimming solo or with friends, choose your distance and dive in to support people affected by HIV.

Grab your goggles and join 6,000 swimmers in this unforgettable experience — every stroke helps us move closer to ending new cases of HIV in the UK by 2030.

Distance: 1/2 mile or 1 mile or 2 miles

Registration fee: Various

A man with his arm around a woman, both in Terrence Higgins Trust t-shirts.

Swim Serpentine is fast becoming London’s premier open water swimming event. There are no currents to worry about as you’ll be swimming around the Serpentine lake in Hyde Park. Complete either one or two laps (one lap = one mile) of this open air course to conquer this challenge.

Swimming is a low impact sport, as it is non weight bearing. This is good news, as you are less likely to pick up an injury compared to other sports. However, you should not enter your first open water event without having swum outdoors previously. Start off gradually and build up the distance.

The two-mile swim will cover a challenging two full (1.6km) laps of the Serpentine, or you can opt for the less daunting but still challenging 1 lap option. You should aim to swim at least twice a week or more and one of these swims should be outdoors where possible.

Join our team

We don’t have charity places in this event, but you can still take part by securing your own place directly with the event organiser. Once registered, simply set up a JustGiving page and start fundraising to support our work at Terrence Higgins Trust.

Your efforts will make a real difference. Thank you for choosing to support us!

How we'll support you

We’ll be here to support you from the moment you register until you cross that finish line.

Benefits of joining Team Terry:

Free Terrence Higgins Trust t-shirt.
Committed support with your training and fundraising from a member of our team.
Opportunity to meet and make friends with like-minded people united behind the same good cause.
Regular news and updates to keep you informed about our work, campaigns and services.

Running and challenge events FAQ’s

Got a question about our challenge events or fundraising for Terrence Higgins Trust?

Take a look at our FAQs.

Why we need you

Your support and fundraising help fund vital services including our one-of-a-kind sexual health helpline, HIV testing, counselling, and peer support programmes.

We are working to ensure that there will be no new HIV cases in the UK by 2030. Everyone living with HIV will be diagnosed, in treatment and care, free from stigma and able to take advantage of life’s opportunities.

Got your own place?

There’s no minimum fundraising commitment – we simply ask you to raise what you can. Whether you join via a charity place or the public ballot, you'll receive the same amazing support from our dedicated team. Let us know you have a place.