Topless Swim 2026

> Topless Swim 2026

Dare to bare in support of your local NHS!

*Topless Swim 2024. Picture by Charmain Lovett Photography*

Our ladies only Topless Swim is back in 2026!

Join us on Sunday 29th November 2026 for a dip in the historic tidal pool at Tunnels Beaches in Ilfracombe. It’ll be refreshing. It’ll be empowering. It’ll be a brilliant way to promote body positivity, help power up local NHS cancer services and fly the flag for breast care awareness.

We’ve opened registration early this year with a special early bird price of just £20 until January 31*. Places are limited to 350 women and tickets include entry to the iconic Tunnels Beaches, a goody bag, and a mug of hot chocolate on the beach to warm up after your dip.

In return, we ask you to try to raise £100 in sponsorship in support of local NHS services. The Royal Devon Hospitals Charity team will support you every splash of the way and you’ll find some great fundraising tips to get you started, as well as a downloadable fundraising toolkit here.

The event will be fully-supported by an all-female crew of lifeguards. The Breast Cancer team from North Devon District Hospital and Fern Centre cancer wellbeing team will also be on hand on the day to offer advice about breast cancer screening and early detection, as well as provide information about the care and support available.

Timings

11.30 am – Arrival, check-in and bag drop
12.30 pm – Safety briefing
12.35 pm – Pre-swim mindfulness moment
1 pm – Tops off and toes in
1.20 pm – Goody bags and bag collection
2 pm – Event ends

*Registration price goes up to £25 after January 31.

This will be our third Topless Swim! Nearly 500 women have already taken part in events in 2024 and 2025, raising £90,000 to help power up local NHS cancer services. Take a look at the video below to check out the fun we had in 2025 and read more here.

Thank you to our event sponsors and supporters…

Nov

2026

11:30 am –

2:00 pm

Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe

This is a RDHC event

£20 (Early Bird discount)

Topless Swim FAQs

What is the minimum age limit to take part?

Can I bring a spectator?

Unfortunately, spectators are not allowed on the day due to the space restrictions at Tunnels Beaches.

Can I bring a dog?

No, sorry!

Where is the event being held?

The Tidal Pool, Tunnels Beaches, Ilfracombe, North Devon EX34 8AN

Is there parking?

There will be limited accessible parking outside Tunnels Beaches but on-road parking can be found nearby and there is plenty of off-road parking available at the nearby Brookdale Avenue and Jubilee Gardens by the Landmark Theatre.

Do I have to take my top off?

No, but we’d like everyone to feel empowered and confident to take part in this body positive event.

What do I need to bring?

Just bring a suitable swimsuit, a towel and changing robe if you have one, some warm clothes and a big smile.

How long do I have to stay in the water?

There is no minimum amount of time you need to stay in the water but the maximum time is 20 minutes.

Will any of the support team be male?

No, everyone with access to the beach on the day will be female. There will also be a female event photographer taking photos on the day but all photos taken will preserve modesty. Should you not wish your photo to be taken, please make yourself known to the event crew on the day.

Will there be anywhere to leave my belongings?

Yes, there will be a secure bag drop area on the day.

How much do I need to fundraise?

We ask participants to raise a minimum £100, which will be used to support local cancer services provided by The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Can I set up an online fundraising page?

Yes, when you resister to take part in the event, we’ll automatically set you up with your own fundraising pages linked to the Team Topless Swim 2025 fundraising page.

Will the water be cold?

Water temperature in October is usually fairly mild but will be beginning to drop from the later summer highs as we head into winter. Prepare for a chilly dip but rest assured water and air temperature will be monitored by the safety team on the day. You can choose how long you stay in the water but are advised to exit the water before you get cold.

Is the event weather dependant?

In the event of poor water quality, weather conditions and large waves, the safety of the event will be assessed by the safety officer in advance of the event. In the event of cancellation, this will be communicated to participants as soon as possible.

How big is the swim area?

The tidal pool is 50m across by 100m in length, with a depth of up to 8-10 feet (tide dependant).

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You do not need to swim and may choose to just dip your toes, have a paddle or take a quick plunge!

Are there changing facilities and toilets?

Yes, there are accessible toilets and limited changing facilities but we advise to bring a towel and have a warm set of clothes to change into.

Can I participate if I'm undergoing treatment for breast cancer?

We ask that participants are at least one year following treatment (surgery and radiotherapy) and 2 months following completion of chemotherapy. By entering the event, you are declaring that you are medically fit and have not been told to not take part in activities such as this by a medical practitioner. Please also make race organisers aware of any medical conditions prior to taking part in the event.