The Oxford Cambridge Swimming Varsity Match 2026

First held in 1892, the Oxford–Cambridge Swimming Varsity Match is the world’s oldest continually running swimming competition. This listing is for spectators of the swimming matches only. The event is split into two sequential swimming sessions: a morning session featuring the Seconds Varsity Match and Alumni races, followed by the Blues Varsity Match. Spectators may attend either session individually or both via purchasing both tickets. Capacity is limited, and all proceeds support the running of the event and Oxford University Swimming Club as the host club.

Info: “The Seconds Match and Alumni Races”

Arrival from 08:45
Session ends 10:50
Spectators holding this ticket only should leave the venue at 10:50.
Price: £3
This includes viewing of the Seconds Match, Seconds Award Presentation, and the Alumni Races.
The Seconds Varsity Match features Oxford and Cambridge second-team swimmers competing across a full programme of short-course events. Events include 50 m freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly; 100 m freestyle and individual medley; 200 m freestyle; and 4×50 m freestyle and medley relays. Alumni races follow, allowing former Varsity swimmers to compete as part of the historic programme.

Info: “The Blues Match”

Arrival from 11:00
Session ends 13:50
Price: £5.50
If spectators hold both the seconds and blues, they may stay for both sessions without the need to leave and re-enter.
Includes the viewing of the Blues Match and Blues Award Presentation.
The Blues Match is the main Oxford–Cambridge swimming contest, raced by the universities’ top representative teams, commonly referred to as the Blues teams. Events include 100 m freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly; 200 m freestyle and individual medley; 400 m freestyle; and 4×100 m freestyle and medley relays.
All tickets count as one spectator. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

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Host or Publisher Finn Ashworth