Abstract Background We used data from a prospective cohort to explore 2‐year trajectories of ‘long COVID’ (persistent symptoms after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection) and their association with illness perception. Methods RECoVERED participants (adults; prospectively enrolled following laboratory‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, May 2020–June 2021) completed symptom questionnaires at months 2–12, 18 and 24, and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B‐IPQ) at months 1, 6 and 12. Using group‐based trajectory models (GBTM), we modelled symptoms (mean total numbers and proportion with four specific complaints), including age, sex, BMI and timing of infection as covariates. In a multivariable linear mixed‐effects model, we assessed the association between symptom trajectories and repeated B‐IPQ scores. Results Among 292 participants (42% female; median age 51 [IQR = 36–62]), four trajectories were identified, ranging from Trajectory 4 (8.9%; 6 + symptoms) to Trajectory 1 (24.8%; no symptoms). The occurrence of fatigue and myalgia increased among 23% and 12% of participants, respectively. Individuals in Trajectory 4 experienced more negative adjusted B‐IPQ scores over time than those in Trajectories 1–3. Conclusions We observed little fluctuation in the total number of symptoms, but individual symptoms may develop as others resolve. Reporting a greater number of symptoms was congruent with more negative illness perception over time.