No trip to England (or even Europe) would be complete without going punting in Cambridge, along the peaceful River Cam – this guide will help you plan your trip!
By punting, I’m talking about those long wooden boats, pushed along with the long wooden poles through the world-famous Cambridge University grounds. You’ve seen it in photos, you’ve seen it in films, and, yes, punting in Cambridge is every bit as awesome as it’s hyped up to be.
For such an iconic experience you want to make sure you find the best punting Cambridge has to offer. Lucky enough for you I have all the secrets. All the tricks of the trade to make sure get on the right boat, at the right place, at the right time and for the right price, plus a load of other tips. I can tell you this because I was a punter for 6 years. Here’s my insider’s guide to punting in Cambridge.
In this guide you’ll find:
- What is punting and what are the different options?
- What’s the best time to go punting?
- Self-hire or punting tours?
- Exactly where to go punting in Cambridge (with a map)
- Punting prices
- How to save some money!
- What to take with you & Cambridge accommodation
So what is punting? And some history!
For those of you that don’t know what punting is where the hell have you be hiding let me fill you in. Punts are long, flat-bottomed, wooden boats pushed along by someone call a ‘punter’. The punter stands at the back and pushes the boat along with a long pole, altogether the activity is called punting. It’s sometimes mistaken for the gondolas in Venice, although there are similarities, the gondolas are definitely not as cool!
Punts were originally used to ferry goods along rivers too shallow for conventional boats to navigate. As river trade began to decline this gave way to ‘Pleasure Punting’ in the 1900s (don’t worry, it’s not as dodgy as it sounds). Ditching the cargo for passengers, punting became a quintessential part of local life and one of the most popular things to do in Cambridge.
Why did it become so popular? Firstly because the river runs through some of the most historically important areas of the UK, and secondly because it’s bloody beautiful. Plus, it’s as typically English as you can get, literally a caricature of middle-class Britain come to life. It’s so popular in fact that celebrities travel from far and wide to swan around on the waters and the Queen comes down on Tuesdays to enjoy a river tour. I joke. She only comes on Sundays.
All of these incredible punting experiences in Cambridge take place along two sections of the River Cam: the upper river and the lower river. Although it’s the same river, the punting experience is entirely different – we’ll get onto that properly further down.
And, to make things extra special, going along the river is the only way you’ll be able to see many parts of this majestic town (unless you’re a Cambridge student). Many areas are closed to visitors so it’s the best way to view some of Cambridge’s most secret spots.
All the photos below are from spots you wouldn’t be able to access without jumping on a punt!
Because of how great it is, punting has become a pretty big business. It’s no longer a handful of students and local families drifting along the river in the sunshine. There are many different companies in different locations offering different services at different prices. This is why you need this insiders guide to punting in Cambridge; An honest opinion from someone who has been there and done that!
When is the best time of year to go punting?
The good news is you can go punting any time of year regardless of the weather. The bad news is, this is England: we’re not famous for beaches and suntans. The only thing which stops the punting is VERY heavy rain, however, this rarely happens or lightning as the punters often use metal poles.
There is no ‘perfect’ time to go, instead, here are some pros and cons to visiting in the different seasons.
Punting in Winter
It will be beautifully quiet and you’re more likely to get cheaper prices without having to wait for boats to become available. Punting in the snow or frost is absolutely beautiful if you’re prepared, and there’s something very unique about having the whole river to yourself. BUT, you’re on an open-top boat, travelling through water. It’s going to be incredibly cold and if you’re pushing the boat then good luck feeling your hands for the rest of the day.
Punting in Spring
Spring weather is hit and miss. Temperatures are warming up and there’s a good chance you’ll get clear skies and sunshine. The river is starting to get a little busier but you can still float along at a relaxed pace. You’re also still find cheaper prices and you’ll start to see Cambridge river life flourish on a nice day.
Punting in Summer
The secret is definitely out, as soon as the sun shines everyone in the world decides to go punting. It gets busy. And I mean crazily busy. On a sunny weekend expect river congestion, boats crashing into each other and people falling in. It’s exciting, not relaxing and is definitely an experience to see all the punters in action, even from the river banks.
Punting in Autumn
With huge trees overhanging all sections of the river, autumn can be one of the most beautiful times to go punting in Cambridge. The summer crowds have died down and there’s still a good chance of a sunny day. That being said, the weather is definitely less predictable and temperatures are starting to drop.
Other things to consider when picking a time to punt
Weekends and bank holidays will be a lot busier regardless of the weather. Going midweek will give you more of a relaxed experience and it will be easier to take in your surroundings. To experience the river at it’s quietest go as early or as late as possible, with 12 pm to 4 pm being the busiest. As there’s little to no lighting along the river the punts only operate during daylight hours (unless you make friends with the punters, then they’re probably the best place for an evening drink, floating along the river…).
As the river flows through Cambridge University grounds punting in Cambridge can have a different feel if the students are around. If you’re really keen or seeing Cambridge University life go during term-time or towards the May Balls (end of year celebrations in May and June). Expect to see hundreds of smartly dressed intellectuals rat arsed and trying to manoeuvre a boat.
In our opinion, the best time is either Spring or Autumn on a nice day (obviously we can’t promise the nice day). Although you will be more likely to have sunshine, punting in the summer can be ruined by crowds. Trying to pick the quietest time with the best weather is the best option, though not so easy. Still, if you’re lucky enough to visit during frost or snow it’s worth putting up with the cold to see the Cambridge landscape covered in white.
Your next decision is… Self-hire or a chauffeur-driven punting tour
(basically, are you going to push the boat or is someone else)
Self-hire punting
Quite literally, you hire a punt yourself (minus the chauffeur) and the world (or river) is your oyster. If you want to explore on your own, go at your own pace and try to look like the person in the punting pictures you’ve seen, this is for you. Once you do get the hang of the punting it’s a beautifully personal experience for you and whoever else is in your punt. For self-hire punts you pay by the hour.
Remember…
If you’ve seen chauffeurs effortlessly looking really cool, they’ve done it for a long time. You probably haven’t seen the countless visitors spinning the boat round and round for hours and then falling in. Self-hire boats are smaller than chauffeur boats and can be difficult to manoeuvre. On a busy day, you WILL be crashed into and crash into other things. It can be tiring and you won’t have any of the history that you’ll be told on a tour. Although, you can always tail behind one of the many chauffeured boats and listen in!
Chauffeur punting tours
On a chauffeur-driven punt, you’ll have a charming Cambridge punting guide you along and tell you all the interesting, bizarre and often fictional stories of Cambridge and the University. This is generally done on 12-seater boats so you can relax with a big group of friends whilst taking in the sights on a 45-minute to 1-hour tour. The history really is fascinating and it makes your surroundings even more incredible when you know the stories behind them.
For chauffeur tours, you have the option of a private or shared tour. On a shared tour, all the seats on the boat are available to the public and you may end up with 3 or 4 different groups on the boat. On a private tour, it’s just your party and the chauffeur. This is generally a more expensive option as you’re booking out all the seats. More info below.
Remember…
A full 12 seater boat can be uncomfortable, especially if it’s full and you’re a larger person. You’re heavily reliant on having a good chauffeur and you have less freedom to explore the river.
In our opinion, If you want to learn about the history and have a relaxing, typical Cambridge experience, go for a tour. Plus there’s no chance of anyone falling in.
Pushing the boat can be very fun so if you don’t like the sound of a guide you can enjoy the beautiful sights on your own with a self-hire. Just remember, unless you like the thought of playing bumper cars go for a self-hire at quieter times!
Which part of the river is best?
As mentioned above, there are two options for punting in Cambridge: the upper and lower river. Both options include water, a punt and a punter but that’s about all of their similarities.
The lower part of the river runs straight through the heart of Cambridge University and its world-famous buildings. With some dating back to 1350, you’ll be punting past the likes of the iconic Kings College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs and Trinity College. All of these buildings are steeped in history and are incredibly preserved, making a punting trip feel like stepping back in time.
- A shorter stretch of river running through the heart of Cambridge and Cambridge University
- Better suited for tours as you travel past all the famous Cambridge University landmarks
- Gives you a real experience of Cambridge student life
- The most popular option because of the famous views
- The only way you can see a lot of iconic buildings and university grounds
- Better to spend shorter times on the river
- Can be EXTREMELY busy in the summer and you may have to wait for boats
Punting on the upper river goes at a relaxed pace, flowing through perfect Cambridge countryside towards the surrounding villages. With picture-perfect views of the meadows and traditional tea gardens along the way. This area has been made famous by the TV series Granchester, filmed right here, and the fact that Pink Floyd used to run around the fields taking LSD.
- A long stretch of river leading towards picture-postcard villages outside of Cambridge
- No buildings just rolling countryside and grazing cows
- Better suited for self-hires as the river is wider with fewer things to bump into
- Extremely peaceful and relaxing with very few other boats on the river
- Many spots to stop and have a picnic (beware ducks and swans will try to take your food!)
- More of a locals choice or an alternative tourist choice
- Better to spend longer times on the river
Where can you find the punts?
As we said, punting in Cambridge is big business. There used to only be a few companies, now there are many at different locations around Cambridge. To make things nice and easy we’ve put explained all the different areas and exactly what’s on offer.
And how do I actually go punting? Most commonly, people go to one of the punting areas (mentioned below) and buy tickets from the punting station or punt touts (more info below). You can also buy tickets from the tourist information centres, some souvenir shops or online. Prices are explained below!
Quayside Punting
The furthest North on the map. Quayside is a beautiful area along the river with lots of bars and restaurants overlooking the water. A number of Cambridge punting companies situated here offer both self-hire and chauffeured tours. This is arguably where you’ll find the most companies so you can decide which one takes your fancy. For an authentic punting experience we recommend: The Traditional Punting Company, Scudamore’s, Cambridge Punters or Scholars Punting.
Are any of the companies at Quayside that different? Not really, most companies have a long history and good reputations. They’ll all be competing for your customers so you can shop around for the best option. Your best bet is to go down, take a look at the companies and see which one is for you.
If you’re wanting to go to Granchester then this isn’t a good spot because you’re a long way away.
Garret Hostel Bridge and Trinity College
A surprising number of boats used to leave from Garret Hostel Bridge, however, this is less common now. You can still go with a Cambridge University punting option and arrange self-hires or tours directly from Trinity College next to the bridge.
Mill Pond and Granta Punting
Punting here goes at a slower pace with fewer companies operating in the area. It’s a very beautiful part of Cambridge with pubs spilling onto the waterfront and a large green busy with picnickers or summer drinkers when the sun is out.
This is a good place for first-time self-hires as there’s a large area of open water close to where the boats leave you can use for practice. From here CCP and Scudamore’s have punting stations and offer more traditional style tours.
Probably the most beautiful location to take boats from is from Granta Punting, a sleepy, leafy area away from the busy parts of the river. You’ll see a slightly longer stretch of the river if you do a tour, as most other companies don’t travel as far as the Granta.
From the Mill Pond and Granta, you can find self-hires and tours that go along the lower and upper rivers.
It’s possible to move boats from the lower to the upper river but it’s no easy job and isn’t advised unless you know what you’re doing. If you’re planning on going to Granchester or punt on the upper river, speak to one of the companies in the area.
Most companies will be able to arrange tours and self-hires for the upper river, however, it will be cheaper going with the punting companies closer – Mill Pond and Granta will be your best option!
Do all Cambridge punting tours go to the same places?
As long as you go with a reliable company, all lower river tours will go to the same places but will just have different starting points. This is with the exception of Granta who are positioned further down the river, so will see a lil extra.
For the upper river, this is a much longer stretch so you will normally negotiate the journey before starting the tour.
Who are these punt touts?
These guys sell tickets for the punts, are commission-based and relentless. They really want you to go on their boat and have every reason why their boat is the best option for you.
At Veggie Vagabonds we’re all about honesty and as I once was one of them I’ll happily say they can be a pain in the arse. These guys have hawk eyes and if you look remotely like a tourist you’re likely to be asked countless amounts of times if you want to go on the boats.
Our advice: If you don’t want to go with the person asking you it’s easiest to say you’ve already been. There are plenty of different companies so pick which is perfect for you and don’t get charmed into something you don’t want to do.
Cambridge Punting Prices!
The price can vary depending on where and when you buy your tickets (as mentioned before prices change with seasons). Below are rough adult prices for all the companies throughout the year (children, students and seniors are often given discounts).
Shared chauffeur tours – £12.50-£20 per person
Private chauffeur tours – £80-140 per 12 seater boat
As you’re renting the whole boat with a private tour the price will probably be the same regardless of how big your group is. If they’re nice (or you’re good at negotiating) you may be able to agree lower prices for small groups or couples.
Self-hire – £20-35 per hour but can also be rented for the day upon request (both require a deposit)
To see all of the colleges on the lower river will take a newbie punter much longer than an hour (particularly if it’s busy). If you’re wanting to go to Granchester then this can take the best part of a day. Most companies will require you to drop the boat off the same place you picked it up so keep an eye on the time!
SPECIAL TOURS – £?£?£
Many of the larger punting companies can arrange a variety of unique tours. Some of these include hen party punting, nighttime ghost story tours, candlelit and proposal tours and many can arrange picnics, champagne and meals on the boats. If this is something you’re interested in then take a look through some of the companies linked above.
How can I save some money punting?
If you want the most straightforward experience you can buy your tickets from the tourist information centre (shown on map) or book online. Ticket prices will be more expensive and are generally not viable for discounts.
If you fancy negotiating a better price you can go directly to the punt stations or touts (shown on the map). Generally, the price of self hires is non-negotiable however shared and private chauffeured tours are open game and can be a fun way to get to know the punters.
Prices can vary a lot depending on what time of day/year it is, what the weather is like, if the tout has had a good day etc. but here are some insider tips that will save you some money
- When negotiating, say you’ve been in past (this way they’ll know you’re aware of the prices)
- Go outside of peak times (12-4 pm summer weekends, bank holidays) and peak season
- Don’t be shy, ask for a discount,
- If you think the price is high, say you’ll think about it and come back, chances are they’ll drop the price
- Be flexible. Touts will often give better prices if your group fits well at a certain point of the day
- Go when the weather forecast is bad or there is bad weather, it will be quieter and you’re more likely to find cheaper tickets
- Book your tickets early in the morning, it’s often easier to get discounts before it gets busy
- If you have a student card then showing this may get you a discount
It is also much easier to negotiate discounts with bigger groups. If you’re a group of 8-12 people it may also be cheaper/more convenient to arrange a private tour. If you have a big group and need more than 1 boat then you can probably negotiate prices lower than £12.50. Go get your haggle on!
Do I need to book punting ahead?
If there’s a big group wanting to go at a specific time at a busy time of year then it could be a good idea to book ahead. This can be done online on one of the websites linked above. However, booking ahead can risky. Firstly, the weather in the UK is very changeable regardless of the time of year. If you book your tickets and it’s starting to rain you’re stuck. You also don’t get to see the boats or facilities you’ll be using. Despite what the punting websites may say, it’s only cheaper to book online if you’re buying from the tourist information. Generally, you’ll get a much better deal if you go straight to the touts and use the tips above!
What should I take punting?
The typical punting refreshments are Pimms (a gin-based liquor with a fruity taste) and strawberries. If that’s not to your taste then any food or drink will do. Bear in mind that on a full chauffeur tour you’re sharing the boat with lots of people who might not appreciate your picnic on their lap. If you want a full picnic spread then it’s probably best to hire a boat yourself. If you’re heading towards Granchester then why not take a BBQ with you? And obviously, a camera – you’d be mad not to get some snaps of these beautiful Cambridge sights. If you’ve timed your trip well and manage some hot weather then some suntan lotion wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
If you’re planning on staying the night, Cambridge has some fantastic accommodation options. For the best selection, take a look here on Booking.com
Anything else I should know?
Prams, dogs and shopping bags are generally welcomed on the boat if it’s not too busy. If it is busy then you may be able to leave items at the loading areas (generally babies or unwanted friends can’t be left). All visitors will be helped on and off the boat but it’s generally not possible to sit in a wheelchair on the boat because of low hanging bridges.
One last tip
There are no toilets along the river so make sure you go before!
Have you been punting in Cambridge and have any other tips? Or some more questions about organising your trip? Drop us a comment below!
An Insider’s Guide to Punting in Cambridge
After working as a punter for 6 years I can guarantee that if you follow this guide you’ll have the punting trip of a lifetime. Punting in Cambridge is an experience like no other so make sure you get the most out of it. If you’re heading to Cambridge in the future and would like some tips or if you would like to arrange a tour with one of our friends then shoot us an email or comment below!
Keep exploring…
Looks fun! I teach English in Spain and there’s a picture of someone punting at Cambridge University on the cover of one of our text books, but to be honest with you I never knew that was the name of the sport (haha). I’ve heard that Cambrdige and the surrounding areas are lovely and punting sounds like the perfect extra activity for visitors there! Great tips.
Cambridge is one place in England I haven’t been to, but it sure looks nice. Punting would be a must. Although I’m longing for summer right now – and I assume the English do, too – I imagine punting in winter particularly picturesque.
My boyfriend went to Cambridge and despite visiting him, I never got round to punting. I can’t wait to go on a good day this summer (although I’ve been warned its busy)! I loved the detail in this post too
What a great idea for an article. I lived in England most my life, but I didn’t get a chance to go punting in Cambridge, despite my Dad having gone to university there. This is perhaps the most in-depth account of it I’ve ever read. Next time I’m travelling down south, I’ll be sure to look it up.
We visited Cambridge with our niece several years ago, mainly so that she can visit all the colleges (as a prospective student). We wanted to do punting too but didn’t have enough time. Now reading your article makes us regret it a bit! Hopefully we’ll go back there someday. 🙂
I love, love, love you much info you packed into this post! I was already thinking of when to go, and that was the first thing you answered. This sounds like such a fun way to spend a few hours – learning, and seeing the area in a new way. Definitely putting it on the ever-growing bucket list for England!
Ha, yup, well it used to be call ‘pleasure punting’ back in the day, but I think they realised that sounded a bit odd…
With English weather so unpredictable the time of year is always the first thing we try and figure out when planning UK trips! Are you planning on visiting anytime soon?
Ahh that’s a shame you didn’t get the chance. Did your niece get into Cambridge?
Cool that your dad went there, did you every get a chance to visit Cambridge?
If you get a clear, crisp day punting in the winter is incredible. But punting in the winter with rain and wind is really, really not the best experience!
Yeh, the summer weekends are crazy busy!
What a fabulous guide to punting! I’ve never heard the word “punting” before, but as soon as I saw the picture I knew what you were talking about. I can understand the dilemma between hiring a guy and doing it yourself: going on your own is nice because of the freedom. We saw a lot of this in Christchurch, NZ because they’ll offer this in Hagley Park. I’ve never done it before!
Y’know, I’ve lived in the UK (London) all my life and not only have I never been punting but I’ve never been to Cambridge :P. Your pictures definitely make me want to go, thanks for sharing such an informative post 🙂
Wow, I had no idea thats what punting was! Such an in-depth article and now I need to put punting in Cambridge on my list!
I didnt know what a punter was! I know what the heck haha! I know what you mean just didn’t know what they were called! i totally agree that must be included on any Europe trip! Great idea to tell punt touts that you’ve already been though . Im sure it does get a bit annoying people trying to sell you on something. Such a beautiful way to catch up on some history and see some of the cities beauty!
Ahh, you know I didn’t know they did this in NZ as well, it would be interesting to see how they all compare! I’ve never been on the gondolas in Venice either, so that’s definitely on the list!
You should definitely make the trip down on a nice day, it’s a beautiful place and has some cracking pubs!
Wow, I expected a completely different article as here in Australia punting means betting or gambling! But this kind of punting looks much more my style!
Ha, it’s definitely the best way to stop them pestering!
Hey Cally, hope it was a nice surprise! In the UK we call gamblers punters, but we also call the boat pushers punters. Confusing old language ey!
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You absolutely may not leave Cambridge without punting down the Cam! And if you want a great punter with a wealth of information and anecdotes, make sure you go with Mike from Scudamore’s. It’s no use punting down the Cam without hearing the history and background to these magnificent buildings.
The history really is fascinating, sounds like Mike did a good job!
I’m so glad I read your article as I’ve completely 160’d on my original punting plan! Do you have any vegan restaurant recommendations for Cambridge? Thanks!
So glad it was useful, what elements have you changed? If you like Sri Lankan food our favourite restaurant in Cambridge is Banana Leaf, which is close to the river. You’ll also find lots of good vegan food on the market (though it’s all streetfood), Doppelganger has great burgers, Burleigh Street has some good oriental restaurants and Zhongua has mindblowing dumplings!
Just to note, we haven’t been back to Cambridge for a year so things might be slightly different know. Feel free to get in touch for any more tips 🙂
Great article, but I have so many questions! I’ve been meaning to try self-punting for a while now, so here are a couple of things I’m trying to work out:
1. There are so many little canals and tributaries and things along the river. Do the punts ever go on these, or are they off-limits, or simply uninteresting?
2. If there are no toilets, er… how does one make a trip to Granchester which, by your own reckoning, takes most of the day? Can you moor and pop into a pub? (And are there any pubs along the upper river?)
Anyway, thanks for the article. Good stuff.
Hey Owen, great time to go punting – it’s warm but the river is quite quiet.
1. There are a few small offshoots but most are too small/shallow to travel down. On the lower end of the river you’ll eventually get to a lock and on the top end the river gradually gets too small.
2. Ha, yes, there are no toilets and also no real convenient pub stops towards Granchester besides the start and beginning. You travel along quiet countryside so most people will moor and then find a bush.
Glad you enjoyed the article, happy punting!
I have punted many times with a few famous punting companies. At first, I wasn’t ready to take on the challenge of punting but later, I decided to give it a try. And that was one of the best decisions that I have made so far. Their hospitality left me speechless. And also the chauffeur was not just an expert punter, but also had great knowledge about the history and culture of Cambridge!
I am due to go punting this summer, but am a very very large lady, 25 stone, and so worried I’ll sink the boat of not be able to get on or off……I try to stop my weight defining what I do, but I’m so so nervous and worried ?
Hi Louise, I would recommend calling a local tour company to discuss this. Punts are pretty hard to sink but they are small and thin boats so the weight needs to be distributed across them evenly. You can get bigger punts that sit more people but this would depend on what boats are available with the company you go with. I recommend calling a local company and discussing the options through with them and they’ll be able to advise. Hope that helps 🙂