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Are you looking for the best Cambridge punting tours? Look no further!
As someone who has visited Cambridge more times than she can count, I have had the pleasure of experiencing some of the best punt trips Cambridge has to offer!
My boyfriend, who is from Cambridge, used to work as a punter, so I’ve been on more than my fair share of punts in Cambridge. Today, I’m sharing my insider knowledge with you.
In a hurry, and just want to know what the best punting tour in Cambridge is? No worries – you can’t go wrong with this #1 rated tour:
Top Pick: Best Punting Tour in Cambridge
> Cambridge University Guided Punting
Includes: 45-minute river tour on River Cam with live commentary
In this blog post, I will be sharing my top picks for the best punting tours in Cambridge, including group and private tours, and what the best punting company in Cambridge is.
Then, we’ll go over what you can expect to see on a Cambridge punting tour and I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions I get about punting in Cambridge.
Let’s go!
Table of Contents
Best Shared Punting Tours in Cambridge
1. Student-Guided 50-Minute Punting Tour of Cambridge
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 50 minutes | 🤩 BOOK NOW
One of the best punting tours in Cambridge if you want to do and see it all is this 50-minute tour that will take you past eight of the city’s most well-known colleges, including Darwin and Magdalene.
In addition, you’ll get to see nine different bridges, including the iconic Mathematical Bridge and the picturesque Bridge of Sighs. You’ll hit all of the Cambridge highlights in one quick trip!
Cushions and blankets are included in the price, so if you’re visiting Cambridge in winter you can still go punting comfortably on this tour. You’re also welcome to bring your own drinks (alcoholic or otherwise) to celebrate the occasion. Yay!
This is the cheapest punting tour in Cambridge, so if you’re looking for cheap Cambridge punting this tour has got you covered.
“First time punting and loved every minute! Such a great way to spend an afternoon” - GetYourGuide Traveller (Read More Reviews)
Click here to book your place!
2. Cambridge University Guided Punting Tour
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 45 minutes | 🤩 BOOK NOW
This is the top-rated punting tour in Cambridge, with over 650 rave reviews, so you know you’re going to be punting with safe hands on this tour. This tour takes you along the entire length of the River Cam, showcasing some of the historic colleges of the university.
Settle back into comfortable seats that feature traditional cushions and blankets as you relax and listen to the historic commentary from your punter. With amusing tales of Cambridge punting, college rivalries, and crazy history, you’ll be entertained every minute of the journey.
The tour centres around 7 prestigious colleges that produced some of the most influential and accomplished alumni, including Isaac Newton and King Charles. You won’t want to miss it! This is, in my opinion, the best punting company in Cambridge.
“What a wonderful river tour. Our punting guide was full of knowledge, very funny & it was such an amazing price.” - GetYourGuide Traveller (Read More Reviews)
Click here to book your place!
3. Cambridge Walking and Punting Tour with King’s College
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3-4 hours | 🤩 BOOK NOW
Get the best of both worlds on this tour that combines a walking tour around Cambridge’s best on-land attractions with an excursion punting along the River Cam. Along the way, you’ll check out some of the top colleges in Cambridge, iconic city landmarks, and, of course, all of the wonderful bridges stretching across the River.
It gets better – your guide will be a Cambridge University student or graduate, so you’ll find out exactly what it’s like to study at this prestigious institution and you’ll get to ask them all your burning questions.
“Our tour guide, Chris, was extremely well versed in all things Cambridge!” - GetYourGuide Traveller (Read More Reviews)
Click here to book your place!
4. Shared River Cam Guided Punting Tour in Cambridge
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 45 minutes | 🤩 BOOK NOW
On this punting tour, you’ll discover eight picturesque colleges, nine iconic bridges, and centuries of history. What’s not to love?
As you sit back and relax, your knowledgeable guide will propel your punt along the river, sharing their passion for history every step of the way. From the breathtaking Gothic architecture of King’s College Chapel to the elegant Wren Library, you’ll be able to glide past all the major college buildings.
Umbrellas and blankets are included in the price, making this one of the best tours for punting in winter. This is also the perfect Cambridge punt tour for those who don’t want to be tied into a set time: pre-book, and then simply turn up, and they’ll get you on a punt within 15 minutes!
“The tour was amazing! Our guide was super cute and funny, he told us a lot of interesting stories behind Cambridge University which made the tour even more awesome.” - GetYourGuide Traveller (Read More Reviews)
Click here to book your place!
5. Cambridge Chauffeured Punting Tour
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 50 minutes | 🤩 BOOK NOW
Ready to explore the beautiful River Cam in Cambridge? On this punting tour, you’ll join up to 11 other passengers on a guided punt along the river that departs regularly throughout the day – no time commitment necessary!
During this 45-50 minute tour, you’ll pass by seven stunning riverside colleges, including Kings, Trinity, Trinity Hall, Queens, Clare, and St Johns. Feast your eyes on breathtaking sights such as Kings College Chapel, the iconic Bridge of Sighs, and the elegant Wren Library.
Enjoy an informative (and funny!) historical commentary from your chauffeur as they expertly navigate the river. Ask any questions you may have, and take advantage of your guide’s expertise!
“So worth it! Never been to Cambridge before so we were delighted that our punting tour guide was very knowledgeable and had a good sense of humour to boot! Highly recommended!” - GetYourGuide Traveller (Read More Reviews).
Click here to book your place!
Best Private Punting Tours in Cambridge
6. Private Cambridge University Punting Tour Led by Local University Students
⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 50 minutes | 🤩 BOOK NOW
Do you know what’s not relaxing? Being crammed into a punt with a bunch of strangers, all struggling to take photos without getting in the way of one another’s shots. On this private punting tour in Cambridge, you won’t have to worry about this. You’ll have plenty of your own, personal space!
With a Cambridge University student as your guide, you’ll get access to their wealth of knowledge on all things Cambridge – and unrestricted access to ask them every question in your head.
Of course, you’ll pass all the most beautiful and important colleges and landmarks of Cambridge, but you can also tailor your trip to your own personal preferences, lingering longer at your favourite places.
Prices for private punting tours in Cambridge, are, obviously, higher than joining a shared punting tour, but if there’s a group of you it can actually work out to be pretty cost-effective.
Plus, if you’re on a private punting tour, pre-book a takeaway afternoon tea from Fitzbillies, and you can indulge in afternoon tea whilst punting. It’s doesn’t get any more Cambridge than this!
“So perfect for a group of friends! We all chipped in for a friend's birthday and had such a great time, the scenery is like something from a movie! Lots of knowledge from the really friendly team, couldn’t recommend more! Fantastic experience” - Tripadvisor Reviewer (Read More Reviews)
Click here to book your place!
Best Places to Visit on Cambridge Punting Tours
Mathematical Bridge
The Mathematical Bridge was originally built in 1749 by William Etheridge but was later rebuilt using mathematical principles by James Essex in 1905. Despite its name, the bridge isn’t actually made of maths… it actually uses a unique design that allows it to be self-supporting without any nuts or bolts. Cool!
Queen’s College
Queen’s College was founded in 1448, originally established by Margaret of Anjou, the wife of King Henry VI. It was the first college in Cambridge to be founded by a woman! Notable alumni include comedian and actor David Mitchell, author E.M. Forster, and former British Prime Minister John Major.
King’s College
King’s College in Cambridge was founded in 1441 by King Henry VI and is known for its stunning Chapel, which boasts the world-famous King’s College Choir. Famous alumni include economist John Maynard Keynes, author Salman Rushdie, and actor Tom Hiddleston!
If you go on a Cambridge walking tour you’ll definitely make a stop at King’s College – it’s one of the top attractions in Cambridge.
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs in Cambridge is a stunning and iconic landmark that was built in 1831! It connects two parts of St John’s College over the River Cam. Despite its name, the bridge has no real connection to sighs or sadness, and was actually named after the bridge of the same name in Venice because of their similar appearance.
Trinity College
Trinity College was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and is known for its stunning architecture, including the famous Wren Library and Great Court. Trinity College has produced some of the most notable figures in history, including Sir Isaac Newton, Lord Byron, and three British Prime Ministers!
St John’s College
St John’s College in Cambridge was founded in 1511 and is one of the most prestigious colleges at Cambridge University! The college has produced many notable alumni, including Nobel Prize winners, poets, authors, and politicians.
St John’s is also famous for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Bridge of Sighs and the Chapel, which was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott.
FAQs About Punting in Cambridge
What is punting?
Punting is a way to travel down a flat body of water by using a pole to push off the bottom of the river to move a long, flat-bottomed boat. It is a popular activity in Cambridge, where visitors can take guided punting tours along the River Cam to see the city’s famous colleges and other landmarks.
Can I hire a punt in Cambridge?
Yes, you can hire a punt in Cambridge from various companies along the River Cam. Hiring a punt allows you to explore the river at your own pace and without a guide.
How much does it cost to go punting in Cambridge?
The cost of punting in Cambridge can vary depending on the time of year and the tour operator. Generally, you can expect to pay around £25-£35 per person for a shared guided punting tour or £60-£80 per hour to hire a private punt.
Do I need to book punting in Cambridge?
If you’re visiting Cambridge in summer (June-August), you definitely need to pre-book your punting tour or hire. At other times of year, it may be possible to find last-minute availability for both guided tours and private hires, but this isn’t always the case. It’s better to book in advance and be safe rather than sorry!
What is the difference between punting in Oxford to Cambridge?
While both cities offer punting tours, there are some key differences between the two experiences. Obviously, what you see on your punting tour will be different in each city. Additionally, Oxford’s punts are a slightly different shape, meaning that the punter needs to stand in a different place than those in Cambridge.
Is there a weight limit for punting?
There is typically no individual weight limit for punting. Punts typically seat 12 individuals, so you don’t need to worry about your weight. If the operator is concerned they will simply load the punt with fewer guests or allocate fixed seating to distribute weight across the punt.
How long do punting tours in Cambridge last?
Cambridge punting tours typically last 45-50 minutes.
Final Thoughts: Best Punting Tours in Cambridge
Visiting Cambridge is a true bucket list experience for many visitors, so make sure you add it to your itinerary and go on a punting tour whilst you’re there!
My number one pick for the best punting tour of Cambridge is the Cambridge University Guided Punting Tour. You’ll check out all of the coolest spots in Cambridge on a charming punt on the top-rated and #1 reviewed punting tour in Cambridge!
