What Is Punting In Cambridge?

cambridge — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 07:59:35 +0000

The stretch of the river Cam that runs through the city centre is known as “the backs” (of the Cambridge colleges) and it is an historic and well known tourist attraction. Without doubt there is no better way to experience them than a relaxing punt tour in the company of an experienced local tour guide. A standard round trip lasts about 45 minutes and travels along the almost 1 mile stretch of the river Cam from Magdalene college to Queens’ college. On the way are numerous notable landmarks, including several colleges, nine bridges and the Chapel at King’s College.

Chapel at King’s College, Cambridge, UK by seier+seier

Famous sights

The majority of visitors to the city probably don’t realise that punting on the Cam is not just the best but pretty much the only guaranteed way to get a really good look at all of the famous colleges along the river. Because the land is all private property and there isn’t a tow path that follows along the banks of the river, you can’t walk the course of the Cam through the city centre.

Admission fees

Every Cambridge college charges an entry fee to visitors. The combined cost of these, if you were to visit all the colleges you see on a punt tour would be more than the price of a ticket for the same punt tour. Additionally to of this, the colleges are not open to visitors at set times of the year, such as when the students are studying for their exams.

Choice of punt companies

There are a several companies offering Cambridge punt tours from the very large to the not quite so.

Cambridge River Tour

Cambridge River Tours is an independent punt tour operator set up by two punt chauffeurs with many years experience of working on the river Cam, that has been in business since 2005 .

The guides who give the tours are experienced and knowledgeable whilst still being and friendly and fun, all of which means you will have a wonderful time.

Once in a lifetime

Whether this is your first visit or one of many, a trip on the river Cam is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lives. They will help make sure your trip is one to remember for the right reasons.

Groups of any size can be accommodated, from individuals and couples to hen parties, large tour groups and any one else who wants an experience to remember.

From their modest start operating just two of the traditional small punts, they have built on their knowledge and experience to offer trips on the more comfortable and stable 12 seat ferry punts.

Looking to find the best deal on punting in Cambridge? Then visit Cambridge River Tours to find the best deals for you.