The famous Cambridge colleges of Cambridge University are world renowned. Surely the best way to see them is to take a relaxing punt ride with an experienced local guide? A 45 minute round trip takes in the stretch of river from Jesus Green to Silver Street and back again, around 1.5 miles total distance. Along the way are some of Cambridge’s most famous sights, including but not limited to King’s College Chapel, The Wren Library at Trinity college, the Mathematical Bridge at Queens in addition to numerous university landmarks.
The land along the river banks in the city centre is all owned by the Cambridge colleges and is private property. A consequence of this that visitors are usually unaware of is that it is not possible to walk along the river bank in the city centre. The view of the Cambridge colleges from the river is much better than it is from the narrow streets of Cambridge centre, making a punt tour, the best, if not the only true way to see into the colleges.
Visitors are required to pay an admission fee if they wish to visit the grounds of any Cambridge college. Should you visit all of the colleges that you would see on a Cambridge punt tour it could come to a hefty fee by the end of your visit! Depending on the time of year you are visiting Cambridge you might also be disappointed to find the colleges closed to visitors because of exams or other events. You never get this problem if you are punting in Cambridge!
Contrary to popular belief, the large Cambridge punting companies are not the only option when it comes to taking a guided punt tour of Cambridge. I like to think the situation is analogous to dining out. Many prefer to choose a small restaurant with local specialities over a fast food chain.
Cambridge River Tour is a small independent business established in 2005 by two experienced punt chauffeurs with many years experience working on the river Cam.
When the business was first started they specialised by offering small group tours on the 5 seater punts but they have now expanded their offering to cater for groups of all sizes.
A high quality service is provide by their experienced and friendly local punt chauffeurs to provide the best service possible.
Whether you are a one time or a regular visitor, punting in Cambridge is something that everyone should do at least once in their life times. Make sure you remember your trip for all the right reasons.
Groups of any size can be catered for, from individuals and couples to large tour groups, hen parties and any one else who wants an enjoyable trip along the river.
Although they originally started out specialising in tours on the traditional six person punts, they now use their extensive experience of Cambridge punting to offer trips on the larger twelve seater punts.
Want to find out more about Cambridge? click here for more information it’s an amazing place with hundreds of years of history. Or check out these videos of punting.. Also published at So you’re going to Cambridge, what should you do when you get there?.