Punting in Cambridge

Punting — being poled along in a flat-bottomed wooden boat on the River Cam — is Cambridge's most distinctive activity and one of the most enjoyable things to do on a day trip from London. Here's how to approach it without getting ripped off or soaked.

Chauffeured vs Self-Hire

Most visitors choose between two options. Chauffeured punts have a student guide who poles the boat while narrating the colleges and their histories — you sit back and enjoy the view. Typically 45–60 minutes, costs around £20–25 per person. Self-hire puts you in charge of the pole, costs around £25–35 per hour for the whole boat (not per person), and is funnier but wetter for those who've never done it. Both options are available from multiple operators along Mill Pond and the Backs.

The Backs

The Backs — the stretch of river behind the college backs — is the most scenic route and what most tours cover: King's College, Clare, Trinity and St John's colleges all have garden frontages onto the river. This is the classic Cambridge punting experience.

Booking

Walk-up is possible, but booking online for chauffeured tours in advance is advisable in summer — the most popular session times sell out, particularly on weekends. Self-hire boats don't always need advance booking, but queues build on peak days.

Tips

• Book chauffeured punt tours in advance for summer weekends — walk-up spots run out.
• Self-hire is cheaper per boat but harder to do — budget time for learning the first ten minutes.
• Take a waterproof layer — you may get splashed even on a chauffeured punt.
• Combine with a King's College Chapel visit and a walk around the city centre for a full day.