Everything you need to know about Cambridge punt hire

Cambridge is a picturesque historical city in East Anglia. It’s famous as a place of learning and home to the University of Cambridge, one of the oldest in the UK and second only to rival University of Oxford. These two universities famously compete in the rowing race along the river Thames every year, and Cambridge students can get plenty of rowing practice on the River Cam which runs right through the city. The river is also a great way for you to see the city, though you don’t have to worry about rowing yourself! Here’s our guide to seeing the city by river with a Cambridge punt hire.

Punting

Punting is a popular way for holidaymakers to see the city. A punt is a long, flat-bottomed boat, which is propelled along by pushing a long pole into the bed of the river. It’s a leisurely and gentle mode of transport perfect for taking in the sights. There are many options for punting companies and tours in Cambridge, with the most popular part of the river being a stretch along the ‘Backs,’ named because it flows behind the backs of 7 Cambridge colleges.

You have the choice of private or shared punt tours. A private tour is certainly more romantic, but you may be charged in the region of £90. A shared tour is considerably cheaper, so long as you don’t mind spending time in a boat with up to 12 people! You can get a 60 minute tour in a shared boat with one of Cambridge’s larger punting companies for £18 per person. Some companies offer a discount if you book in advance. However, be careful to avoid any punting companies operating from the Garret Hostel Bridge as it became illegal to operate from here in 2012.

You can also self-hire a punt and choose which way down the river you wish to go! This option is very reasonably, which is great if you want to keep holiday costs down. You can hire a punt from Trinity College for £14 an hour.

If you’re staying in a campsite south of the city near to Grantchester, you may enjoy the more peaceful option of punting down the river away from Cambridge. There are a few companies offering this option, but Scudamores offer a Wildlife Tour on Sundays which is particularly peaceful.

Seeing the city

You can combine a punting trip with other ways to see the city. Cambridge Blue Punting offer a punt and walking tour of the Univeristy of Cambridge campus, with a student showing you the way for £28 per person. If you like being spooked on your holiday, then take on the Ghost walk! After an early evening punt along the Backs, a guide will walk you through the city streets while regaling you with scary stories! The Ghost Tour costs £17.50 per person.

If you don’t fancy taking to the river, many holidaymakers choose to see the city by bicycle. You can hire a bike from Cambridge Bike Tours and choose your own path around the sights, or pay £20 for a city tour with a guide. If you’re a family of 4, you can get a good deal of £50 for everyone to go on the tour.

Things to do

Once you’re finished taking in the sights of the city (by punt, bike or foot), there are many attractions to keep you occupied. Book lovers might be interested to know that you can read AA Milne’s manuscript of Winnie the Pooh! Visit the Wren Library at Trinity College for free between midday and 2pm on a weekday to see your favourite bear come to life on the page.

For an entrance fee of £6.50, you can explore King's College Chapel, or visit free of charge by going to see the choristers evensong. This service is at 5pm between Monday and Saturday excluding August and September.

If you fancy a relaxed afternoon drinking tea, visit the Orchard Tea Garden in Grantchester. You can relax in a deck chair or visit the historic wooden pavilion. Picnics aren’t permitted, but there is a wide range of snacks and cakes on offer.

Punting is just one of the wonderful ways to see Cambridge. Whether you choose a public tour, a private hire, or take to the streets by bike or foot, enjoy exploring this stunning city!