Do you have to book to go punting in Cambridge or can you just turn up?

punting in cambridge during the summer months underneath willow trees

We are here to help you find the easiest way possible to book the best punting in Cambridge tour. We offer multiple booking opportunities which are catered to your best interests! Read more to discover our booking systems!

Punting in Cambridge- How to book

At Cambridge’s Punting Cambridge, we offer an option to book online via our website, which provides 2 tour options-  a private tour and a shared tour. Both tours are a 50-minute chauffeured punt around the college backs. During your punting in Cambridge tour will see some of the famous sights including the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical Bridge.

Our online booking system has perks which will equal a smooth sailing trip along the River Cam. By booking your punting in Cambridge tour online, your benefits include; a limited queuing system where our cashier will assist you by getting on and off the boat.  Our online booking system ensures the best available rate. This can be up to 50% off in comparison to prices on the day of your punting in Cambridge tour. Also, keep a keen eye on our website for any discounts. Instagram is another way to check.

In order to secure your payment, we offer two different methods- via phone or online. Once payment has been received, you’ll receive a confirmation for the day. A similar process is used for our phone bookings. Once the booking is paid over the phone we will send a booking confirmation for you to show the cashiers once your tour is ready!

If you’re visiting for the day, around our historic city, keep a look out for our staff based on Quayside! If you are struggling to find someone to help, we also keep a cashier’s desk further down the boardwalk. You can find us under the orange umbrella and a member of staff stationed to support any enquiries, bookings and payments.

However, with the in-person booking method, availability and prices fluctuate and there is less availability.

What do I do if my booking needs to be cancelled

As we all know, the British weather can take an unexpected turn. We are an outdoor business and therefore we go ahead in all weathers. In light rain, we have umbrellas and blankets onboard to keep you dry during your punting in Cambridge tour. In circumstances of extremely heavy rain, we will still go ahead if you like (provided it is safe) or we will offer online bookings a 100% credit note or a 70% refund.

With pre-booked a private punting tour online, bookings can be cancelled more than 48 hours in advance and will be eligible for a 70% refund. If you have pre-booked a shared tour we can exchange your tickets for another date if you give us at least 24 hours’ notice. If the new date is more expensive then the difference will need to be paid.

Running Late?

If you’re running late, we will try our best to accommodate your needs. If there are any problems please feel free to call us on our number on the website. We will try our best to accommodate you, however, all punting in Cambridge bookings are for a specific departure time and any late arrivals will result in a missed tour. If there is a chance you may miss your booking slot, please ring us to let us know at the earliest available opportunity.