So – you know you want to go punting in Cambridge, but that’s as far as you’ve gotten. There are a few options, so where should you go punting in Cambridge? Don’t worry, we are here to help navigate you through your choices. There are different punting routes to take, there is self-hire or chauffeured, and then there are also shared or private tours. Let’s dive right in and find the best option for you.
The Different Routes
When looking at where to go punting in Cambridge, you’ll need to choose between the famous college ‘backs’ route or the countryside Granchester course.
The college ‘backs’
The most popular punting route in Cambridge is on the college ‘Backs’: a scenic route filled with the architectural splendours of the University of Cambridge. Punting along the Backs is the quintessential Cambridge experience. It offers a front-row seat to the city’s most iconic views. The Backs refers to the scenic stretch of the River Cam that flows behind several of Cambridge University’s historic colleges, giving you a unique perspective of grand architectural masterpieces. Only on this route can you have a chauffeur do the punting for you. It’s our go-to option.
There are several locations to embark on your tour of the backs: at Mill Pond, at Silver Street, at Quayside and at La Mimosa. Fear not, all of these locations cover the same route. And, all of these locations are within walking distance from one another. So, It doesn’t matter where you are staying in central Cambridge, you will be able to reach any of the punting companies by foot. Therefore, you can choose one based on its merits (rather than convenience).
granchester
This less-travelled route takes you away from the iconic college “Backs” and into peaceful, picturesque surroundings, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a slower pace. For this option, Scudamore’s offers boats for self-hire.
As you punt towards Grantchester, you’ll drift past lush meadows, grazing cows, and leafy riverbanks—ideal for soaking in the serene beauty of the countryside. The route is much quieter than the central Cambridge tour, giving you the chance to unwind, enjoy the sound of the water, and perhaps even spot some wildlife. Now bear in mind, the “Backs” have plenty of nature too! If you have small children in need of additional entertainment, Let’s Go Punting and Traditional Punting Company have a Nature Activity Booklet to help little ones engage in their surroundings.
sELF-HIRE OR CHAUFFEURED TOURS
Whether it’s trying the punting for yourself or having a professional chauffeur do it for you, you’ll have an amazing time. It’s guaranteed.
self-hire
With self-hire punting, you can be your own captain. The downside is that punting isn’t the easiest art to master for newbies. Many people aren’t able to enjoy the views on the beautiful backs of the Cambridge Colleges. They are too caught up in trying not to crash into other boats! Self-hire is normally by the hour. If you are slower at punting than you thought you would be, you’ll be spending quite a lot more money than you set out to.
But, if you are confident in your skills, why not? Hire a boat and take it out for a spin. One option for self-hire is Trinity Punts, another is Scudamores (for either Granchester or the ‘backs’).
cHAUFFEURED TOURS
Professional chauffeurs aren’t just skilled at navigating the Cam. They’re also walking (or rather, punting) encyclopedias of Cambridge’s history and quirks. From fascinating college tales to insights about iconic landmarks like King’s College Chapel and the Mathematical Bridge, you’ll get a fully narrated journey filled with stories that you wouldn’t hear otherwise. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the city. What’s not to love?
What’s more? With a professional chauffeur at the helm, you can avoid any potential mishaps. The river can get busy, especially during peak times, and an experienced guide will effortlessly navigate through the crowds. This will ensure your journey is smooth and safe. Easy!
Private or shared tours
It’s hard to choose between a shared or private tour. On a shared tour, you might meet other Cambridge visitors who are happy to share their experiences and recommendations of what they have explored throughout the day. The shared option is cheaper than the private tour. Shared tours give you your own area on a punt. This means your group will have their own private row or section on the boat.
Or, you can get even more of your own space on a private tour. The boat is yours to stretch out on. If it’s a romantic tour for two – or a friends and family get-together, a private tour allows you to make the trip your own. Another benefit is that you can add on picnics. So, which company should you book punting with?
wHICH COMPANY TO BOOK PUNTING WITH
When it comes to choosing where to go punting in Cambridge, there are so many companies to choose from. Now of course, we think our own services are excellent. But we can also recommend booking Let’s Go Punting or Traditional Punting Company. The three of us all share the same location at La Mimosa. This is an ideal place to embark on your punting tour – it’s right next to Jesus Green (perfect for a stroll before or after your tour).
There is no price difference between us three companies – it’s more of a choice around who has additional services that appeal to you. For instance, at Let’s Go Punting, you can buy a KIBOU sushi platter to enjoy on your punting tour. With Traditional Punting Company, you can bring a traditional tearoom right onto your boat with their Luxury Afternoon Tea Box from Harriets.
At the end of the day
You can’t go wrong with punting in Cambridge. There are no wrong choices to be made. Having said that, we hope that this blog helped you think about which options work best for you. We are always here to answer any questions to help you decide how you want to spend your time in Cambridge