Britain · PUNTING TOURS
The 15 best punting tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Spend about 45 minutes on a shared punt through Cambridge’s College Backs. A guide poles you past Queens’ College, the Mathematical Bridge, King’s College Chapel, and St. John’s covered bridge while sharing college stories. Morning departures are wise for a calmer ride, and the boats operate in most weather.
“Thoroughly enjoyable - could have stayed on the water longer. Our tour guide was informative and amusing.”
Cruise the full college stretch of Cambridge’s River Cam for 45 minutes with an English-speaking punter. Expect seven historic colleges, university traditions, stories about Isaac Newton and Prince Charles, and comfortable seats with cushions and blankets. Guides such as Claudius, Andy, Archie, and Peter are known for mixing facts with humor. Private groups are available.
“Excellent value for money and we had a funny, engaging guide with loads of knowledge and stories who built great rapport with everyone on the boat.”
Join a shared 45-minute punt from Jesus Green for a calm trip along Cambridge’s historic Backs. Your guide handles the pole while sharing stories about Trinity, St. John’s, King’s College Chapel, famous alumni, bridges, and student pranks. Boats hold up to 12 people, and guides such as Matteo, Josh, Isa, and Eamon are known for friendly, lively commentary.
“We had a great time on this trip! I highly recommend this as the first activity you do when you arrive as it helps orient how the city is laid out and it gives spectacular views!”
Walk Cambridge with a current student or graduate, then punt past eight colleges and nine bridges on the River Cam. You’ll see the Corpus Clock, Eagle pub, Cavendish site, Trinity, St John’s, and King’s College. Add the self-guided chapel visit when booking, since it cannot be added during the tour.
“Niamh was great! Good overview of the history of Cambridge University and at a good pace. Fun to see Trinity College where Newton studied, the Cavendish Lab building (home of more than 30 Nobel laureates), and the fen that changed the course of Darwin’s life. Of course all that other royal history is pretty cool, too!”
Glide along Cambridge’s River Cam in a punt driven by a guide, passing Magdalene, Trinity, King’s, Queen’s, and famous bridges. This English-language shared tour lasts about 50 minutes and caps the boat at six people. Guides such as Ben, Benji, Callum, Tom G, and Zac are known for lively stories and careful steering.
“Great experience and the guide was really good too. I will definitely go back but this time get a private one”
Set off from Jesus Green Moorings for a 50-minute guided punt along Cambridge’s Back. Your English-speaking punter points out King’s College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs, Mathematical Bridge, and six colleges while explaining how the medieval town became a global university center. Raised seats, tables, blankets, and umbrellas are provided.
“Our guide was amazing. I think he said his name was Herbie? He gave us an interesting and entertaining presentation about Cambridge history. The only complaint is how squished we were in the boat. Unfortunately two more people were added at the last minute, just before we left, making it a tight fit.”
Walk Cambridge with a current student or graduate, passing famous colleges, the Cavendish Laboratory, and The Eagle pub. Add King's College Chapel, then glide past eight colleges and nine bridges on a 45-minute chauffeured punt. Guides such as Sophie, Francesco, and Ari bring student life, folklore, and practical insight to the tour.
“We had a great time our walking tour and punting tour!”
Spend about 50 minutes on a private chauffeured punt for up to 12 people. Your guide steers along Cambridge’s college backs, passing King’s College Chapel, Senate House, the Mathematical Bridge, seven riverside colleges, and the Bridge of Sighs. Guides such as James, Daniel, George, Ryan, and Noah are praised for lively local stories and careful steering.
“Perfect punt. Great guide with good knowledge. We loved it, could have stayed onbaord all day. Booking was easy.”
Share a chauffeured punt with up to 12 people and glide through Cambridge’s College Backs, beneath nine historic bridges. Your punter handles the pole while you enjoy views of riverside colleges and stories about the city. Guides such as Max, John, Matt, and Adam are known for mixing useful history with easy humor.
“Amazing experience, good reception and good customer service. Very smooth journey. Very calm and atmosphere was amazing”
Take a roughly 45-minute shared punt from Mill Lane station, guided in English by a local punter such as Jack, Daisy, or Alex. Float past eight colleges and nine bridges, including King’s College Chapel, the Mathematical Bridge, Wren Library, Clare College Gardens, and the Bridge of Sighs. Umbrellas and blankets are provided.
“Excellent tour guide and punter, Jack. Gave a great talk whilst attempting to avoid less competent punters!”
Cruise the River Cam from Scudamore’s Mill Lane Punting Station with an English-speaking guide. In 50 minutes, you’ll pass the Mathematical Bridge, King’s College, Clare Bridge, Wren Library, Kitchen Bridge, and the Bridge of Sighs. Guides such as Charlie, Ben, Alice, and Hayden mix Cambridge stories with humor. Bring your own drinks or snacks.
“The location of the meeting point wasn't accurate. There is lots of bost docks ..the location you have direct wasn't correct .. The punting chauffeur, James is very professional.”
Glide along the River Cam in a small group of up to 12, with a student or local guide pointing out Cambridge colleges, bridges, Darwin College, Trinity Hall, and Magdalene. The 45-minute ride includes cushions and blankets, flexible start times, and a return to Scudamore’s Mill Lane station. Guides such as James, Josh, Alex, and Will have earned praise for clear, funny commentary.
“It’s was an amazing experience being first time visitor. David was amazing captain explained facts very nicely and was friendly.”
Settle into a chauffeured punt for a 45 to 50-minute ride along the River Cam. You’ll pass seven riverside colleges, including King’s, Queens’, St John’s, Trinity, Trinity Hall, and Clare, with views of King’s College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs, and Wren Library. English-speaking guides such as Matt, Ryan, and Callum add stories and humor.
“So worth it! Never been to Cambridge before so we were delighted that our punting tour guide was very knowledgable and a good sense of humour to boot! Highly recommended!”
Glide along the River Cam for about 50 minutes in a private punt for up to 12 people. Your chauffeur guide passes seven colleges and nine bridges, including the Bridge of Sighs, Wren Library, King’s College, Clare Gardens, and the Mathematical Bridge. Guides such as Oli, Zac, Alex, and others have led these tours.
“Oli was an amazing guide, a font of knowledge. He managed to keep his enthusiasm, humour and entertain us despite the rain.”
Join a shared, chauffeured punt from Thompson’s Lane for a 50-minute ride along Cambridge’s College Backs. Your guide points out Magdalene, Trinity, Clare, King’s, Queens’, the Bridge of Sighs, and Mathematical Bridge. Perspex screens separate parties, and a virtual queue helps manage busy periods.
“Our tour with Will was Thoroughly enjoyable. It was fun, relaxing, informative and entertaining. Thanks Will!”
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