Description
Cambridge Punt Company offers a classic punting experience along the River Cam, showcasing Cambridge’s historic colleges and iconic bridges. It provides one of the most memorable ways to explore the city from the water in a relaxed and traditional setting. The experience is suitable for first-time visitors, returning travellers, families, and groups.
Visitors enjoy guided punting tours on the River Cam, passing seven historic colleges and nine bridges that are best seen from the river. The 50-minute return journey departs from Jesus Green, covering around one mile, with expert guides sharing historical facts, stories, and local insights. The company offers shared punting tours, private punting tours, and bespoke experiences, with views of landmarks such as Clare Bridge, King’s College, Trinity College, St John’s College, Queens’ College, the Mathematical Bridge, and the Bridge of Sighs.
Visitors are advised to contact the venue directly for current prices. Private punting tours are available for groups of up to 12 passengers, suitable for birthdays, celebrations, graduations, and corporate events, with pricing provided on enquiry via the website.
Cambridge Punt Company delivers a calm and scenic way to experience the city’s heritage. The knowledgeable guides and exclusive river views create a relaxed yet informative journey. It’s an ideal attraction for sightseeing, special occasions, and anyone wanting to experience Cambridge’s famous punting tradition in an authentic way.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: Yes
Features
Attractions On The River Cam
- Clare Bridge: Clare Bridge is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in Cambridge. Spanning the River Cam, it connects Clare College’s Old Court to its beautiful Fellows’ Garden. Built in the 17th century, Clare Bridge is the oldest surviving bridge in Cambridge and a must-visit attraction for tourists and students alike.
- Magdalene college: Magdalene college has over 600 years of academic history. Originally founded in 1428 as a safe place for Benedictine student-monks to live, the college was later re-founded (and renamed) in 1542. The college is home to the Pepys Library and is free to visitors wishing to explore the college grounds.
- Darwin College: Founded in 1964, Darwin was the first college to focus on postgraduate students only, followed by Clare Hall two years later in 1966. Darwin was also the first college to admit both men and women. There are around 600 students, known as Darwinians, from 75 counties.
- Kitchen Bridge Cambridge: The Wren Bridge, most commonly known as ‘The Kitchen Bridge’. Designed and named after Sir Christopher Wren, The Wren Bridge is known most commonly as ‘The Kitchen Bridge’. Constructed between 1709 and 1713, the bridge was built by Robert Grunmbold, a local architect who had previously worked on The Wren Library at Trinity College.
- Trinity College: Considered by most to be the most prestigious college within Cambridge University, Trinity College has been a world leader in the study of natural science since the 17th century. Founded by Henry VIII in 1546 as one of his last acts of life just five weeks before his death on the 28th January 1547.
- St. John’s College: St.John’s, known formally as ‘The College of St John the Evangelist in the University of Cambridge’ but colloquially as ‘Johns’, is one of the wealthiest and most prestigious colleges within Cambridge University.
- The Mathematical Bridge: The Mathematical Bridge is a renowned wooden footbridge at Queens’ College, Cambridge. Officially named the Wooden Bridge, it serves as a crucial link between the riverside buildings and student accommodation. As a Grade II listed structure, it holds significant historical and engineering value.
- The Bridge Of Sighs: Nestled within the prestigious St. John’s College, the Bridge of Sighs is one of Cambridge’s most famous landmarks. Built in 1831, this covered, stone bridge is a stunning example of Victorian Gothic (Neo-Gothic) architecture.
- Queens’ College: The college was founded in 1448 by Margaret of Anjou (the Queen of Henry VI), and refounded in 1465 by Elizabeth Woodville (the Queen of Edward IV). This dual foundation is reflected in its orthography: Queens’, not Queen’s, although the full name is The Queen’s College of St Margaret and St Bernard, commonly called Queens’ College, in the University of Cambridge.
- King’s Collage: King’s College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge, England. The college’s full name is “The King’s College of our Lady and Saint Nicholas in Cambridge“, but it is usually referred to simply as “King’s” within the University.
- Clare College: The college was founded in 1326 by the university’s Chancellor, Richard de Badew, and was originally named University Hall. Providing maintenance for only two fellows, it soon hit financial hardship.
Attractions In Cambridge City Centre
- Gonville & Caius college: Founded in 1348 as Gonville Hall, Goniville and Caius is the Fourth oldest college in the University of Cambridge. Initially founded by Edmund Gonvile who acquired his wealth as a member of the Church, serving as rector of Suffolk, Rushford and Terrington St. Clement.
- Pembroke College: The oldest college to remain in its original location, Pembroke College is home to 700 students and fellows. Alumni include the youngest ever British Prime Minister, William Pitt the Younger, British actor Tom Hiffleston, best known for his role as Loki, and Ray Dolby, founder of Dolby Laboratories, who donated £34 million to the college in 2005.
- Christ’s College: Situated in the heart of the city centre, Christ’s college is open throughout the year and open to visitors free of charge. Founded originally as ‘God’s House’ in 1437 by William Bingham, the college was later refounded by Lady Margaret Beaufort, grandmother to Henry VIII, in 1505. The college was renamed ‘Christ’s College’.
- Corpus Christi College: Founded during the aftermath of the Black Death in 1352, Corpus Christi College is the 6th oldest college within The University and the only college out of 31 to be founded by Cambridge locals. The college is now best known for the deliberately terrifying Corpus Clock, designed to represent a slightly morbid relationship with time.
0.83 miles
