What does “punting in Cambridge” mean?
If you are USA based as we are, “Punting in Cambridge” might conjure up the image of us attempting a field goal by punting a football through the goalposts. Not much chance of that happening!
However, in Cambridge, “punting” means a great time on the River Cam in a flat bottom boat with a square end. These punting boats are commonly used in shallow water, propelled with a long pole like the gondolas of Venice.
Punting in Cambridge – finding a rental.
There are many Cambridge punting tours along the river. As a result, the rental competition is fierce among the “hawkers” so just keep walking and shaking your head at the price. At some point, you will receive an offer you cannot refuse, as the price goes down as you go along. You are now ready to go punting!
Punts are available for self-hire or chauffeured, which is what we choose. The difference is, as a self-hire, it is you who stands on the end of the boat with a very long pole. If this isn’t enough, you are navigating an extremely busy river. Definitely, not for the faint of heart! We recommend you choose an expert for punting on the River Cam.
Our skillful guide maneuvers up the river and back, narrowly missing the self-hire punts. Not surprisingly, many end up perpendicular to the waterway. It’s all done in good fun so we sit back and enjoy the views, and awesome views they are.
Punting in Cambridge under the Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs was built in 1831 and connects the old court of St. John’s College with the third court. The bridge is named after the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. Here, they say the prisoners “sigh” as they are led across the bridge back to their cells. This is much like the rumor that students “sigh” as they cross the bridge on the way to their exams.
Normally, the bridge is only seen when you pay to go onto St. John’s College. However, in our opinion, the best way to see the bridge is by punt!
Punting past King’s College Chapel
Love Gothic architecture? Then, King’s College Chapel is the building for you as your River Cam punt goes right by it! Started in 1446 by Henry VI, this immense building’s turrets soar 146 feet high! Amazingly, it took over a century to build. Seriously, can you imagine that happening today?
The Chapel is a place for student worship and today, the choir still sings evening worship daily during the term. This is yet another building you won’t see unless you peer through the front entrance of King’s College or pay the entrance fee. But when punting on the River Cam, it comes with the price of admission!
A “punting” view of the Mathematical Bridge
Although it looks like an arch, the “Mathematical Bridge“ is so named because it is actually composed of entirely straight timbers. Built in 1749, the “Wooden Bridge,” which is its official name, joins two parts of Queen’s College. It’s so much fun to go punting right under another amazing bridge!
You might wonder since it’s wood, if it’s the original bridge and the answer is “No!” As you might expect, the bridge was rebuilt twice. Once is in 1866, when the design changes from a “stepped” bridge to the current sloping design and again in 1905, when the weathered oak is replaced with teak.
Punting in Cambridge is a must-do!
There are many other bridges, amazing buildings, and other beautiful sights which makes this a “must-do” when in Cambridge. Also, you can choose a chauffeured punt with 6 or 12 passengers.
If you want to hear everything the guide says while punting, take a seat in the back of the boat where he stands. Although it is occasionally difficult hearing the guide, we prefer front seat accommodations. From the front of the punt, the views are magnificent! Really, no matter where you sit, the experience is not to be missed!
There are numerous Cambridge punting tours as well as Cambridge punting tour combinations. Check it out here for the best punting tour for you! If you’re looking for the ultimate punting experience, Viator offers a private punting tour for up to 12 people for 50 full minutes on the river. Click here to access the tour information and book.
More of UK towns and villages
Punting in Cambridge is just one of the many places we experience while exploring Great Britain. If you enjoyed this post, you may also like A day trip to Glastonbury, and also Goring along with our visit to Wells and incredible Stonehenge. Stonehenge was particularly inspiring because we walked inside the stones!
We hope you enjoyed this post and someday have an opportunity to go punting while visiting Cambridge. In the meantime, please check in the sidebar to sign up and join us in our journey. We’d love to have you along. Of course, we value your privacy and would never sell or share your email. Until then, Cheers!
Jack and Elaine
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Harold and Sam tried driving to Stonehenge from Mildenhaul back in 2008. Sam got to nervous with his Dad’s driving so they turned back. Sam, being a mason, always wanted to visit there. I will read him your article and he will look through his magnifying glass and try to a get a glimpse of your pictures. ? Thank you. ❤️
Thanks Janet. I hope Sam could see the pictures of Stonehenge. It was awesome.