Visiting Cambridge University: Darwin College

Punting in Cambridge

Punting is quite the experience, offering visitors a unique way to explore the city and its stunning scenery from the river.

A punt is a flat-bottomed boat propelled by a punt pole pushed against the riverbed, allowing a gentle glide along the River Cam. Punting is especially popular along the “Backs,” the stretch of river that runs behind several of the University of Cambridge’s historic colleges, offering spectacular views of landmarks like King’s College Chapel, Clare College, and Trinity College.

There are two main ways to enjoy punting: self-punting and chauffeured punting. Self-punting offers a fun challenge as you navigate the river yourself, perfect for a leisurely day with friends or family. If you’d prefer a more relaxing experience, many companies offer chauffeured punt tours, where an experienced guide navigates the boat and provides interesting commentary on the history of Cambridge and its colleges.

Punting is especially popular in the warmer months, but it’s available year-round. Whether you choose to try your hand at punting or let someone else do the work, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of Cambridge from a different perspective.

Two Ways to Punt

The tradition of punting dates back to the early 20th century, and it has become a quintessential experience for both visitors and locals. Your options are:

  • Self-punting: This option is ideal for the adventurous. You hire a punt and navigate the river yourself. It may seem easy, but balancing and steering the punt with the long pole can be a challenge—though that’s part of the fun! Families, friends, or couples often enjoy trying their hand at punting, with many laughs and memorable moments along the way.

  • Chauffeured punting: For a more relaxing experience, you can hire a professional punter to take you on a guided tour. Chauffeured punting is a wonderful way to sit back and enjoy the views while the guide navigates and shares fascinating stories and historical facts about the city and its colleges. The Backs (the river section that runs behind the university colleges) offers views of King’s College Chapel, Clare Bridge, The Wren Library, and other architectural gems, making this a scenic and informative experience.

Why Punting is Special

Punting offers unparalleled views of Cambridge’s “Backs”, a beautiful area of gardens and college buildings that are not visible from the city streets. The peaceful flow of the river and the proximity to the historic colleges make punting a romantic and serene experience, especially in the spring and summer when the gardens are in full bloom. The leisurely pace of the punt also allows for plenty of photo opportunities and quiet moments to take in the impressive architecture.

When to Punt

Punting is available year-round, though the best time to go is during the warmer months (spring to early autumn) when the weather is mild and the river is buzzing with activity. Even in winter, some companies offer chauffeured punts with blankets and hot drinks, creating a cosy way to explore the city’s waterways.

Routes:

  • The Backs: This is the most popular route, taking you past the rear of several famous colleges, including King’s, Trinity, Clare, and St. John’s. You’ll also pass under the picturesque Mathematical Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs.
  • Grantchester: For those looking for a longer adventure, you can punt down the river to Grantchester, a charming village a few miles south of Cambridge. This route is more rural, offering a quieter and more pastoral experience.

How to Get There

Several companies along the river offer punt rentals and chauffeured tours. Popular starting points include Quayside near Magdalene College and Silver Street near Queens’ College. Both locations are centrally located and easy to access by foot, bus, or bike.

Whether you opt for a self-punt or a chauffeured tour, punting in Cambridge is a delightful and unforgettable way to see the city from a different perspective. It’s not just a fun activity but also a wonderful way to connect with the rich history and scenic beauty of Cambridge.