A Quintessential Cambridge Experience
Punting is as closely associated with Cambridge as the colleges themselves. A punt is a flat-bottomed boat, typically holding up to six people, that is moved through the water by standing at one end and pushing a long metal pole against the riverbed. The technique looks effortless when done well, though first-timers quickly discover that steering a straight course while standing upright is harder than it appears.
The main punting route in Cambridge runs along the River Cam through a stretch known as the Backs, where the grounds of several colleges run down to the water's edge. This route takes you past some of the most photographed views in the city, including the back of King's College Chapel, the Wren Library at Trinity, the Bridge of Sighs at St John's and the Mathematical Bridge at Queens' College.
Self-Hire or Chauffeur
There are two main ways to go punting. Self-hire gives you a punt and a pole and lets you navigate the river at your own pace. This is the more adventurous option and can be great fun, though collisions with other punts, getting the pole stuck in the mud and going in circles are all common experiences for beginners. The punt hire companies provide basic instructions, and most people get the hang of it within a few minutes.
Chauffeur-guided punting is the more relaxed option. A trained punter does the work while you sit and enjoy the views. The guide typically provides commentary about the colleges, the bridges and the history of the river. A guided tour usually lasts about 45 minutes and covers the main stretch of the Backs.
The Backs
The Backs is the name given to the area where the grounds of several colleges back onto the River Cam. This stretch of the river, running roughly from Silver Street Bridge to Magdalene Bridge, passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in Cambridge. Willow trees trail into the water, manicured lawns slope down to the riverbank and the grand architecture of the colleges provides a constantly changing backdrop.
The view of King's College Chapel from the river is one of the finest in the city. Seen from a punt on a summer afternoon, with the chapel rising above the trees, it is easy to understand why punting has remained popular for well over a century.
When to Go Punting
Punting is available from roughly March to October, with the busiest period being the summer months from June to September. Summer weekends can mean heavy traffic on the river, with dozens of punts jostling for space on the narrower stretches. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter and give you a better chance of a peaceful trip.
Spring is a lovely time to punt, with the college gardens in bloom and fewer visitors on the water. Early autumn, before the university term begins in October, is another good window. The light in September can be particularly beautiful along the tree-lined stretches of the river.
A Brief History
Punting became popular in Cambridge in the early 20th century, adopted from the wider tradition of punt racing and leisure boating on the Thames. It caught on quickly among students and has been a defining feature of Cambridge life ever since. The tradition of punting at Cambridge punts from the back of the boat, while at Oxford the convention is to punt from the front, a distinction that both universities take surprisingly seriously.
