Cambridge Punting Tours — See the City from the River
Glide past the College Backs, beneath historic bridges and alongside eight centuries of Cambridge. Choose a shared, family or private chauffeured tour—or take the pole yourself.
On the streets, Cambridge reveals itself through gates, courtyards and tantalising glimpses between ancient buildings. From the River Cam, everything changes.
The College Backs open out before you: sweeping lawns, secluded gardens, elegant bridges and some of Cambridge’s most famous architecture reflected in the water. You can see King’s College Chapel from an entirely different angle, pass the Mathematical Bridge, admire the Wren Library and glide beneath the Bridge of Sighs.
For a first visit to Cambridge, punting is very difficult to beat.
Experiencing Cambridge punting tours allows you to soak in the beauty of the city from a unique perspective.
A punt is a long, flat-bottomed boat traditionally propelled by pushing a pole against the shallow riverbed. You can sit back while an experienced chauffeur does the work, or hire a punt and try it for yourself. Either way, the slow pace and water-level viewpoint provide a side of Cambridge that cannot properly be seen from the streets.
Affiliate booking notice: The booking facilities below are provided by Scudamore’s. Cambridge.tours is an independent website and may receive a commission if you complete a booking through this page.
Which Cambridge punting tours experience should you choose?
Public shared punting tour
The classic choice for first-time visitors. You share a chauffeured punt with other passengers while your guide takes you along the College Backs and introduces the buildings, bridges and stories around you.
Choose this if you want the traditional Cambridge experience at a lower cost than hiring a private boat—and would much rather enjoy the view than wrestle with a pole.
Best for: solo visitors, couples, friends and anyone wanting the classic guided experience.
Loading...
Family punting tour
This is the family-friendly version of Scudamore’s shared College Backs tour, with preferential booking options for groups travelling with children under 18.
There is no need for anyone in the family to steer. You can sit together, take photographs and enjoy the landmarks while your chauffeur handles the punt. The gentle pace makes it an easy addition to a family day in Cambridge without adding another long walk.
Best for: families with children and multigenerational groups.
Loading...
Private punting tour
Your own punt, your own chauffeur and no passengers outside your group.
A private tour gives you more room to settle in, talk to your chauffeur and experience the river together. It is particularly good for couples, families, visiting friends, celebrations and anyone who wants Cambridge to feel a little less crowded.
This is the most relaxed and personal way to see the College Backs—and an excellent choice if photographs matter to you.
Best for: couples, private groups, celebrations and special visits.
Loading...
Self-hire punting
Would you prefer to do the punting yourself? A self-hire punt puts the pole in your hands.
After the initial handover, your group takes control of the boat and explores the river independently. It is more physical—and usually rather less graceful than the chauffeured version—but learning to steer is part of the fun.
Allow yourself time to find your balance, learn how the punt responds and recover from the inevitable moment when you begin travelling sideways. Self-hire is an experience in its own right, rather than simply transport along the river.
Best for: adventurous couples, groups of friends, returning visitors and anyone who wants to say they have genuinely punted in Cambridge.
Loading...
What can you see while punting in Cambridge?
The celebrated College Backs route brings together many of Cambridge’s most recognisable river views, including:
- The Mathematical Bridge at Queens’ College
- King’s College Chapel
- Clare College and its riverside gardens
- The Wren Library at Trinity College
- St John’s College and the Bridge of Sighs
- Magdalene Bridge—the crossing traditionally associated with the city’s name
The river also gives you the space to notice smaller details: reflections beneath the bridges, college gardens descending towards the water, willow trees, passing wildlife and architectural views that are almost completely hidden from the road.
Punting can be peaceful, romantic, educational or gloriously chaotic, depending on which option you choose.
Walking and punting: two different sides of Cambridge
A punt shows you the backs of the colleges. A walking tour reveals their fronts, the old lanes, Senate House, the Market Square and the stories hidden throughout the city centre.
For the fullest Cambridge experience, combine your punting trip with one of our private guided walks. Our tours use public routes, run at your group’s pace and are available in English or French.
Explore our private Cambridge guided walking tours →
If you would rather experience Cambridge through your camera, you can also join one of our private photography tours.
Explore Cambridge photography tours →
Frequently asked questions about Cambridge punting
What exactly is punting?
Punting means travelling in a flat-bottomed boat propelled with a long pole. The pole is pushed against the riverbed to move and steer the boat. On a chauffeured tour, an experienced punter does this for you.
Do I have to steer the punt myself?
No. Family, public and private tours are chauffeured. Choose self-hire only if you actively want to try punting yourself.
How long is a Cambridge punting tour?
Scudamore’s standard shared, family and private College Backs tours ordinarily last approximately 45 minutes. Self-hire bookings offer different durations. Always check the live widget for the times and options available on your chosen date.
Is a private punt worth booking?
It is worth considering if you want the boat exclusively for your group, more space, easier conversation with your chauffeur or a quieter experience for a special occasion.
Which option is best for families?
The family shared tour is designed for groups travelling with children. Families wanting greater privacy and flexibility may prefer a private tour.
Should I book Cambridge punting in advance?
Advance booking is advisable, particularly during weekends, school holidays and the busier spring and summer months. The widgets on this page show Scudamore’s current availability and booking options.
Who manages my punting booking?
Your punting booking, payment, confirmation and fulfilment are handled by Scudamore’s. Cambridge.tours provides access to its booking facilities but does not operate the punts.
Cambridge.tours is an independent website and is not owned, operated or controlled by Scudamore’s Punting Company. The booking widgets on this page are supplied by Scudamore’s. All punting services, prices, availability, payments, booking conditions, amendments, cancellations, safety requirements and customer support are provided and managed by Scudamore’s. Cambridge.tours may receive a referral commission when a booking is made through this page.