Punting Tour Cambridge: 45-minute shared river cruise

Float the Backs and see three centuries of college architecture from the water

A 45-minute shared punting tour on Cambridge's River Cam with a live English guide, departing from one of two city-centre stations. You'll drift past the Bridge of Sighs, King's College Chapel and the Mathematical Bridge while the guide points out the college buildings and their history. Umbrellas and woollen blankets are provided. Hot water bottles are included in winter. The tour runs in all weather and operates subject to river conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

45-minute shared punting tour

• Start at city centre punt station
• See College Backs on River Cam
• Pass Queens' College and Mathematical Bridge
• View King's College Chapel
• Pass Bridge of Sighs at St. John's College
• Return to punt station

The experience

The tour starts at one of two punt stations in Cambridge's city centre, where you board a flat-bottomed boat and settle in for a 45-minute float down the River Cam. A live guide steers and narrates as you drift through the College Backs: the stretch of river that runs through the heart of the university. The pace is slow enough to take in the architecture without rushing. You're not fighting a current or managing a boat yourself.

You'll pass Queens' College and the Mathematical Bridge, a wooden structure famous for its geometric design, then float beneath King's College Chapel: the soaring Gothic building that dominates the skyline. The Bridge of Sighs comes next, the covered bridge connecting St. John's College across the river. The guide fills in the stories and details as you move through, so the buildings make sense instead of just appearing. Woollen blankets and umbrellas are provided. In winter, hot water bottles keep you warm while you're sitting still on the water.

The tour runs in all weather, so dress for the conditions. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and the Mill Lane station has a wheelchair and stroller ramp. Your ticket is valid for six months, so you can book ahead and choose a date that suits you. If the river conditions aren't favorable on the day, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What’s included

• 45-minute shared punting tour with a live English-speaking guide.
• woollen blankets and umbrellas for all passengers.
• hot water bottles in winter months.
• sightseeing cruise through the College Backs, past the Mathematical Bridge, King's College Chapel and the Bridge of Sighs.

Options for this experience

2 options

Shared punting tour for up to 3Up to 3 people · Guide in English · No fixed timeLasts 45 minutes. This ticket covers up to 3 people.

Shared punting tour for up to 6Up to 6 people · Guide in English · No fixed timeLasts 45 minutes. This ticket covers up to 6 people.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupUp to 12 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Scudamores Punting Company Ltd

Is this one for you?Choose the smaller group option (up to 3) if you want more elbow room and a quieter float. Pick the larger option (up to 6) if you're traveling with friends or family and want to share the cost. Either way, the 45-minute duration fits easily into a morning or afternoon without dominating your day in Cambridge.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the two shared punting tour options?

The Shared Punting Tour up to 6 carries up to six passengers per boat, while the Shared Punting Tour up to 3 carries up to three. Both follow the same 45-minute route with the same guide and inclusions. The smaller option means more space and a quieter experience on the water.

Can I bring a baby or young child on the punting tour?

Yes. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and they're welcome to sit on an adult's lap during the tour. The Mill Lane punt station has a wheelchair and stroller ramp for easy boarding.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

The tour operates in all weather, so rain or cold won't cancel it. Just dress appropriately for the conditions. Umbrellas and woollen blankets are provided, and hot water bottles are included in winter. If river conditions become unsafe, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How long is the punting tour and what will I see?

The tour lasts 45 minutes and covers the College Backs on the River Cam, passing Queens' College and the Mathematical Bridge, King's College Chapel, and the Bridge of Sighs at St. John's College. A live English-speaking guide narrates throughout.

When can I use my ticket if I buy it now?

Your ticket is valid for six months from the date of purchase, so you can book in advance and choose any date within that window. You'll redeem it at the kiosk on the day of your tour.

Is there wheelchair access at the punt stations?

The Mill Lane punt station (CB2 1RS) has a wheelchair and stroller ramp available. The other city-centre station may have different access. Contact the operator to confirm which station suits your needs.