Cambridge: Shared Punt Tour Along College Backs & Bridges

Summary

Glide under Cambridge bridges and past famous colleges with stories and laughter

You’ll float along Cambridge’s Backs in a shared punt, gliding under historic bridges while your guide shares local stories. See King’s College Chapel up close, catch scents from college gardens, and laugh with fellow travelers as you pass iconic sights. The gentle pace lets you soak in details most visitors miss—leaving you with memories that linger long after you step ashore.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the river seemed to hold its breath as we pushed off — just this gentle hush, broken by ducks arguing somewhere behind Trinity College. Our guide, Tom, balanced at the back of the punt like it was nothing (I’d have fallen in for sure). He pointed out Magdalene College right away, telling us how old some of these stones are. There’s this faint smell of wet willow and something sweet from the gardens. It felt like stepping into a painting, but with more awkward laughter from our little group as we tried not to rock the boat.

We drifted under Magdalene Bridge and then, honestly, I got distracted by the way sunlight bounced off the water onto the underside of the Bridge of Sighs. Tom told us why it’s called that — apparently nothing to do with Venice, which made me smile. The “Wedding Cake Building” came up next (New Court, but honestly Wedding Cake is better), all white layers and students waving from windows. At one point I tried to say “Jerwood Library” in my best posh accent; my friend Li nearly dropped her phone laughing.

Trinity Hall slipped by on one side — I caught a whiff of fresh-cut grass from Clare College Gardens. The river narrows there, and you can hear snippets of conversations from people walking over Garret Hostel Bridge above you. It’s weirdly intimate for such a public place. King’s College Chapel loomed up after that — bigger than I expected, almost heavy against the sky. Tom slowed down so we could take photos (he even offered to snap one for us), and then he told a story about students sneaking across bridges at night that made everyone grin.

Turning at Silver Street Bridge felt like a small ritual — there’s always someone waving or shouting encouragement from above. On the way back, I found myself staring at the Mathematical Bridge at Queens’ College, trying to figure out how it holds together without nails (I still don’t get it). By then my hands were cold but I didn’t really want it to end yet. There’s something about floating through Cambridge like this that sticks with you — maybe it’s just seeing all those old walls from below, or maybe it was just our odd little crew sharing biscuits and bad jokes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided punt tour of Cambridge colleges

• Pass Magdalene College and Quayside
• Travel under Magdalene Bridge
• Go under Bridge of Sighs
• Pass Wedding Cake Building
• Pass Trinity and Trinity Hall Colleges
• See Wren and Jerwood Libraries
• Pass under Garret Hostel Bridge
• Pass Clare College and Gardens
• Travel under Clare Bridge
• Pass King's College Chapel
• Travel under King's Bridge
• Pass Queens' College and learn history
• Travel under Mathematical Bridge
• Turn at Silver Street Bridge
• Return along the river

Top questions

How many people can join each shared punt tour?

You can book tickets for up to 3 or 6 people per group; groups of 3 get an entire row, groups of 6 an entire section.

Which colleges do you see on the Cambridge shared punt tour?

You’ll pass Magdalene College, Trinity College & Hall, Clare College & Gardens, King’s College Chapel, and Queens’ College among others.

Is there a guide during the Cambridge punt tour?

Yes, each punt includes a local guide who shares stories about the colleges and bridges along the route.

Are infants or small children allowed on this punt tour?

Infants and small children can join; they may ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap during the tour.

Do I need to book my Cambridge punt tour in advance?

It’s recommended to call ahead and secure your booking time to avoid long waits for your shared punt tour.

Does this Cambridge day trip include pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; however, public transportation options are available nearby for easy access.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided shared punt journey along Cambridge's scenic Backs—passing famous colleges like King's and Trinity—with live commentary from your local guide. Groups are seated together for comfort; infants can ride in prams or laps. Just make sure to call ahead to secure your preferred time before setting off along the river.