Punting on the Cam
About
Punting is the quintessential Cambridge experience — gliding along the River Cam past the college Backs in a flat-bottomed boat propelled by a long pole. The route from Silver Street Bridge to Magdalene Bridge takes you past Queens' College (with its wooden Mathematical Bridge), King's College Chapel, Clare Bridge (the oldest bridge in Cambridge), Trinity's Wren Library, and the Bridge of Sighs at St John's. You can hire self-punt boats from Scudamore's or several other operators. Stand at the back of the punt (the Cambridge way — Oxford does it the other way, bless them), push the pole to the riverbed, and glide. You'll zigzag into the banks for the first 10 minutes, then get the hang of it. The river is shallow and warm enough for a quick swim if you do fall in. Chauffeured punts are available if you'd rather sit back and listen to a guide. Book in advance on sunny weekends — queues can be long. The stretch south of Silver Street towards Grantchester is quieter and more rural if you want to escape the crowds. Take a picnic, a bottle of something, and an afternoon off.
https://www.scudamores.com/ 01223 359750
Tickets & Pricing
Self-hire from approximately £30/hour. Chauffeured tours from £20pp.
Opening Times
Daily, approximately 9:00-dusk (Mar-Oct). Reduced hours in winter.
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