Cambridge University Colleges Guided Punting Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

45 minutes

Mobile ticket

A punt along the River Cam is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the atmosphere of Cambridge. This 45-minute guided tour begins at the boathouse and takes you gently along the river, offering views of the city's most picturesque sights. You’ll pass the paddocks of Trinity, the iconic bridges of Cambridge, and the famous King’s College Chapel facing the river. Along the way, you’ll also see Queens’ College — the oldest building on the river — and the striking architecture of the royal foundations.

As you glide past tranquil green spaces and elegant college buildings, you can enjoy light refreshments on board. With peaceful surroundings, historic views, and the option to sip and relax, this experience captures the charm of one of the most famous waterways in the world.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchairs and strollers can be left at the punting station and retrieved at the end of the tour.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Cushions and blankets for your comfort

An explanation of famous Cambridge history

Chauffeured Punting Tour

Gratuities

Refreshments

What To Expect

Darwin College

As you begin your tour, admire the peaceful islands of Darwin College in the background of the pond – one of Cambridge’s newer colleges, yet full of character.

Admission Not Applicable

Slide in front of the historic pub where Pink Floyd is said to have first started playing music. Then gently move under the first bridge of our tour, with the river guiding the way.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Shared Punting Tour

Duration: 45 minutes

Reviews

4.64

218 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

180

Interesting informative tour.
L9844QGmichellep,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An excellent informative tour by Niemh. The halls are stunning from the outside and the history of the colleges was very interesting. The 90 minute tour flew by and we really enjoyed it. Enough time was given to find the spot for the punting tour and although there was some repetition in the information given by the punter, seeing the halls from the river was well worth it.
Beautiful morning on the river
R2202WUbarbarac,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We booked a shared punting tour but were lucky enough to be the only 2 people on it! We were on the first one of the morning and it was quite quiet on the river. Elijah was great - had great chat and lots of very interesting information on the colleges and sights we saw. It was a beautiful sunny morning and it was a perfect start to our day sightseeing in Cambridge. Would definitely recommend!!
Live history with...
MdAzizulHasan K,
Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Live history with wonderful boat journey , excellent narration, greart part of Cambridge University we can see trough a historical passage with great architecture
A mixed experience
Meredith F,
Aug 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
While punting on the river can be a great experience, there were elements of this particular tour that reduced our ability to enjoy it properly. To start with, despite having bought our tickets online, it was very chaotic at the meeting area (which was not explained well in the first place), and it took some time in the crowded space to find our boat/tour operator. As an ‘alumni’ tour, we had a student poling the punt and her inexperience affected the smoothness of the trip, and we could hear extremely little of what she was saying in her soft voice. To be fair, I think there were far too many boats allowed on the river at the one time which would make it difficult for many, but a more experienced operator would be preferable.
This was a very enjoyable...
Christopher D,
Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a very enjoyable way to see the colleges in Cambridge. It was a relaxed and friendly experience.
Excellent holiday activity
Sandra N,
Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We were lucky to have the wonderful Will as our pusher looking after us, great warm personality and sooooo knowledgeable , thank you
Punting Experience in Cambridge
Sukhi V,
Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very good experience…..guide was knowledgeable and interesting. Easy to book and reasonable value for money
From the booking I was...
Mel O,
Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
From the booking I was kept informed was emailed the ticket and was very easy to follow the directions given. We had amazing time and enjoyed both the scenery and the information that was given from our punter. Would definitely recommend.
Really good experience....
Katherine T,
Jul 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Really good experience. They offer umbrellas should it rain which it did for us. The tour guide we had was very knowledgeable even though it was only his fifth day.
KateRR81,
Jul 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a fantastic punting tour!! Emma was a brilliant guide; interesting, friendly and so knowledgeable about Cambridge. We would definitely recommend this activity and especially Emma.