Top Cambridge Punts

Punt goes under the Bridge of Sighs at Cambridge, UK

Bridge of Sighs, St John’s Chapel. Photo © sborisov

Cambridge is one of Britain’s most beautiful (and historic) cities, and it’s packed with fun things to do. Come stay in a Cambridge Travelodge for a romantic weekend away or an extraordinary family getaway, but just make sure a punt along the River Cam is on your activities list.

You’ll get clear views of the less-seen College Backs, and most Cambridge punts pass the famous buildings of Kings College Chapel, Trinity College and, of course, the Bridge of Sighs.

In order to make your Travelodge holiday all the more convenient, here is our pick of the best Cambridge punts:

1. Scudamore’s Punting Company

Scudamore’s are Cambridge’s original punting company. They do boat hire, with over 150 punts available to rent (and you should really have a go), and legendary College Backs Punting Tours. The award-winning tours offer a 45-minute introduction to Cambridge and its history, explaining how the city has evolved from a Medieval market town to a world renowned tech centre. Alternatively, take a boat upstream to the beautiful village of Grantchester and see more of the local area. Adult tickets start at £14.00 for a basic shared punt and increase for different tours including a Champagne or Pimms special punt.

Punting on the River Cam, Cambridge

Summer punts. Photo © klerner

2. Let’s Go Punting

Let’s Go Punting offer 50-minute private or shared tours of the College Backs with prices between £12.00 and £80.00 for an adult. They also offer the opportunity to combine their punting tours, which offer information on famous alumni and interesting college history, with walking or cycling tours of the city. Punts can also include a picnic so you can either dine on the water or feast beforehand on St John’s Green. For extra special occasions, Let’s Go Punting does wine tasting, cocktail mixing or custom-made party punts, perfect for hen parties or celebratory events.

3. Cambridge Chauffeur Punts

Cambridge Chauffeur Punts operate a fleet of 27 including some double punts that are just the thing for large groups. Enjoy 45-minute tours of the River Cam in either direction with the option to have a delicious Thai meal, freshly prepared at a local restaurant, on the water. The three different menus include a vegetarian banquet, so non-carnivores aren’t left out. If Thai food doesn’t take your fancy and you feel like something a little more traditional, you might want to plump for strawberries and Champagne. Alan, the company’s in-house guitarist, is always happy to entertain you on your trip and private serenading only costs £25 extra an hour. Tickets for punting tours start at £12 for an adult and meals cost as little as £38 a person.

Ready to wend your way down the Cam surrounded by friends in the sunshine? Pack your SPF and book into a Cambridge Travelodge for the weekend.