Download our College Backs map before you go.
Private Cambridge Punt Tours
Private Cambridge Tours
"The time has come," the Walrus said,
To talk of many things:
Of shoes — and ships — and sealing-wax —
Of cabbages — and kings —"
From The Walrus and Carpenter (Lewis Carroll)
Our private College Backs punting tour offers the ideal introduction to Cambridge’s long and eventful history. Our river tour guides have a passion for history and a talent for sharing it with our customers — discover how the city has evolved from medieval market town to world-class centre of learning, while enjoying breath-taking views from the river. From the gothic splendour of King’s College Chapel to the classical elegance of the Wren Library, your guide will ensure that you don’t miss a thing.
A private tour provides a more personalised experience. You will have the exclusivity of your own punt, reserved for your preferred time, and with the punt chauffeur all yours you can decide how much of the commentary you wish to hear, and ask as many questions as you like along the way.
Punting emerged in the nineteenth century, and as punts’ flat bases make them generally very stable watercraft, and able to pass through shallow areas of water, they were ideal for transporting cargo along waterways, as well as for eel-fishing, reed-cutting, and fowling. In the mid-nineteenth century, ‘pleasure punting’ was introduced to the River Thames as a new way for passengers to enjoy the river.
Our company’s founder, Maurice ‘Jack’ Scudamore, opened our Mill Lane boatyard at the beginning of the twentieth century, for the hiring out of motorboats and rowboats. Spotting an opportunity, and having completed a boat-building apprenticeship earlier in his life, he began to build his own punts to add to his collection of watercraft for hire. Following this, enthusiasm for punting on the River Cam grew so rapidly that it became the most popular watercraft activity in Cambridge by the early 1920s.
And here we are, still providing the Cambridge punting experience over one hundred years after Jack’s punts first graced the river.
Private tours from £123
Flexible online bookings
Guaranteed entry time
Details:
Private College Backs Punt Tour
45-minute private chauffeured punt tour of Cambridge.
Highlights:
- See the Mathematical Bridge
- Pass by the world famous King's College Chapel
- Admire the Wren Library
- Punt under the Bridge of Sighs
- Go under the “Cam Bridge” at Magdalene College
2. Select online pricing:
On weekdays enjoy the river at its quietest. At weekends don't miss your chance to go punting and book yourself a guaranteed entry. On the day kiosk prices vary from pre-booked online prices.
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Have a question?
Do I need to pre-book?
We would recommend booking in advance, this way you won't miss your chance to go punting and book yourself a guaranteed entry. On the day kiosk prices vary from pre-booked online prices. If you're looking to book more than 2 boats please contact our Bookings Team on 01223 359750 or at enquiries@scudamores.com.
How many people can each boat hold?
Our chauffeured tour boats hold up to 12 passengers. Online bookings can be made for 2 boats maximum. If you're looking to book more than 24 people please contact our Bookings Team on 01223 359750 or at enquiries@scudamores.com.
Babies and toddlers count towards the total number of passengers.
What is the start and endpoint of the tour?
You can choose between our two departure points when you book: Mill Lane or Quayside. Your tour will finish at the same place you started from.
Can I move or reschedule my booking?
Yes, just follow the link in your email booking confirmation. You can easily rearrange your trip without paying an exchange fee up to 1 hour before departure. You’ll only pay the difference in the ticket price, where applicable.
What should I wear?
We suggest that you wear something you don’t mind getting a little wet. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and boating activity. You need to make sure you have the correct footwear, that is non-slip, stable, can’t fall off easily and offers protection to your toes and heel. Please do not punt in bare feet or wear sandals, flip-flops, slip-on, leather-soled or high-heeled shoes.
Can I make changes to the number of guests?
You're able to amend guest numbers up to 48 hours in advance. To do so please get in touch with our Bookings Team on 01223 359750 or at enquiries@scudamores.com.
What if the weather changes on the day?
All of our tours run as normal unless the river conditions are dangerous and we have to stop operating. As standard, we provide umbrellas and blankets on our boats.
Do you have wheelchair access?
We have wheelchair access to our Mill Lane punt station. Please get in touch by phone or email so we can figure out how best to help you with your accessibility needs.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, we are pet friendly! In our experience, pets love a day out on (and sometimes in) the river every bit as much as their owners.
Any other questions?
If you have any other queries or special requests please do get in touch.
Email: enquiries@scudamores.com
Phone: 01223 359750