Download our College Backs map before you go.
Shared Cambridge Punt Tours
College Backs Punting Tour
The green tape grass rooted in the soft mud
Sways leisurely in the water;
I am willing to be such a waterweed
In the gentle flow of the River Cam.
From Second Farewell to Cambridge (Xu Zhi Mo)
Our award-winning shared College Backs tour offers the perfect introduction to Cambridge.
Take in the beautiful views of some of Cambridge University’s most famous buildings, and the green spaces in and around them, from the unique perspective the River Cam provides. Your tour guide will chauffeur you along the mile-long section of river known as the College Backs, revealing details of the city’s history, and answering any questions about the area you may have along the way.
The Backs route covers the stretch of river between our two punt stations (your tour will finish at whichever station it begins), and includes picture-postcard views of the world-famous King’s College Chapel, and noteworthy sights such as the fascinating Mathematical Bridge, and the magnificent Bridge of Sighs.
Unpredictable English weather is no obstacle — tours run come rain or shine (umbrellas can be provided in the event of rain, and blankets if the temperature is low) .
Punting began in the nineteenth century, originally to transport cargo up and down waterways, as well as for eel-fishing, reed-cutting, and fowling. A punt’s flat base makes it a very stable watercraft, and able to pass through shallow areas of water, so proved an excellent vessel for all these purposes. ‘Pleasure punting’ — for passengers rather than cargo — was introduced to the River Thames in the mid-nineteenth century.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, our company’s founder, Maurice ‘Jack’ Scudamore, having earlier completed a boat-building apprenticeship, opened our Mill Lane boatyard for the hiring out of rowboats and motorboats. He soon spotted the opportunity to introduce punting to the River Cam, too, and began to build his own punts for the purpose. Following this, punting on the river became incredibly popular, overtaking all other watercraft activities in Cambridge by the early 1920s.
And here we are, over one hundred years later.
Tickets starting from £50
Flexible online tickets
Guaranteed entry time
1. Select type of shared tour:
Shared Cambridge Punt Tours
from £50
Family Shared Punt Tours
from £48
Visiting Cambridge? Make some time to go punting, choosing from our peak, off-peak and super-off-peak options. Avoid the crowds and benefit from cheaper rates on one of our shared tours.
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
Looking for a day out with the family? Make use of our preferential rates for family groups of up to 2 adults and any children under 18 years old.
We offer a row for 1 adult and 1 child, a row for 1 adult and up to 2 children, a section for 2 adults and up to 2 children or a section for 2 adults and up to 4 children.
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 pricing:
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2. Select pricing:
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Have a question?
How long is the tour?
Our award-winning tour is 45 minutes long. Your tour will finish at the same place you started from.
Where do I need to go for my booking?
Your booking confirmation will state your departure point. It will be one of our two punting stations in the city: Mill Lane or Quayside.
Can I move or reschedule my ticket?
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 ticket price, where applicable.
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.
How many people can each boat hold?
Our punts hold up to 12 passengers split into 4 socially distanced, distinct rows.
Why are seats sold in rows of 3?
We've opted to keep our socially-distanced seating on our shared tours to minimise disruption to people's bookings when and if restrictions change or are imposed again. Further, we acknowledge that not all members of the public want to share seating in very close proximity to other people.
Any other questions?
If you have any other queries or special requests please do get in touch.
Email: enquiries@scudamores.com
Phone: 01223 359750