Download our College Backs map before you go.
Freshers £5 Promotion
Why should freshers go punting in Cambridge?
Punting is one of Cambridge's most iconic experiences and a tradition enjoyed by students for generations. Our exclusive Freshers' £5 punt tour offers an affordable way to explore the famous College Backs, discover the city's rich history, and enjoy a unique perspective of your new home from the River Cam.
Freshers tickets just £5 per person
Exclusive student offer
Guaranteed entry time
1. Select your Freshers' punt tour:
Freshers' Cambridge Punt Tours
From £5 per person
New to Cambridge? Experience one of the city's most iconic traditions with our exclusive Freshers' Week punt tour. Whether you'd prefer a chauffeured College Backs tour for just £5 per person or a self-hire punt from only £10 per boat, we've got the perfect way to get out on the water during your first week in the city.
Highlights:
- Exclusive student pricing
- Meet fellow freshers
- Explore Cambridge from the river
- Guaranteed online booking
- Available throughout Freshers' Week
Know before you buy ▾
Boat layout ▾
Getting here ▾
- This exclusive Freshers' Week promotion is available to students and valid student ID may be required on arrival.
- You can depart from either our Mill Lane or Quayside punting station. Your booking confirmation will confirm your departure location.
- You can reschedule your booking up to 1 hour before departure using the link in your booking confirmation.
- Tickets are valid only for the date and time booked. Bookings are non-refundable within 48 hours of departure.
- The College Backs tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and returns to the same location where you boarded.
- Our punts carry up to 12 passengers and you may be seated alongside other students and visitors.
- Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
See the layout of our traditional Cambridge punts below.

Before your visit, please check which punting station you are booked from. Your booking confirmation will contain this information.
Mill Lane Punting Station
Granta Place
Mill Lane
Cambridge
CB2 1RS
Quayside Punting Station
Magdalene Bridge
Cambridge
CB5 8AB
Parking and Public Transport
More information about parking and public transport can be found here.
2. Choose your Freshers' experience:
Shared Punt Tour
£5 per person
90-Minute Self-Hire
From £10 per boat
Join other students on a chauffeured punt tour along the famous College Backs. This is the perfect way to see Cambridge's historic riverside landmarks while meeting fellow freshers.
Highlights:
- Professional chauffeur included
- Shared tour with other students
- See King's College Chapel and the Bridge of Sighs
- Exclusive £5 Freshers' Week ticket
- Great way to meet new people
Prefer to explore at your own pace? Hire your own punt for 90 minutes and discover Cambridge from the river independently. Available exclusively during Freshers' Week from just £10 per boat. Ideal for friendship groups, societies or housemates looking for a unique Cambridge experience.
Highlights:
- Private punt for your group
- 90-minute self-hire session
- Explore the upper river at your own pace
- Fantastic value from just £10 per boat
- No previous punting experience required
3. Select your departure time:
Loading some wonderful products...
3. Select your self-hire booking:
Loading some wonderful products...
Have a question?
Do I need to pre-book?
We would recommend booking in advance so that you don't miss your chance to go punting and secure a guaranteed departure time. Freshers' Week is one of the busiest periods of the year and both our shared tours and self-hire punts can sell out.
What if I just turn up?
If you haven't booked before you arrive, we strongly advise you to do so on the day through our website. This guarantees you a departure time. For those who are unable to pre-book, we may have walk-up availability at the kiosk.
Can I change my booking time?
Yes. The time and date of your booking can be changed up to 1 hour in advance. Just follow the unique link in your e-booking confirmation where you can select a new date and time.
How many people can go in a punt?
Our Freshers' shared tours are sold per person and you will travel with other students on a chauffeured punt. Our self-hire punts can accommodate up to 6 people, including the person punting.
Do I need punting experience for a self-hire?
No. Many guests punt for the first time with us. Our team will provide a brief introduction before you set off.
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. If there is a chance of rain, don't forget a raincoat or umbrella.
Do you offer life jackets?
Personal buoyancy aids for swimmers or life jackets for non-swimmers are available on request.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome on our punts.
Can I see the famous colleges and The Backs?
Yes. Our Freshers' shared tours travel through the College Backs, passing landmarks including King's College Chapel, the Mathematical Bridge, the Wren Library and the Bridge of Sighs.
Do I need a student ID?
Yes. This offer is exclusively available to students during Freshers' Week. You may be asked to show a valid student ID when you arrive.
Any other questions?
Email: enquiries@scudamores.com
Phone: 01223 359750