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Grantchester Kayak Hire
Kayak to Grantchester
Say, do the elm-clumps gently stand
Stlll guardians of that holy land?
The chestnuts shade, in reverend dream,
The yet unacademic stream?
From The Old Vicarage, Grantchester (Rupert Brooke)
A kayak is the perfect choice of watercraft for your own adventure along the River Cam’s Upper River, out towards the peaceful meadows and picturesque village of Grantchester. Kayaking is also fantastic exercise — why not try swapping the gym for the river?
We offer both single and double kayaks perfect choice for your own adventure towards Grantchester Meadows and beyond. There are plenty stop off points on the route and you'll get the chance to see Cambridge's diverse wildlife species in action. Have fun and get a great upper body work out while you're at it!’
Tickets from just £16.00
Flexible online bookings
Guaranteed entry time
1. Select type of boat:
Single Kayak
from £16.00
Double Kayak
from £21.50
Single kayak age requirements:
- To hire a single kayak, you need to be aged 16 years or older
- The minimum age someone can be accompanied on a single kayak is 12 years old.
- Any members of your party aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or older.
Pick up location:
- Boatyard Punting Station at Granta Place, Cambridge City Centre.
- For more information, please visit the "Find Us" page.
Double kayak age requirements:
- To hire a double kayak you need to be aged 16 years or older
- The minimum age to seat in a double kayak is 4 years old
- Children aged under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or older
Pick up location:
- Boatyard Punting Station at Granta Place, Cambridge City Centre.
- For more information, please visit the "Find Us" page.
Know before you buy ▾
Getting here ▾
- The minimum age for hiring a boat is 16 years old. The minimum age to sit in a single kayak is 12 years old. The minimum age to sit in a double kayak is 4 years old. For kayaks, any members of your party aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or older.
- The maximum capacity of a double kayak is 2 people and for a single kayak 1 person.
- Aim to arrive 15 minutes before your booking slot to allow time for checking in. At check-in you'll be asked to leave a contactless card hire deposit, then read and electronically sign our Conditions of Hire.
- You can easily reschedule your booking up to 1 hour before departure by following the link in your booking confirmation.
- Once you've boarded your kayak you'll receive a hire handover briefing from a member of our staff, after which your hire commences.
- Any additional hire beyond your allotted time will be calculated at the usual hourly hire rate of £3.5 per 6 minutes.
- We ask that you do your best to return your kayak on time at the end of your hire slot to avoid potential delays to other customers who may be waiting.
- Grantchester Kayak hire takes place between our Boatyard Punt Station in Cambridge and the village of Grantchester. Boats can't be taken on the lower river, along the College Backs. To see the College Backs and its colleges you can book our College Backs self-hire boats.
- Bookings are subject to our Terms & Conditions.
Please call us on 01223 359750 if you have any questions about your purchase.
2. Select hire length:
90 minute hire
from £16.00
3 hour hire
from £23.50
6 hour hire
from £31.00
Want to experience the joy of kayaking? The 90 minute hire is a great value way to get out on the water.
Highlights:
- Sheep's Green: 10 minutes of paddling
- Paradise Nature Reserve: 30 minutes of paddling.
Do you want more time for good exercise? Then a longer 3-hour hire might be best for you.
Highlights:
- Sheep's Green: 10 minutes of paddling
- Paradise Nature Reserve: 30 minutes of paddling.
The best option if you want to have a picnic or spend some nice time under the rays on Grantchester Meadows.
Highlights:
- Sheep's Green: 10 minutes of paddling
- Paradise Nature Reserve: 30 minutes of paddling
- Grantchester Meadows: 1 hour of paddling
- Grantchester Village: 1.5 hour of paddling
3. Select pricing - per 1 person boat:
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3. Select pricing - per 1 person boat:
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3. Select pricing - per 1 person boat:
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2. Select hire length:
90 minute hire
from £21.50
3 hour hire
from £32.50
6 hour hire
from £43.50
Want to experience the joy of kayaking? The 90 minute hire is a great value way to get out on the water.
Highlights:
- Sheep's Green: 10 minutes of paddling
- Paradise Nature Reserve: 30 minutes of paddling.
Do you want more time for good exercise? Then a longer 3-hour hire might be best for you.
Highlights:
- Sheep's Green: 10 minutes of paddling
- Paradise Nature Reserve: 30 minutes of paddling.
The best option if you want to have a picnic or spend some nice time under the rays on Grantchester Meadows.
Highlights:
- Sheep's Green: 10 minutes of paddling
- Paradise Nature Reserve: 30 minutes of paddling
- Grantchester Meadows: 1 hour of paddling
- Grantchester Village: 1.5 hour of paddling
3. Select pricing - per 2 person boat:
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3. Select pricing - per 2 person boat:
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3. Select pricing - per 2 person boat:
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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 kayaking 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 3 boats please contact our Bookings Team on 01223 359750 or at enquiries@scudamores.com.
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 time slot and a cheaper rate. For those who are unable to pre-book, we may have walk-up availability at the kiosk at our standard rates.
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 kayak?
Our double kayaks are limited to 2 people. Single kayaks are limited to 1 person.
Do you offer life vests or dry bags?
Personal buoyancy aids (life-vests for swimmers or life jackets for non-swimmers) are included as part of the hire and must be worn. Dry bags are offered for every booking.
What should I wear?
We suggest that you wear something you don’t mind getting 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 kayak in bare feet or wear sandals, flip-flops, slip-on, leather-soled or high-heeled shoes. Please wear clothes that will not impede swimming in case of capsising.
Are dogs allowed?
Not on kayaks, as to guarantee the safety of all passengers on the boat. We allow dogs on our punts, canoes and paddleboards.
Can I see the famous colleges and The Backs?
Not with the Grantchester kayak hire. The route takes you out of Cambridge towards the meadows and rural areas surrounding the city. To see the colleges and The Backs, you can join our chauffeured tours or book a punt hire on The Backs.
What is a concession?
We offer preferential rates for groups such as students, seniors and much more. You can see the full list here
Any other questions?
Email: enquiries@scudamores.com
Phone: 01223 359750