Tours & Boat Hire

The College Backs is the famous stretch of the River Cam that passes some of Cambridge's most iconic college views, including bridges, gardens and historic buildings. It is the classic Cambridge punting route.

Grantchester punting follows a quieter countryside route towards Grantchester Meadows. It is a good choice for visitors looking for a more relaxed, rural trip or a longer self-hire adventure.

Self-hire punting takes a little practice, but many people enjoy giving it a go. If you would rather not steer the punt yourself, a chauffeured tour is the better option.

For families with young children, a chauffeured tour is usually the easiest and most relaxing option. Private tours are especially useful if you would like the boat to yourselves.

Private tours and group bookings are best for larger parties, celebrations, corporate events, schools and organised groups. Our Bookings Team can help you choose the right product and timing.

A trained guide punts the boat and delivers a spoken tour, pointing out places of interest along the river.

Chauffeured punts can hold up to 12 passengers. If your group requires more than two boats, please contact the Bookings Team so we can help arrange the right number of punts.

If you book a shared tour, you may share the punt with other customers. If you book a private tour, the punt is reserved for your group.

Seats are allocated based on the boat, group size and operational requirements. Our team will help you board safely and make the best use of the available seating.

Yes. Your tour will return to the same point it departed from. Please check your product page and booking confirmation for details.

Self-hire allows you to hire a smaller punt or craft and take it out yourself. You will receive a safety and route briefing before setting off, but self-hire is unsupervised once on the river.

The minimum age to hire a punt is 16. Anyone aged 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult.

A standard self-hire punt can hold up to 6 people, made up of 5 passengers and 1 punter. Larger ferry punts are also available on selected routes.

Canoe hire is available to those aged 16 and over. Participants must be at least 4 years old, and under-16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Kayak hire is available to those aged 16 and over. The minimum age for a single kayak is 12, while double kayaks are suitable for children aged 4 and over.

Paddleboard hire is available to those aged 16 and over. Under-16s must be supervised by an adult aged 18 or over, and children under 12 are not permitted.

Previous experience is helpful but not always essential. Our staff will provide a handover before you set off.

No. Craft must stay on the correct river level for the route booked and must not be taken between different river levels.

For self-hire bookings, you will be asked to leave a contactless card hire deposit and complete the Conditions of Hire at check-in.

Wear clothing suitable for the weather and something you do not mind getting a little wet. Footwear should be secure, stable and non-slip.