Punting

Deliciously lazy sightseeing and an activity rolled into one, the must-do of any Cambridge trip is to punt on the Cam. Used for pleasure trips since Edwardian days, the traditional Fenland craft permit a superb view of the most historic colleges from Silver Street to Magdalene Bridge. The Backs, the historic area through the university buildings, can become rather crowded with punts in the summer and, while chauffeured sightseeing tours are available, it’s more fun to push your own pole. Since almost everyone is a beginner, the odd bumper-car-boat bothers nobody and the atmosphere is always fun and relaxed. For adventure you can punt upriver to Grantchester – even stay overnight – by starting from Silver Street. Punts come for up to six or 12 people, usually with a minimum charge and a credit card deposit. The timescale allowed for boat rental is fairly generous, so on a nice day its well worth grabbing a little picnic beforehand and picnicking on the water as you go!