Lets Go Punting Cambridge — Attraction in Cambridge

Ah, punting on the River Cam—a quintessential Cambridge experience that promises charm, serenity, and, if you're lucky, a punt guide like Arthur. If you haven't met Guide Arthur yet, then my friends, you're missing out on the Michelangelo of the punting world. Arthur, the seasoned guide with a twinkle in his eye and a punt pole in hand, welcomed us aboard with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for game show hosts or people who have discovered a secret stash of chocolate.

As we embarked on our journey, he effortlessly propelled us along the river, weaving between other boats with the grace of a swan and the precision of a seasoned punt pilot.

As we glided under the iconic Bridge of Sighs, Arthur regaled us with tales of Cambridge's illustrious history. But it wasn't just the facts and figures; it was the delivery—like a history professor.

Did you know the Mathematical Bridge was supposedly built without nuts or bolts? According to Arthur, "They say it's held together purely by the power of intellectual snobbery."

The river was a mirror of tranquillity, reflecting the twilight sky and centuries-old architecture, creating an ambience so perfect you half expect Wordsworth to pop out of a shrub and start reciting poetry.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the water, Arthur smoothly navigated us back, making us feel like royalty on a Venetian gondola.

If you ever find yourself in Cambridge, don't just take a punt—take a punt with Arthur. You'll leave with a smile on your face and a head full of...

Knowing I wanted to go Punting but overwhelmed by the choices and how expensive it might be to find a punting provider there and then along the river, I found Lets Go Punting recommended on a blog about things to do in Cambridge. I booked online and was pleased with the price. The terminal was very easy to find when our booking time came, due to their location being prominent on Google Maps. There was a lovely area of grass next to them so we were able to wait for our booking time with a lovely view. We got a text when it was time to approach the terminal, which took lots of the anxiety out of missing the slot! The ladies on the desk were friendly and helpful and introduced us to our guide, Jack C. Jack was friendly and steered the boat well. We had a few bumps along the way down the river, but this was always due to people trying to punt for the first time! Jack always gave us a heads up when a bump was coming and never made us feel at risk of going overboard! He told us lots of interesting facts along the way, but didn’t go over the top engaging with us, which I appreciated as it meant we had lots of time to just enjoy the view and chat between ourselves. I really appreciated that the boats had cushions in them too, as this made the ride much more comfortable. Highly recommend Let’s go Punting if you’re unsure how to book a punting experience in...

There’s something quietly magical about punting in Cambridge. It’s not just the scenery (though the old colleges, collage grounds and the weeping willows are genuinely stunning), but the feeling of being surrounded by history and moving slowly enough to actually take it in. It’s a unique way to see some of the most iconic colleges from a different perspective, and to experience a part of the city in a way walking just doesn’t offer.

Our guide, Callum, brought everything to life so naturally. He was incredibly knowledgeable, and shared stories and facts with a lightness and humour that made the whole thing feel relaxed and unscripted. I loved learning things I would’ve never thought to look up myself (like how Alan Turing spent time at King’s, or that the original English manuscripts of Winnie-the-Pooh are kept at the Wren Library in Trinity).

I remember first discovering punting in Maurice, a film partly shot in Cambridge, and thinking how peaceful it looked. It truly is. Something about it feels grounding, like a small pause in time, gently floating through it all.

If you’re visiting Cambridge, don’t skip the punting. It’s well worth the money and the time....