Rutherfords Punting

Current Opening Times: 9am-Dusk

Private Punting Cambridge

  • Enjoy a chauffeured private chauffeured punt tour on our traditional punts
  • Seating for 6-12 people with dogs and children welcome
  • Board and embark at our Jesus Green Moorings
  • Travel through the picturesque College Backs
  • Glide beneath stunning bridges and past sublime Colleges
  • See the renowned architectural delights of riverfront buildings
  • Discover the history of Cambridge and its Universities
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A sleeping punt is moored opposite King's College Chapel - one of the beautiful sights that you'll see on your private punting tour. The sky glows pink and the water is serene, still and like a mirror. There's a clear reflection of Clare College and the Chapel. with a the Green lights of a party on Clare Bridge.

 

The Private Punting Tour Experience

A private punting tour on the River Cam is the pinnacle of Cambridge and the city’s favourite pastime.

On our private trips, you will discover the stunning riverfront colleges, bridges, private gardens, and the famed Cambridge Backs.

Our expert chauffeurs will make your VisitEngland accredited tour a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your visitors. You’ll learn historical facts and hear the finest stories about how the city we see now came to be. It’s no wonder that Rutherford’s Punting are holders of VisitEngland’s ‘Best Story Told’ accolade.

Your guide will take you and your friends on a private traditional punt ride down the river, complete with cushions for your comfort and blankets for warmth.

If you want a more personalised experience, our private tours are the way to go. With a private punt tour, your boat will be prepped and ready for you and your friends to board – there will be no waiting in line, which is great for peak season and warm summer weather.

Bring your favourite treats, tasty nibbles, and refreshing beverages with you for the journey! Alternatively, order some of our choice snacks and drinks when booking, and everything will be waiting for you when you arrive on the day. You can also check out our range of private punting experiences, including champagne punting, gin punting, proposal punting, cream tea punting and more!

45-Minute Tour Icon
45-Minute Tour
Chauffeured Experience Icon
Chauffeured Experience
9 Bridges, 7 Colleges Icon
9 Bridges, 7 Colleges
Extras Available Icon
Extras Available
Raised Seats Icon
Raised Seats

Book A Chauffeured Punting Tour In Cambridge Today

Our 45-minute private punting tours are bookable in advance and will be waiting for you at your preferred time. Head directly to our Jesus Green Moorings just 2 minutes along the boardwalk from the Quayside to take your tour – it’ll be set up and ready to go at the time you selected.

Our private tours can be booked throughout the day. Our pricing indicates the number of people that you can bring with you on your tour, boat prices having a maximum of 6 or a maximum of 12 passengers. For last-minute bookings, please contact our Bookings Team on 01223 322200.

You’re very welcome to order at the checkout to add refreshments and sustenance to your tour. Alternatively, you can bring along your own picnics, nibbles and drinks on our private punting tours. You can also bring your furry friend thanks to our dog punting experiences, and best of all, there’s no extra charge for your best friend! Bringing your dog is better than a private punting tour because, on our shared tours, you may have to wait for guests who like dogs.

With our private tour options, you can create the perfect punting experience that suits you and your group. You’ll have the chance to ask about different routes and pick the sights you want to see. From the Cambridge colleges to agricultural marvels like the Bridge of Sighs, there’s something for everyone in this gorgeous city.

Head to see our team at the Jesus Green Moorings to start your experience.

Private Punting Cambridge FAQs

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU’RE RUNNING LATE FOR YOUR PRIVATE TOUR?

When planning a trip to Cambridge, you should make sure that you try to arrive in good time for your private punting tour. Your private booking will be held for you for 5 minutes; after this point, it wouldn’t be possible to go on the tour as this would mean missing our later bookings. Please call us as soon as you know of any delays to your schedule, and we’ll try to accommodate you.

HOW DO YOU BOOK PRIVATE CAMBRIDGE PUNTING TOURS WITH RUTHERFORD’S?

At Rutherford’s, we have a booking option that suits everyone. You can visit our bookings team at the Jesus Green Moorings to book a private tour in person or call us to secure your place by phone. We also take online bookings using our booking form.

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR WHEN PUNTING IN CAMBRIDGE?

For your private punting tour, we recommend you wear something comfortable that you don’t mind getting wet or a little dirty, as water can sometimes splash up the side of the boat. It’s best if you don’t wear anything too tight, and we recommend flat shoes.

CAN YOU TAKE A PRIVATE PUNTING TOUR IN ANY WEATHER?

Both our boats and our employees will be dressed for the weather on the day so you can enjoy your tour in comfort. If it’s sunny, your guide will be wearing a waistcoat. At cooler times of the year, your guide will wear a professional coat, and your boat will be equipped with umbrellas and blankets to keep you warm. In extreme weather, such as thunderstorms, we might need to reschedule your private tour: if this is the case, a member of our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible to arrange a new date for your private punting experience.

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN EACH PUNT FIT?

Our boats can fit a maximum of 12 people. For larger groups, you can discuss your options with our booking team, who can help you to find the right private tour for your needs.

WHAT SIGHTS DO YOU SEE ON A PRIVATE PUNTING TOUR OF CAMBRIDGE?

Our chauffeurs can show you a range of unique sights, including some of the most famous colleges that Cambridge University has to offer, the glorious architecture of the city, including the mathematical bridge, and the gorgeous natural wonders of the private gardens. Each punt chauffeur is an expert in the history and culture of the city, so they can help you make the most of your time in Cambridge.

We loved this tour! Charlie was our guide and he was awesome. It was raining but they had blankets and umbrellas! It was so cozy and fun! We loved it! This company was the best by far!!!

ANON

The Rutherford’s team never fail to make the punting experience magical. Rutherfords are first-class for their knowledge of the city’s rich history, their cheerful and witty humour and their hospitality.

HEATHER STEWART

An enchanting journey into the fascinating history of Cambridge and its alumni! John’s knowledge was foundational in our immersive experience. Excellent!

ANDREW GOWLER

Your Punting Experience

45 minutes

Chauffeured Experience

Raised Seats

Extras Available

8 Colleges & 9 Bridges

Punting Events

The Rutherford's Punting logo, a figure in a boater hat punting a boat.

About
Rutherford’s
Punting

Rutherford’s punting company has family heritage directly linked to Ernest Rutherford, a Cambridge Graduate and nuclear physicist, who has shaped our world today through his contribution to industry and education. We’re Cambridge’s luxury punting company focused entirely on giving customers the very best punting hospitality.

We would be delighted to plan your Cambridge experience around your ideas, suggestions and requests – Get in touch as we’re here to make the best Cambridge day happen for you!

Rutherford's written in stylised white text.