What Is Punting? A Guide To Punting In Cambridge
What is punting? On a basic level, punting is a traditional practice where a flat bottomed boat, known as a punt, is propelled down a river. The punter uses a punting pole to propel and steer the boat, while the passengers enjoy the view.
If you’re interested in finding out more about punting, and particularly how it came to become an iconic pastime in Cambridge, then keep reading.
A History Of Punting In Cambridge
Punting began in the UK in around the 16th century, during a time when boats and rivers were used for transporting goods. Punts were often used to move cargo to and from larger ships, or for short journeys.
As railways and roads replaced rivers and canals as transport hubs, punting declined. However, in the 1800s, punting became a popular pastime in Cambridge, particularly among students. The punts were ideal for navigating shallow rivers, and offered an easy way to travel between Cambridge and other nearby cities, such as Oxford.
Over the years, punting in Cambridge became more of a leisure activity, and today it is popular with tourists and residents alike. Punting offers visitors the chance to see Cambridge and the River Cam as they’ve never seen them before.
Today, several companies have been set-up throughout Cambridge, including Rutherford’s, to offer a peaceful experience for anyone looking to explore the city and enjoy the scenic views. While there are occasional punt races, it isn’t considered a sport, and is more a fun way to spend a relaxing day on the river.
How Punting Works
It might look easy, but punting is actually a challenging practice that requires strength, precision and focus.
Different cities, such as London and Oxford, punt in different ways. In Cambridge, stand on the till (the raised platform) and punt forwards with the open end of the punt facing front. In Oxford, the punter stands inside the punt with the till end forward.
In both cases, the punt pole is used to propel the boat by pushing against the river bed. The pole is also used as a rudder to steer the boat, either by keeping the pole in the water and swinging it in the right direction or by removing it and physically pushing the boat in the direction you want to travel.
It can be incredibly difficult for beginners to learn to punt, especially on a busy river like the River Cam. That’s why Rutherford’s offers guided punting tours, so you can see the sights without the hassle of manoeuvring the punt yourself.
While we don’t offer self hire punting experiences, we can provide punting lessons, where you can learn in a safe, supportive environment and find out what it’s like to be a punter. Inexperienced punters can learn in fairly shallow water with support from our experienced guides.
Types Of Punting Experience Offered In Cambridge
Every punting company offers different services, but the main styles of Cambridge punting tour are either chauffeured tours and self hire punts.
Self hire punts are offered to allow you to be the punter, but as mentioned above, punting can be challenging, especially when the river is busy.
That’s why many punting tour providers, including Rutherford’s, exclusively offer chauffeured punting tours of Cambridge. You can see the sights in style without the stress of punting and steering the boat yourself.
Within chauffeured or guided tours there are 2 options: shared and private tours. Here are some of the main differences.
Shared Punting Tours
As the name suggests, shared punting tours are tours where you get on a boat with other people who aren’t part of your group.
At Rutherford’s, we have large, traditional boats that can seat up to 12 people, and we welcome both children and dogs, although if you are bringing a furry friend on one of our shared tours, you will need to check that your fellow passengers are comfortable before boarding.
Our shared tours take you past all the iconic sights, including the College Backs, 7 riverside Cambridge University colleges, King’s College Chapel, the majestic Bridge of Sighs and New Court.
This option is ideal for small groups and those who are looking for a cost-effective way to enjoy a Cambridge punting tour.
Private Punting Tours
For larger groups or celebrations, a private punting tour can allow you the comfort of your own boat and guide. You can also select a bespoke tour that takes you past the landmarks you want to see.
Whether you’re more focused on Cambridge University grounds or want to see more of the city centre, we can plan a bespoke trip that suits you.
Private punting is ideal for a variety of celebrations, including hen dos, birthday parties, and even if you want to pop the question!
Try Punting For Yourself With Rutherford’s
If you’re ready to see how much fun punting can be, it’s time to book your place on one of our punting tours.
Whether you want a shared or private tour, we can help. All of our punting experiences are chauffeured, so you can sit back and enjoy a relaxing glide down the River Cam.
Our guides provide funny stories and share the history of both Cambridge and the River Cam, making this an educational and engaging experience for the whole family to enjoy.
The punts can be dressed for the weather, with blankets and umbrellas provided for when it gets cooler, and you can add treats such as champagne, a picnic, a cream tea or a cheese platter to create the perfect punting tour.
If you’re eager to see Cambridge from the best seats in the house (heated, of course), then purchasing tickets for a punting tour couldn’t be easier. Either visit us at our Jesus Green Moorings or use our online platform to book your Rutherford’s Punting Tour. See you soon!
