What Is Punting? A Guide To Punting In Cambridge
Punting is a traditional Cambridge activity in which a flat-bottomed boat, called a punt, is propelled along a river by a punter using a long pole pushed against the riverbed. Passengers sit back and enjoy the view while the punter stands and steers.
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.
- Standard guided punting tours last around 45–50 minutes
- Shared boats seat up to 12 passengers
- Tours pass 7 riverside Cambridge University colleges
- Punting has been a popular Cambridge pastime since the 1800s
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, the punter stands on the till (the raised platform) and punts forwards with the open end of the punt facing front. In Oxford, the punter stands inside the punt with the till end forward.
Cambridge vs Oxford Punting Style
| Feature | Cambridge Style | Oxford Style |
|---|---|---|
| Punter’s position | Stands on the till (raised platform) at the back | Stands inside the boat, at the flat end |
| Direction of travel | Open end of the boat faces forward | Till end of the boat faces forward |
| Local terminology | Punting “Cambridge style” | Punting “Oxford style” |
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, stag 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is punting hard for beginners?
It can be quite tricky to master, as controlling the pole and steering takes a mix of strength, balance, and precision. Beginners often find themselves drifting into riverbanks or getting the pole stuck in the riverbed. That is why opting for a chauffeured tour is the best way to relax and take in the sights hassle-free.
What’s the difference between punting in Cambridge and Oxford?
The main difference comes down to which end of the boat you stand on. In Cambridge, you stand at the back on the flat, raised platform known as the till, punting with the open end of the boat forward. In Oxford, tradition dictates standing inside the boat at the flat end and punting with the till facing forward.
How long does a punting tour last?
A standard guided punting tour typically lasts around 45 to 50 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to glide past the magnificent college chapels, gardens, and iconic bridges along the river.
Is punting safe?
Yes, punting is a very safe activity when conducted by experienced chauffeurs on well-maintained craft. River conditions are generally calm, and reputable operators follow strict safety protocols so guests can simply sit back and enjoy the journey.