Frequently Asked Questions

Bookings that are cancelled more than 48 hours in advance are eligible to a 70% refund. Bookings cancelled with less than 48 hours will not be refunded. However, If you would like to reschedule your booking this can be done up to 24 hours in advance, but can not be rescheduled on the day. Please see our terms and conditions for further information or contact us, we’re happy to help.

Our punting tours operate in all weathers. We encourage all of our customers to dress for the Great British weather, as we are an outdoor activity.

Our punts are dressed with blankets and umbrellas when cold and wet. If you would like to bring your own, you are more than welcome to.

Our punt chauffeurs are highly trained and can effortlessly punt when it’s raining. However, if the weather is deemed unsafe to operate, then we would be happy to reschedule your booking or issue a full refund.

If you are experiencing any problems purchasing a ticket online, then simply give us a call and we can take bookings over the phone on 01223 782306 or via email at info@traditionalpuntingcompany.com. Alternatively, you can visit our location at: Landing Stage, Thompsons Ln, Cambridge CB5 8AQ and purchase a punting ticket. Please bear in mind that the prices online are a lot cheaper compared to purchasing a ticket at our River location and availability is limited on the day.

Yes, if you make a booking online for a Cambridge Punting tour, then you can use a Visa Debit, MasterCard or Amex card to complete your transaction, including Paypal and Apple Pay. At the check-in desk at our Landing Stage we accept all kinds of credit and debit cards including Visa and MasterCard. The same goes when booking either over the phone or via invoice.

Unfortunately we do not offer a self-hire punting service. Nevertheless, you could visit our website or alternately give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team who will explain all of our interesting tour packages that will definitely amaze you. If opting to book a private punting tour then you are more than welcome to have a go at punting yourself with our trained chauffeurs teaching you how its done properly. Customers can have a go on the second half of the tour, on the way back to our punting landing stage.

Yes of course. Our large fleet of punts means that we have multiple trips that depart throughout the day. Please bear in mind that during our peak times our availability can become limited, so book online in advance to avoid disappointment on the day.

We operate all-year-round, apart from Christmas day. The only time we might not operate is during times of extreme weather conditions when the safety of our customers and staff might not be guaranteed. But, on just about any other day, you can come and enjoy a trip up-river.

We do suggest booking online to guarantee a chauffeured punt tour as well as receiving up to 50% off compared to buying a ticket on the day at the River.

Unlike some other companies that offer punting in Cambridge services, we are happy for you to enjoy your own food and drinks onboard. If you would like us to take care of this for you and supply picnics for your group then you can check out our Picnic Punting Page for more information. We can also supply both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages for you to sip as you are glided along the world-famous English Heritage historic park, see our Champagne Punting page for more information.

We are open all-year-round except Christmas day.

Punting is absolutely safe for children, and there is no minimum age. We do advise that under 16’s are accompanied by an adult. If you have a baby under the age of one then you will not need to purchase a ticket for your infant. Anyone over the age of one will need a ticket to come on board one of our chauffeured punt tours. Please see our shared punting tour page for the best rates available for smaller groups – there is even a discounted family ticket on offer.

These can be left for safekeeping with us at the check-in desk or loaded onto the punt if there is enough space.

You simply need to be able to sit down and get back up again. Our punt chauffeurs are able-bodied, and will be able to help you to board the boat and disembark safely. If you feel you’ll need some assistance getting in and out of the boat, please speak with a member of our team on arrival, who will be able to organise this safely. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to discuss things further before booking a tour.

Although we do not have wheelchair access directly onto a punt, our team can assist in the boarding of passengers who need help. Please make our team aware when booking that assistance maybe required.

Our chauffeured punt tours are a return journey – the return trip provides sufficient time for sightseeing as well as allowing you to learn about the Colleges and bridges along the way. One way tours can be arranged, however this needs to be agreed prior to boarding the boat. The drop-off point for a one way tour is at Silver Street Bridge – our turning point of the tour.

Yes, our punting tours are dog-friendly! Small to medium-sized dogs are allowed on both shared and private tours. If you have a medium to large size dog, we ask that you contact us before your booking date to ensure that there is enough space on board to fit all members of the party. And of course, dogs come on board for free.

Yes you can. By booking a private punting tour, you and your group are allowed to use the punt as you like during the duration of your tour. Simply ask the chauffeur, and he will give you the pole and some tips on how to do it. We recommend doing this on the second half of the tour, so you get to see the entire College Backs before spending time having a go yourself. Our trained chauffeurs will provide the best experience for your group.

Prices can vary depending on the day and time that you go punting, but you can expect to pay different rates throughout the year. By booking online in advance, you will purchase your chauffeured punt tour at the best price available for that particular date and time.

Private Chauffeured Punt Tours start from £79 and Shared Chauffeured Punt tours start from as little as £20 for two people online.

You can check our punting price list page for more information.

The maximum number of people that can fit on a punt is 12. We offer tours for up to 2 people, 6 people and 12 people, but you can book multiple punts if your group size is 13 or above. 

There is no obligation to tip, however, if you’re happy with your tour and have had a good time, it is common for customers to tip. You can also show gratitude by leaving a positive review.

When punting with an expert guide at the helm, it is a very low risk activity. However, if you are punting by yourself, the risks might be higher, especially if you haven’t been trained. Our chauffeurs will ensure your safety is their top priority throughout the trip, so you don’t need to worry. Although, there is a chance you could get wet!

In Cambridge, punters traditionally stand on the flat end (the till) and punt with the open end facing forward. However, in Oxford, they stand inside the boat and punt with the till forward.