Our Top 5 Tips For Punting in Cambridge

See our top tips for punting when visiting Cambridge

1. Choose the Best Punting Company

When it comes to punting and finding the best punting in Cambridge experience, you need to know that you are using a punting company that you can trust. Booking a punt tour is an exciting experience and one that will create memories regardless of whether you do it alone, share it with a loved one or choose to do it with friends. Of course, getting the most from the experience is all about selecting the best punting service in Cambridge and this is where we can really make a difference. The thing about punting is that it is a great way to move along the river at a relaxing pace while watching the world go by but there is more to it than that and that is what really stands out.

What you need to do is make sure that the company you choose trains their punt chauffeurs to the highest standard so they can impart their knowledge about Cambridge and its history onto you. Therefore, you’ll receive a top-quality service and walk away feeling enlightened about the trip and the experience as a whole. An experienced and knowledgeable punt chauffeur will be able to take care of the entire journey and provide you with as much information as possible about the surrounding area. All of this will lead to a comfortable and enjoyable experience that will really put a smile on your face.

You should also check out the company’s google rating to see what past customers have had to say about their experience, and a rating of 4.8 or more does just that.

2. Have a go (but try not to fall in!)

If you choose to have a go at punting on a private tour, then you are going to need to know what it takes to punt without falling in.

Initially, it will seem daunting but the idea is to walk to the end of the punt and stand up. It will wobble and you may feel like you are lacking balance but all it takes is a good stance and bent knees.

The idea is to feel at one with the punt. If you are too gentle with it or nervous then you are going to be at more of a risk of falling in! So give the punt a gentle rock and get a feel for how it moves. Don’t be afraid of it, it is more stable than you might think.

At this point you need to feel comfortable holding the pole that you use to propel the punt along. You might prefer it on the right or perhaps the left-hand side feels better, whatever you choose, you need to be able to control the punt and feel at ease using the pole.

As ideal as it would be for the punt to only move in a straight line, you are going to need to steer it and that means that you need to drag the pole through the water. Dragging it on the left or right will cause the boat to turn and should you need to spin the punt around you can drop the pole and push away from the punt. Stopping the boat is a simple case of sliding the pole into the water in front of you and applying your body weight. This will eventually cause the punt to stop. But of course your chauffeur will guide you every step of the way.

3. Private Tours vs Shared Tours

The great thing about punting is that you can turn the whole experience into whatever you want it to be. It is the perfect way to take in your surroundings in a tranquil and serene way while embracing the comfort and enjoyment that comes with the entire experience. Punting is unique and that is why there are several options available for instance a private tour or a shared tour, to name the two most popular. There is something magical and romantic about a private tour and if you want to share that special moment with your loved one then a private tour is a perfect choice. You can sit arm in arm and embrace the architectural beauty of this wonderful city as you meander by. A private tour is perfect for those who want to share a special moment together and is the ideal tour for group sizes of 8 or more.

A shared tour is a great way of exploring and experiencing the buzz that comes with sharing the experience with other passengers and tourists. You can either sit there in silence as you amble along the river or you can immerse yourself in the experience and make conversation with the other passengers. A shared tour is all about bringing people together where they can embrace the amazing experience of a punting tour. It might not be as romantic as a private tour but it is still a brilliant way to take in all that surrounds you and the most cost effective option.

4. Where to Get Tickets?

If you are considering that you may want to go on a punting tour in Cambridge then you need to look at using a service that offers you everything that you want. You will also need a punting service that comes with an excellent reputation and reviews that sets it apart from the rest. From the moment you step on board to the moment you leave, you should be able to relax and enjoy the whole experience because that is what a punting experience is really all about. So, if you are looking for the best place to book your punting tour then look no further!

We, at the Traditional Punting Company, offer you a thorough service that comes backed with knowledgeable punt chauffeurs and guarantees that you are going to receive a punt tour that really will leave you wanting more. So, when it comes to booking tickets and knowing where to find them, then purchasing your tickets from us online removes all the hassle and ensures that get the cheapest price out there.

5. Enjoy the Sites Along the River

The great thing about floating along the River Cam is that you can explore it in all its glory without having to lift a finger! There is, of course, the natural beauty that comes with the area and at any time of the year, the stunning surroundings can be enjoyed by all. However, there are many other impressive sites that you can see along the river that really make this a worthwhile trip.

You can view St John’s College which is one of the oldest campuses and one of the most iconic of the whole university. The stunning architecture cannot be ignored and the incredible history makes this one of the must-see sites along the river.

The Bridge of Sighs is also another stunning sight that you will see from the River Cam. You will actually pass underneath it where you can see this amazing bridge that dates back to 1831. This stone bridge consists of a number of pillars and windows that look out onto the river and with plenty of greenery surrounding the bridge it creates a fairytale-like setting.

Along with these sites, you will also see the King’s College Chapel, the Wren library and a whole lot more.