Punting in Cambridge Nature Booklet

Welcome to a captivating journey through the historic waterways of Cambridge with the Traditional Punting Company’s latest offering – the Cambridge Nature Activity Booklet. This year-round children’s guide is crafted to enrich the traditional punting experience by blending education with entertainment, highlighting the exquisite natural and architectural beauty of Cambridge.

Building on the success of our annual Punt and Hunt events, we recognised a unique opportunity to create a comprehensive, engaging activity booklet. This guide allows children and families to explore the natural environment of Cambridge throughout the year. As you punt along the River Cam, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery. Despite the bustling tourist crowds and the architectural grandeur of the university, nature seamlessly integrates itself. This provides a peaceful glimpse into the rich ecosystem at the heart of the city. And guess what – it’s yours to enjoy.

As the world continues to battle the climate crisis, it is so vitally important to teach our children the importance of preserving and respecting the earth. We created this booklet in the hopes that this will be a helping hand along the way. Who knew education could be so fun?! Now you know.

Children smiling and holding up nature activity booklets while seated on a punting tour along the River Cam in Cambridge. The backdrop features the iconic King's College, with the chauffeur's legs visible in the foreground

Enhance Your Experience with the Cambridge Nature Activity Booklet

Make your next punting tour on the River Cam truly unforgettable by adding our specially designed Cambridge Nature Activity Booklet. Suitable for children aged 4 to 11, this booklet is filled with over 15 engaging and educational activities suitable for all ages. Some activities foster independent discovery. Whereas, others are perfect for family collaboration, offering wonderful learning opportunities.

“When we added the Nature Activity Booklet to our punting tour, not only did the kids have a blast, but we also loved seeing them learn about the environment in such a fun way!” – Emily, who visited April 2024 during the trial of the booklet.

As you book your tour online, choose either a shared or private experience and easily add the Nature Activity Booklet for just an additional £3 per child. This nominal fee includes a vibrant set of colouring pencils, perfect for completing the booklet’s activities and expressing creativity during your tour.

Dive into puzzles, mazes, word searches, and more, each designed to enlighten and entertain. Your children will gain insights into the local wildlife and ecosystems, learning the crucial role they play in our world.

“Observing the kids engaged with the puzzles and pointing out the swans and cherry blossom from the booklet made our family outing especially memorable. It’s a fantastic way to connect with nature and each other.” – Mark, visited April 2024 during the trial of the booklet.

As you glide along the historic University College Backs, be prepared to encounter a diverse range of wildlife. Keep an eye out for herons, kingfishers, and Canada geese, to name just a few. It’s essential to practise ‘leave no trace’ ethics during your tour. Respect the river’s inhabitants, avoid feeding the wildlife, and use the provided bins for your rubbish. Of course, we always want to protect our rivers.

Don’t just book a tour—book an educational adventure! The Cambridge Nature Activity Booklet isn’t merely an add-on. It’s also a passport to a richer, more engaging experience. Explore, learn, and create lasting memories with your family against the stunning backdrop of Cambridge’s historic river.

 

School group on a chauffeured punt tour in Cambridge, smiling and proudly displaying their completed wildlife activity booklets. The students are engaged and happy, showing off their work as part of their educational school trip

Explore Beyond the Punt: Discover Cambridge’s Kid-Friendly Activities

With your Nature Activity Booklet in hand during our punting tours, why not extend your exploration on land? This guide isn’t just for your river journey; it’s also a passport to discovering all that Cambridge has to offer. Find the enchanting Dinky Doors and various kid-friendly activities throughout the city.

Dinky Doors

Dinky Doors are tiny, whimsical sculptures scattered throughout the streets of Cambridge. These enchanting little creations serve as magical portals to other worlds, waiting to be discovered by those with curious eyes. Hidden just out of plain sight, each door has its own charm and story. To make your search easier—and even more fun—we’ve dedicated an entire page in our Cambridge Nature Activity Booklet to these delightful treasures. At the time of writing, there are fourteen doors scattered across the city, each one ready to surprise and delight.

These doors aren’t just charming; they carry a bigger purpose. The creators of Dinky Doors describe them as “an antidote to the seemingly endless terrible news that we are inundated with daily.” Their mission? To spread unexpected joy in the form of tiny discoveries. According to their makers, “Dinky things, discovered unexpectedly, can deliver dollops of delight that defend against the daily onslaught of miserable miserableness.” And it’s true—stumbling upon one of these doors brings a smile to your face and a moment of pure wonder. Without a doubt, it’s worth finding out for yourself.

So, why not turn your visit into a scavenger hunt for these miniature masterpieces? Combine your punting tour with a stroll through Cambridge to track down these hidden gems. With the booklet in hand, you’ll have the perfect guide to uncover these quirky creations. It’s a unique way to explore the city while adding a touch of magic to your day. Book your punting tour now and let the adventure begin—because who knows what tiny wonders you might find!

A school girl laughing joyfully, with a close-up focus on her as she sits with the nature booklet on her lap. The serene waters of the River Cam in Cambridge form a tranquil background.

Kid-friendly activities in Cambridge

There are endless activities in Cambridge to keep your little ones entertained. We are very lucky to live in a city where such a high calibre of education is easily accessible to the public and all age groups. The annual Cambridge Festival gives everyone the opportunity to attend free talks, in-person events, and family workshops. These cover the leading research that takes place at the University of Cambridge. Free knowledge to absorb!

Art and sculpture trails around Cambridge have become quite common in the last few years. We’ve had ‘Cows about Cambridge’ in 2021, and in 2022, we had “Cambridge Book Bench trail” as well as ‘Our Place in Space’. This year the city has welcomed 31 beautifully decorated Giraffes, all to raise money for local caregivers in and around Cambridgeshire. This trail is on until the 2nd of June.

If you are looking for the perfect activity for a rainy day, then Cambridge’s very own Clip and Climb is an excellent place to spend an afternoon. Each slot has a 30-minute safety briefing and then 55 minutes of pure climbing fun. Get to it!

Children from a family joyfully reaching up to grab leaves while enjoying a chauffeured punting tour under leafy trees along the River Cam. The chauffeur, visible in the background, skillfully uses a pole to propel the punt forward. The children are smiling and laughing, immersed in the lively experience

Punting Tours in Cambridge

A day in Cambridge isn’t complete without a guided 50-minute punting tour along the stunning college backs. Gliding past iconic sights like King’s College Chapel and the Bridge of Sighs offers a unique perspective on the city. Our tours run throughout the year, making them a fantastic way to enjoy Cambridge’s beauty in every season. Spring blossoms, summer sunshine, autumn’s golden hues, and winter’s crisp charm—all transform the river into a magical escape. There’s no better way to slow down and soak in the scenery.

Are you looking to make your visit even more memorable? Book your punting tour today and experience Cambridge like never before. Pair your tour with the Cambridge Nature Activity Booklet to add a layer of adventure to your outing. Spot wildlife on the riverbanks, track down the whimsical Dinky Doors, or explore the city’s fascinating museums. The booklet is your key to uncovering Cambridge’s hidden gems.

Don’t wait—secure your spot now for a day filled with discovery, learning, and plenty of fun. Your perfect Cambridge adventure starts on the River Cam!

 


Posted on May 16th, 2024, by the Traditional Punting Company Editor