Terms & Conditions

Traditional Punting Company Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions 

These Terms and Conditions represent the agreement between ‘you’ and The Traditional Punting Company. By booking our services, you agree to comply with the terms outlined below, which cover payments, bookings, cancellations, and other policies to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all customers.

Payment

Payment for bookings can be made online or over the phone using a debit or credit card, or via bank transfer.

All payments are securely processed in GBP.

For bookings made directly through our website, full payment is required at the time of booking. For bookings secured via email, phone, or invoice more than two weeks in advance, you may either pay in full or make a 30% deposit to secure your booking. The remaining balance must be paid two weeks before the booking date. Bookings made less than two weeks in advance require full payment at the time of booking.

Bookings

All bookings are subject to availability.

The Traditional Punting Company reserves the right to withdraw any product or package at any time. Should this occur, we will offer affected customers an alternative product of equal or higher value or a full refund. Direct bookings are scheduled for specific departure times, and late arrivals may result in a missed tour. For third-party bookings, we recommend contacting our office to pre-book a departure time. Arriving at the river without a pre-booked time may lead to extended waiting periods or limited departure options, which could affect your overall experience.

Access

Due to the historic nature of the river, disabled access is limited. However, we are committed to accommodating all customers wherever possible. Please refer to our accessibility statement or contact us directly to discuss available options.

Cancellations

  • Private Tours: Cancellations made more than 24 hours before the booking are eligible for a 70% refund. If a 30% deposit was taken, this will be retained. Alternatively, you may choose a credit note valid for 12 months or reschedule your booking. Additional charges may apply if the new date or time is more expensive. No refunds will be issued if the new date is less expensive.Cancellations made between 12 and 24 hours before the tour are non-refundable but can be rearranged for a £15 fee per boat, plus any price difference. Cancellations within 12 hours of the booking are non-refundable and non-amendable.
  • Shared Tours: Cancellations made more than 12 hours in advance are eligible for the same 70% refund, credit note, or rescheduling terms as private tours. For cancellations made 2–12 hours in advance, bookings are non-refundable but can be rearranged for a £15 fee per group, plus any price difference. Within 2 hours of the booking, cancellations are non-refundable and non-amendable.
  • Extras (e.g., picnics, drinks): These are non-refundable or exchangeable within 14 days of the booking date. A 70% refund is available if canceled earlier.
  • Additional Services: Activities such as walking tours, wine tastings, and scavenger hunts are non-refundable within one month of the booking date. Cancellations made more than one month in advance are eligible for a 70% refund or reschedule.

Late Arrival

Arriving late for your scheduled tour will affect your experience.

For private tours, your punt is reserved for a specific time. Late arrivals may result in a shorter tour, with the punt returning at the original scheduled time. Arrivals more than 30 minutes late will result in a missed tour. If you anticipate being late, please contact us as soon as possible.

For shared tours, late arrivals will result in a missed tour, and rebooking will be necessary to participate.

Non-appearance

If you fail to attend your scheduled tour you will not be eligible for a refund or rescheduling.

Bad Weather

We provide an outdoor service operating year-round, and our tours run in most weather conditions, provided they are safe for our customers and staff. If conditions are deemed unsafe and operations are canceled, we will notify you and offer a full refund or a credit note valid for 12 months. Our decision on what constitutes unsafe conditions is final and may include extreme temperatures, strong river flows, lightning storms, or gale-force winds.

If you wish to cancel or reschedule your booking due to forecasted weather, our standard cancellation terms and conditions apply. Please refer to the relevant section above.

Behaviour

For the safety and comfort of all customers, we reserve the right to refuse service if anyone in your party is intoxicated or exhibits aggressive or intimidating behavior towards our staff or other customers.

Alcohol Sales

We operate a Challenge 25 policy in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003. Please bring valid ID if you appear under the age of 25. Accepted forms of ID include passports, driving licenses, and PASS IDs. Alcohol sales are limited to one bottle of wine per two adults or three beers, ciders, or spirit and mixers per person. All alcohol sales must be pre-purchased online or via email/phone ahead of the booking date.

Safeguarding

All under 16’s must be accompanied by a parent or adult (18 years or older) in the role of “loco parentis” to go out on a river tour with us.

Delivery

Online booking confirmations sent via email serve as your ‘ticket’. Please bring a printed copy of your booking confirmation or present it on a smartphone or tablet at our check-in desk upon arrival. Gift vouchers will be emailed, and confirmations for purchases made via bank transfer or phone will also be sent via email. Physical tickets can be provided upon request. Lost confirmations or tickets can be reissued in advance of the tour date.

Service Information

All tours are operated by River Cam Punting Ltd, trading as The Traditional Punting Company, and are governed by English law.

For further enquiries or clarifications, please contact us. We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable punting experience on the River Cam here in Cambridge.