Visit England Gold Award

We are very happy to announce to you all our Gold Accolade from VisitEngland

A National Recognition of Excellence

At The Traditional Punting Company, we take immense pride in providing memorable punting tours along the scenic River Cam. Now, we are beyond thrilled to share that our dedication has been recognised on a national scale, as we have been awarded the prestigious VisitEngland Gold Accolade. This award is a significant milestone for us, placing us among the top-scoring attractions in England. Celebrated for offering outstanding visitor experiences.

What is the VisitEngland Gold Accolade?

The VisitEngland Gold Accolade is one of the highest honours awarded under the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS). This scheme assesses a wide range of attractions, from historic houses to gardens and visitor centres. It focuses on key areas like customer service, cleanliness, staff engagement, and overall visitor enjoyment. To earn this accolade, businesses must achieve high scores across these areas. We are proud to be recognised as a leader in delivering a first-class punting experience​.

What makes this accolade particularly special is the breadth of the evaluation. Attractions are judged not just on the visible aspects, such as the friendliness of staff or the cleanliness of facilities, but also on behind-the-scenes efforts. Our ability to consistently meet these high standards is a reflection of our team’s hard work and commitment.

As VisitEngland’s Director, Andrew Stokes, put it: “These accolades are a testament to the outstanding experiences and customer service that attractions in England give visitors.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with us​.

A Proud Moment for Our Team

For us, this accolade is not just an award – it’s a validation of the passion and effort that our entire team puts into creating unforgettable punting experiences. As our manager, Tom Groome, said:

“This award really validates our efforts as a cohesive team. Our chauffeurs are the stars of the show, but VisitEngland also pays attention to the behind-the-scenes work that goes unseen by customers. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome!”

At the heart of our company are our charismatic chauffeurs, who guide guests through the iconic sites of Cambridge with insightful stories and charming anecdotes. Their passion for sharing the history and beauty of the city is what makes each punting tour so special. This award reflects their tireless dedication to creating a memorable experience for every visitor.

How We Achieved This Milestone

The VisitEngland assessment evaluated multiple key areas of our service, from arrival experience to the quality of the tour, with the latter earning an impressive 94%. We are especially proud of our cleanliness and staff service, both of which scored a perfect 100%. These results demonstrate not only our commitment to maintaining high standards but also the passion our staff brings to their roles every day ​and we are proud to have earned a remarkable 96% overall.

But it’s not just about what the VisitEngland assessors say. It’s your feedback, through online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations, that played a crucial role in securing this accolade. Your reviews help us understand what we’re doing right and where we can improve, driving us to consistently exceed expectations.

The Importance of Customer Feedback

Your feedback has been instrumental in helping us grow and improve our services. Whether it’s a glowing Google review or a friendly shout-out to one of our chauffeurs, each piece of feedback contributes to our success. In fact, customer reviews were a key part of the VisitEngland assessment, helping to highlight our ongoing commitment to excellence. Positive feedback across the board confirmed that we are on the right track, continually improving to provide the best possible experience for our guests​. Here are a few examples of some of our latest reviews that flood in daily. Write yours here.

a selection of positive google reviews for Traditional Punting Company

We encourage everyone to share their stories and experiences with us. Whether it’s your first time punting or a return visit, we value your insights and love hearing how much you enjoyed your trip with us.

What’s New at The Traditional Punting Company?

Innovation and improvement are at the core of what we do. This year, we introduced our Nature Activity Book for families and children, a fun and educational resource that enhances the punting experience with engaging activities both on the punts and around Cambridge. This addition has been warmly received and is just one of the many ways we strive to make each punting tour special​.

We are always looking for ways to enhance your experience on the River Cam, whether it’s through new tour offerings, improved booking processes, or maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and service.

Close-up of children engaging with the nature activity booklets while seated on a chauffeured punt tour. The kids are intently filling out the booklets and discussing the activities amongst themselves, emphasising a hands-on educational experience

Why Choose The Traditional Punting Company?

At The Traditional Punting Company, we stand for quality, professionalism, and heart. Our aim is to provide the best punting experience in Cambridge, and the VisitEngland Gold Accolade is a reflection of our success in doing just that. From the moment you arrive to the final stretch of the river, we are committed to making your time with us unforgettable.

Whether you’re booking a tour for the first time or returning for a special occasion, we promise to deliver an exceptional punting experience. With our highly rated service, charming chauffeurs, and beautifully maintained punts, you can be sure that your time on the River Cam will be one to remember.

Christmas, Christmas Carols, Carols on the River, Charity, Charity Event, Outdoors, Outdoors Activity, Music, Live Event, Festive Season, Punting, Punting in Cambridge, Traditional Punting Company,

Looking Ahead: Carols on the River

As we approach the festive season, we are excited to announce our annual Carols on the River event in December. This beloved Christmas charity event brings the Cambridge community together for a magical evening of carol singing on the River Cam. Tickets for this event will go on sale next month, and all proceeds will be donated to a charity of choice for the year. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays while giving back to the community, and we invite everyone to join us for this special occasion.

Experience the Best of Cambridge

The VisitEngland Gold Accolade is not just an award – it’s a testament to our commitment to excellence, and we couldn’t have achieved it without the support of our customers. We invite you to come and experience for yourself why we’re one of the top-rated attractions in the country. Whether you’re exploring Cambridge for the first time or are a seasoned visitor, we are ready to make your day on the river truly memorable.

company directors Zoe and Caroline accepting their award from VisitEngland

Posted on October 23rd, 2024, by the Traditional Punting Company Editor