FAQs

The short answer to this question is yes. We are very happy to offer dog friendly punting in Cambridge. As long as your dog is punting friendly.

If you have bought tickets for a shared punt tour then you can bring your dog on board.

Please make sure that your dog is well behaved and kept under control. You must make sure that your dog does not upset other customers on the punt boat. We want everyone to enjoy their punting trip.

If you are going on a private punt tour then the boat is booked just for your group and is as dog friendly as your group is.

There is no car parking at the punt station.

If you are looking for parking near Bridge street, Cambridge, then the closest car parks are a few minutes walk away at either The Grand Arcade (CB2 3QF) or Castle Hill CB3 0AT. You can click on either of the names for a status update as to how full they currently are.

Please make sure that you allow enough time to get parked and make your way to the punt station for your trip.

Due to it being the most central car park, on busy days the Grand Arcade car park is used heavily and you may have to wait to get in.

Alternatively, there is on street parking on Chesterton Road. This is limited to a 2 hour maximum stay. You can get to Chesterton Road by using the post code of the Arundel House hotel CB4 3AN.

Alternatively, there are a number of Park and Rides on the outskirts of the city. The Madingley Road one is convenient for both the M11 and A428 and the buses stop on Bridge Street. Madingley Road Park and ride

For other Cambridge car parks in or around Cambridge city centre we recommend checking the City council website via the links above. As far as free parking options, there aren’t really any in the city centre. Any free and cheap parking options would involve parking several miles away on residential streets, so we don’t really recommend these.

There are regular buses from the railway station and the nearest bus stop is Bridge Street.

Here’s a link to a downloadable map of their routes and services.

Park Street Car Park is now closed until 2024 at the earliest.

Now you know where to park, find out how to get the best out of your punting trip in Cambridge.

Every precaution is being taken in order to reduce the risks of Covid-19 both to staff and customers whilst punting.

• Seats are no longer covered in blankets and are wipe clean cushions that can be easily cleaned between trips
• The larger punts have been fitted with screens between some sections
• Seating in the larger sections of the large punts put passengers more than 1m+ apart (face to face distance, other parts of the body such as feat will be closer together), which is greater than the government advice for outdoor activities
• We have minimum purchases on group tour tickets, and it’s not possible to purchase individual tickets at the moment, so you will not be seated next to someone who is not part of your group
• We have introduced small group private tours for groups of up to 5 people
• Regular cleaning and use of PPE to help protect staff and customers
• As punting is outdoors, it is considered to be a relatively low risk activity

Ok… the clue’s in the name people – Cambridge River Tours

Self-hire punting is not an option here.

We applaud those of you brave, foolish, or skilful enough to punt yourselves. But we do not condone it, nor will we help perpetuate it.

Absolutely, except for during the busiest periods.

However, we limit group bookings to 2 punts on the website as for larger parties we prefer to speak to you in advance to determine your needs.

Please drop us an email here, or call us on 01223 927331

In addition to the classic Cambridge college backs punt tour we can book bespoke trips for special occasions:

Are you planning on proposing? Pop the question on a Cambridge punt and have champagne on ice ready to pop when they say yes (fingers crossed about the yes!).

Are you a photographer / film-maker looking for a steady hand to guide you along the river Cam while you do your thing?

We have the flexibility to accommodate just about any reasonable request. Get in touch and we can discuss your requirements.

The tours leave from the punt station adjacent to the ‘La Mimosa’ restaurant on the edge of Jesus Green. The simplest way to get there is to travel to Magdalene Bridge at Quayside and follow the riverside walkway. During the peak season there is a sales kiosk for the punt station on Quayside.

Unless you have specifically arranged in advance to be met at the punt station, we ask that you make your way to the sales kiosk first, to get booked onto your tour.

The closest car park is a few minutes walk away at Park Street. There are regular buses from the railway station and the nearest bus stop is Bridge Street.

To find out about taking your Cambridge tour, click here for more info.

Currently etickets are purchased for the day that you want to go and a rough time slot.

Please note: There are times when the punt station may be closed due to adverse weather conditions or other factors outside of our control.

From time to time we may offer special deals on etickets. The validity and expiry of these tickets will be different to regular etickets. For example, they may only be valid on weekdays, they may only be valid for a certain special offer period.

The terms and conditions of these tickets will clearly be stated on your voucher when you receive it and before purchase on the website. Please read them carefully.

IMPORTANT NOTE: eTickets do not guarantee spaces on any particular tour.

• Upon arrival at the booking kiosk you will be booked on to the next available tour.
• Please do not arrive expecting to be able to book onto a tour that is departing immediately.
• At busy times the wait time from checking in to tour departure can be up to 2 hours.
• You can check in for a tour and return closer to the departure time, you do not have to wait in a queue, although if you don’t return in time then you will miss your slot.

Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your own refreshments.

Alternatively we can organise food and drink for you from one of the many excellent local Cambridge eateries (this would obviously involve an extra cost).

Due to the seasonal nature of the business, shared tours do not leave at set times.

In the low season they may leave half hourly or even hourly while in the high season there will often be punts departing every 10-15 minutes.

When you arrive at the ticket kiosk, you will be booked onto the next available tour.

If you have booked a private tour, please make sure that you arrive in time for your booking.

You can either book an entire punt (or punts) for a private tour, or buy an eticket and share your tour with others on the punt. By booking in advance you get a significant discount compared to the on the day prices.

Please note that the prices below are meant to give an indication. For the most up to date prices, please check the booking system for the date and time that you want to go.

Shared Punt Tours (eTickets):

Adults: £23 shared tour punt tickets

Concessions (Students / Seniors): £21 Online Exclusive

Children: £15

Private Punt Tours:

12 Seater Punt: From £95 week day private punt tours / £140 weekend Online Exclusive / (£250 when purchased at the punt station)*

6 Seater Punt: £85 early bird special, £105 weekday / £175 weekend

*Click here for our FAQs which include info regarding peak times.

Find our more about taking your Cambridge punt tour with us.

We’re well aware of the vagaries of British weather, and we would always advise you check the weather forecast prior to setting out on your journey to Cambridge, especially if you are travelling a long way.

Keep an eye on our Twitter account for the day’s local weather too. If the conditions are really bad, tours won’t be running – it’s not fair to keep punters standing around for long periods in bad weather conditions in the hope that things will improve. They get restless and fidgety.

Sometimes the river may be closed because it’s too dangerous to punt, but this only happens in rare circumstances.

If you wish to cancel a booking we require a minimum of 48 hours notice for a refund. The 48 hours notice period takes into account poor weather conditions, at least as much as it is possible to do so. If on the day you are due to go it is raining your departure may be postponed (should this be possible) until the weather improves. Umbrellas can be provided.

Please Note: Any bookings cancelled within 48 hours of the departure time will forfeit their deposit, or if full payment has been made in advance, 25% of the booking fee. We reserve the right to cancel bookings if the need arises. We will always provide as much notice as possible.

When the sun is shining, obvs!

We feel that the best times to go are when the river is quiet; first thing in the morning, or in the late afternoon/evening when you can have a much more relaxing, enjoyable time.

The spring and autumn months are generally quieter on the river and, if you are into photography, offer some of the best light and scenery.

There are certain times of day when everyone wants to go punting in Cambridge, the most popular are Saturday afternoons.

In our opinion, Saturday afternoons are amongst the least enjoyable times to go punting on the Cam as the river can get very busy and crowded and this detracts from the whole experience.

Of course, you might disagree and prefer the white knuckle, seeing people fall in, experience that is punting during the busiest times. That choice is entirely yours.

Unlike the trains and the roads, peak hours on the river Cam are considered to be on Saturday & Sunday between May and September, especially during the afternoons.

Punt tours during this period are generally more expensive and can be harder to come by because of the high demand.

This is also when the river is busiest and we recommend trying to avoid these times, for the most enjoyable experience.

At present (Summer 2020) all afternoons (from around 1p onwards) can be considered to be peak time.

Cambridge River Tours start and finish at the punt station adjacent to the La Mimosa restaurant.

We can, by prior arrangement do one way trips from La Mimosa to Silver Street (The Mill Pond) but we are not able to start the tours from any other starting point.

The trip travels along the Cambridge Backs, taking in some of the most famous Cambridge colleges along the way. You’ll see Kings, Trinity, St. John’s & Queens colleges (amongst others).

Our Cambridge Punt Tours usually last around 45 minutes, depending on traffic (the Cam can get very busy in high season) and how fast the river is flowing.

We suggest that you allow at least an hour to allow for boarding and disembarkation of the punt at the end of your tour and, please make sure you arrive 10 – 15 minutes before your allotted tour time to avoid any delays.