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about scholars punting

where did we come from? what makes us tick?


it's all about quality

About Scholars Punting Cambridge

Scholars Punting Cambridge present high-quality river tours by assuring that our staff are well-trained and polite to passengers. A major part of our mission statement is that punting is for fun, not just for work, and as a result we have a great group of enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides keen to take you on a trip down the Cam to experience the rich and varied histories and traditions of Cambridge. We have great boats and fantastic staff.

A couple punting with Scholars Punting Cambridge

Punting tour in Cambridge is Great for Couples

A short history of Scholars Punting Cambridge

Our founder, Ashley, discovered his love for punting all the way back in 2001 when he was hiring punts with his friends. In 2007 he realised this was his calling! Since those humble beginnings, we have become adept at navigating all manner of waterways, from fens to rivers and canals to bogs. However, our favourite service will always be the historic punting tours of the Cambridge college backs.

Here at Scholars Punting Cambridge, our goal is to provide the best, most informative and entertaining experience of the Cam.

Types of tour we offer

We offer a wide variety of Cambridge punting deals, ranging from our shared punting tours and Punt and Dine (or even Punt and WINE!) options to private punting tours, which include corporate events and school groups.

We have tours dedicated for special occasions, for example:

romantic tour, anniversary tour, school group punting trip, corporate tourmarriage proposal punting tour, hen party puntingMother’s day puntingFather’s day punting tour.

We can also cater for extra special Pop-Up Wedding Punting!

You can check out our whole range by clicking on the ‘tours’ tab at the top of this page.

When we are open for punting

Punting in Cambridge offers magnificent views, many of which are exclusive to river users, and as the year progresses. The mood naturally alters with the changing light, from the jubilant colours of spring and summer to the solemn majesty of the historic buildings in the winter sun. As such, we love punting in Cambridge all year round. So why not join us in the summer for some champagne on ice as you cruise down the river, or come get cosy in the winter with nice soft blankets and hot water bottles!

Our usual opening times are 10am-5pm, but we are happy to take out-of-hours tours, all you have to do is drop us an email.

Our Boats

As we want to provide the best tours, we insist on using nothing but the highest quality traditional Cambridge punts. All our boats are hand-built with meticulous care and attention to detail, using nothing but the highest quality materials from our sister company, the Cambridge Punt Builders, whose dedicated staff and well-equipped workshop mean we can ensure our punts are perfectly maintained.

Where do our tours depart from?

We launch our boats from our landing stage at 35 Beaufort Place, Thompson’s Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8AG.

If you’re worried about finding us or even getting into the boats, you can have a look at our accessibility statement which provides information on transport links as well as physical requirements for disabled passengers.

 

Our exciting tours

Private Punting Tour in Cambridge

With our private tours we offer you the luxury of a whole boat to yourself. Romance, business, birthday or wedding. Whatever the occasion, let Scholars Punting Cambridge make the occasion special

Shared Tours

often the most cost effective. The boat is currently divided into rows of three seats with a social distancing screen. Its best to book in advance because you can save around 35%.

Proposal Tour

Punting in Cambridge is a very romantic way to propose to your loved one, have a read and see how we make it extra special

Hen Party Punting in Cambridge

Punting is a great activity to do whilst celebrating a hen party. Each punt comfortably takes up to 12 passengers. You will also get a guide, who will take you on a trip past all the Cambridge University buildings.

Group tours

Cambridge Group Punting Tours provide safe, cultural and enjoyable entertainment for any group booking. We charge per punt, and each punt seats up to 12 passengers. We have many punts, so we can accommodate hundreds of passengers at one time. Each punt is private, so you will not be sharing with members of the public. You also benefit from being able to book a time slot, unlike with shared tours where you would need to wait for an available boat.

Fireworks

Punting on the Cam offers the perfect vantage point to view the spectacular fireworks that accompany May Week. The May Balls are an amazing spectacle, with a price tag to match, however, the Scholars Punting Cambridge prices are very reasonable.

Wedding Tour

Wedding Punting Tour A punt tour makes the perfect wedding reception. We can accommodate up to 58 guests and tour length is flexible to suit your needs. You can book exclusive use of our café for after 5pm, where we can serve a range of food and drink.

Scholars Punting Co.

We pride ourselves on a warm, friendly service, offering chauffeured punting tours to meet individual needs and requirements. We offer excellent Cambridge punting deals on shared or private tours of the famous 'Backs' - the historic University of Cambridge colleges that align the river

All our punts are equipped with raised seating, warm blankets and umbrellas, so rest assured you'll be comfortable come rain or shine. We also offer tours in a number of languages, so please let us know your preference and we'll make every effort to ensure your tour is extra special.

book a private boat