Cambridge Quayside for Punting

Quayside is the heart of punting in Cambridge, boasting a thriving tourist trade and a number of places to eat and drink. Even the pub has taken its name from the trade most common on the quayside, The Punt Yard!

A history of the Quayside

Formally the old docks of the city it has been at the center of Cambridge life for a number of years. The River Cam ambles all the way to the sea in Norfolk (joining a few other rivers on the way) and merchants moving goods by river used to stop and trade, hence the many sets of stairs leading only halfway down to the river. Quayside sits opposite Magdelene College of Cambridge University and the college owns most of the buildings which were placed there as part of the redevelopment of the area in 1989. A large stone commemorates its revival with the date and the old French motto of Magdelene College, “Garde ta Foy” meaning “Keep Your Faith”.

The Quayside as it is in the modern day

Nowadays, merchants no longer bring their goods to trade by the river, but Quayside is awash with river trade of a different sort. Home to five punting companies and five food and drink establishments, it hums and buzzes on a busy day with tourists and locals enjoying the river and some occasional sunshine! A friendly rivalry between the good-natured touts adds to the general ambiance of the place, but you can avoid all that by grabbing a bargain with a prepaid e-ticket for a punt tour of Cambridge.