PUNTING IN CAMBRIDGE WITH KIDS: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Are you planning a trip to Cambridge and wondering if you can go punting with kids? Good news, you definitely can! I asked my four-year-old what his favourite thing we did in Cambridge was and he said punting, he’s a tough critic so this is a good recommendation!
Punting along the River Cam is one of the best things to do in Cambridge and also one of the best ways to experience the beauty and history of this UK city. Luckily, it’s an activity the whole family can enjoy!
In this guide, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about punting in Cambridge with kids. Including, what punting is, the different types of tours and tips to make it enjoyable for the whole family.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE TO READ:
OUR FULL GUIDE TO CAMBRIDGE AS A FAMILY
WHAT IS PUNTING?
The meaning of punting in the UK is very different to what it does in the USA. If you haven’t heard of this type of punting before, this definition may be useful to you!
A punt is a type of flat-bottomed boat. Punting is the activity of sailing in one of these boats. These unique boats have a flat space at the back for the Punter to stand. The punter then uses a long pole, which reaches the bottom of the river, to push and steer the boat.
Cambridge is the most famous and traditional place you can go punting.
A punting boat | The view of St John’s New Court from the river.
TYPES OF PUNTING TOURS
Various companies run punting tours in Cambridge. There are also different types of tours you can choose from. The prices also vary dramatically starting from around £20 per adult. I spent quite a long time researching punting in Cambridge with kids and will explain the options below.
SHARED, PRIVATE OR SELF-GUIDED TOURS
You can choose a shared or private tour. A shared means you’ll have other people in the boat while if you choose private, you’ll have the boat to yourselves. With both these options, you’ll have a punter/ guide with you. Our guide was great, telling us lots of interesting information about the landmarks we passed.
You also have the option to be the punter on a self-guided tour, I honestly wouldn’t recommend that option with young children. It looked like hard work and you’d be better off sitting back and relaxing with the family!
We chose to do a shared tour, the boat was split into two sections each setting six people. We were lucky to have a section to ourselves!
Photos from punting in Cambridge as a family
CHOOSING A PUNTING TOUR COMPANY
There are a few different punting tour companies in Cambridge you can choose from. As I mentioned, they all vary in price. I did thorough research before we went to find the best option. We went with The Traditional Punting Company and I would highly recommend them.
I chose them because their website made it easy to understand the prices and different punting options available. They are competitively priced and offer a special family ticket price which is perfect for families with young children. Finally, they also have the option to add a kid’s activity booklet for £3. The tour goes along the river and back the same way, the booklet kept my 4-year-old busy on part of the way back and we finished it off during the rest of our time in Cambridge.
You can see their full-price list by clicking here (private tours are listed at the top scroll down for shared punting prices) or go directly to the family ticket information here. This family ticket is perfect for families of four with a lap infant. If you have a larger family or older children, see the family ticket linked here.
DISCLAIMER: After researching options, I reached out to The Traditional Punting Company and they kindly gifted us this tour in exchange for blog/ social media promotion. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
HOW TO GET PUNTING TICKETS
You can either buy punting tickets online or the vendors have stands by the river if you’d rather book in person. At peak times (summer and weekends) it’s best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. I was surprised by how busy Cambridge was, even in November!
As I mentioned we used The Traditional Punting Company and would definitely recommend them. I have linked their ticket options below for you:
Traditional Punting Company Website and Price List
Booking a Shared Tour
Booking a Private Tour
Book Tickets for a Family of Four (Including One Child Under Five)
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR PUNTING TOUR
Our tour was well organized. We met at the Traditional Punting Companies Stand 10 minutes before and checked in with the host. Just before our departure time, we got a text with a boat number although we didnt need it as the staff were very organized.
The tour lasts about 50 minutes and is very picturesque. You’ll sail down the River Cam past some of Cambridge’s most iconic sights. Some of these can only be seen from the water as much of Cambridge is private land for the universities.
The views of the Bridge of Sighs and St John’s New Court are particularly impressive, and the best way to see them is from the river. As you go down the river, your guide will share interesting facts about the surrounding buildings and the city.
King’s Chapel and College | The Bridge of Sighs
SHOULD YOU TIP YOUR PUNTER?
I know this is a question my American friends always want to know. Tipping in England is not as expected as it is in the United States.
Our guide didnt ask for tips and I don’t believe you are obligated to give one. However, if you are happy with your experience, tips will always be gratefully appreciated.
TIPS FOR PUNTING IN CAMBRIDGE WITH KIDS
Below are some specific tips for punting with children in Cambridge:
1. PUSHCHAIR PARKING
The Traditional Punting Company have an area by their stand where you can leave a pushchair. Although items are left at your own risk, they do have staff around to keep an eye on things. Be sure to take any valuables on the tour with you.
2. PLAY WHILE YOU WAIT
There is a playground (Jesus Green Play Area) located about a 5-minute walk down the river from The Traditional Punting Company’s starting point.
There is also a rope swing just by the gate before the stand. It’s a good idea to let kids have a run around before they get on the boat.
Rope Swing | Jesus Green Playground
3. ENTERTAINMENT
50 minutes can be a long time for kids to sit still. Be sure to bring things to keep them entertained. The Nature activity booklet we added to our booking was great as the activities were related to the landmarks around us.
We knew my kids would want to be the Punter so we found them both a stick. Our 4-year-old absolutely loved this. Our little one dropped his stick in the first 5 minutes and proceeded to try and row with this hand. For safety, you do need to keep your hands inside the boat, so take a backup stick and other entertainment.
Punting with a stick | Filling in the Nature Activity Booklet.
4. SNACKS
You’re welcome to take food and drinks on board with you, make sure to pack everything your kids might need. I always find snacks are a great way to keep little ones busy!
Thank you for reading our guide on punting in Cambridge with kids, I hope you’ve found it useful and you’ll be enjoying a punting experience soon:
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE TO READ:
OUR FULL GUIDE TO CAMBRIDGE AS A FAMILY
Happy Exploring,
