River Cam Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the River Cam. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Shared Guided Punting Tour of Cambridge
• Private Cambridge Punting Tour
• Rowing experience in Cambridge! No experience required
• Private Chauffeur Punt Tour
• Private 2-Hour Cambridge Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide

Visiting the River Cam is free of charge, and a popular option is simply strolling its banks, which flow right through the heart of Cambridge. However, if you’d like to have the iconic experience, you’ll want to book a punting tour (a “punt” is a traditional flat-bottomed boat)—those range in price from US$25 to $200.

On a punting tour along the River Cam, you might spot King’s College Chapel, one of the most famous buildings in Cambridge; Clare College and Clare Bridge, the oldest bridge in Cambridge, dating back to 1640; Trinity College, St. John’s College, and the Bridge of Sighs, which resembles the eponymous bridge in Venice; and more.

Yes, you can rent a punt on the River Cam and go punting by yourself. Several rental companies along the river offer punts for hire, allowing you to explore at your own pace. However, it does require some balance and technique, as you’ll need to use a long pole to propel and steer the punt. You might want to take a tour first to get the hang of it.

Yes, guided punting tours are available on the River Cam. They’re a popular way to experience the river, especially for first-time visitors (punting is a bit difficult). A skilled punter will navigate the punt on a guided tour while sharing insights and stories about Cambridge's history, architecture, and culture—a two-for-one special.

The best time of year to go punting on the River Cam is spring and summer, from April to September. That’s when the weather is warmer, the gardens are in full bloom, and the longer daylight hours allow for more time on the river. Early autumn, around September, can also be pleasant, with fewer crowds and beautiful fall foliage starting to appear.