Boating on the Cam River

by Caroline Haack (subscribe)

One of the most pleasant walks in Cambridge is a stroll on the Cam river along the various colleges bordering it. The boats used are large wooden boats with a flat bottom called punts, which were very widely used in the 19th century on the Thames.

The main landing stage is at the level of the bridge extending Silver Street (Punt Station) and you can either have a tour with a guide or try to navigate a boat yourself. We preferred to watch this incredible spectacle from the shore as it was a busy and sunny Sunday with a multitude of punts going in all directions on the river and sometimes against each other.



It is necessary to stand in the rear and to manoeuvre the boat with a large pole. Like a Venetian gondola, but the gondolier helps himself by a long row. From there, you can admire all the old Colleges that face the river including St John, Trinity, Kings' College and Queens' College. They even have a replica of the Venice Bridge of Sights in St Johns college. You will also pass under the famous Mathematical Bridge which joins the two sides of Queens' College. It is said to have been built by Isaac Newton himself, without using any fixing such as screws or bolts.



Note that on the other side of the river are the back of the parks of the Colleges which offer a very pleasant walk. If you want to see more or if you just prefer walking, go there. On the boats, you can stay as long as you want, you just have to pay to the hour so decide strategically what you want to see in priority.

The prices are in average around £27.50 per hour and for a Concession price of £22 per hour. These boats carry a maximum of 6 people, so it makes around 4 to 5 pounds per person. Way cheaper than the Venice gondolas. You can also loan a canoe, for a more sportive experience, therefore less touristic. I advise doing the visit with a nice guide, as they will tell you all the secrets of Cambridge.

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Website: www.camboats.co.uk

Where: Silver St, Cambridge CB3 9ET