Visiting Cambridge? There’s only one way to take in all the incredible historic sights… by punting along the River Cam of course. It’s practically a rite of passage in this university city, because by gliding along The Backs you get to see the most beautiful and otherwise hidden parts of Cambridge that you’d completely miss on foot, such as the private gardens and lawns of the colleges as well as the chance to go under the famous Mathematical Bridge and Bridge of Sighs.

Punting might look serene, but it’s no walk in the park for the punter, and you’d be surprised how many self-hire novices end up taking an unplanned dip in the river (if you want a good giggle watch from a bridge on a hot summer’s day and you’ll see what we mean!). There’s even an area along the river called “Dead Man’s Corner” – yikes! That’s where the Traditional Punting Company comes in. This leading chauffeured punting service was established in 2001 by two Cantabrigians to offer tourists and locals unique punting tours from experienced tour guides. Booking a punt with the Traditional Punting Company is the most stylish way to see Cambridge. Hop on at the Thompsons Lane Landing Stage on the corner of Jesus Green and then simply sit back and relax, taking in the sights and learning amazing facts about the city from your chauffeur as you go.

You can be sure all the amazing facts and anecdotes you learn from your guide are accurate and correct too, because the Traditional Punting Co is licensed by both the Conservators of the River Cam and the Cambridge City Council. The tours, which include private punting, shared punting, champagne punting, picnic punting and evening punting, run all year round and are all available to book online – meaning you don’t have to queue in the peak times.

As well as amazing tours, what sets this punting company apart from the rest, is the calendar of special events they run throughout the year. Coming up in 2023 there’s the Easter Punt and Hunt from 1 – 30 April (an Easter themed scavenger hunt to go alongside a punt tour), May Ball Fireworks Punting on 19 and 20 June (a chance to enjoy the end of term fireworks presented by Trinity and St John’s College from the River Cam), Music on the River (summer sessions), Halloween Punt and Hunt, Christmas Carols on the River and the annual Christmas Punt and Hunt.