Quayside: the river landing where Cambridge began
A guide to the historic stretch of riverbank by Magdalene Bridge, once a Roman-period river crossing and later a working dock, now one of Cambridge's six licensed punting stations.
Three ways into Quayside
The history
From a Roman-period river crossing to a Danish trading port, reclaimed riverbank and the modern quarter you see today.
Punting from Quayside
What punting involves, chauffeured trips versus self-hire, what the route covers and how to book.
Visiting Quayside
Getting there, when to go, what's nearby, and how to spend a few hours by the river.
One of Cambridge's six licensed punting stations
Quayside sits at the point where the River Cam meets Magdalene Bridge. It is one of six punting stations licensed by the Conservators of the River Cam, and the northern entrance to the College Backs.
The area takes its name from the working docks that once stood here, unloading goods brought up the Cam by barge. That trade is long gone, but the riverside function has persisted for centuries: first as a quay, now as a launch point for punts. Read the history of Quayside →
Why this place matters
What you see on a punt from Quayside
A typical trip from Quayside starts beside Magdalene Bridge, runs upstream through the College Backs and returns to the same station, taking about 45 to 50 minutes. In order, you pass Magdalene College, St John's and the Bridge of Sighs, Trinity and the Wren Library, Trinity Hall, Clare and its bridge, King's College Chapel, and Queens' with the Mathematical Bridge.
Exact routes and timings vary by operator and river traffic. Follow the route landmark by landmark →
Choose your experience
Shared chauffeured
Join other passengers on a punt steered for you, often with commentary on the colleges. A good choice for a first trip.
Private chauffeured
The same route with a boat to yourselves. It suits celebrations and larger groups.
Self-hire
Steer the punt yourself. It takes effort and practice, and operators set their own rules on age, numbers and safety briefings.
Compare the options, booking advice and what to bring in the punting guide, or see where Quayside sits among the six licensed stations.
Finding Quayside
Quayside is the stretch of riverbank beside Magdalene Bridge, at the northern end of Cambridge city centre. Magdalene College is right next to the bridge. Upstream, the river runs into the College Backs; downstream, it passes Jesus Green.
Open Quayside in Google Maps →
On foot from the centre
Drummer Street bus station is about 0.6 miles from Quayside, a walk of roughly 10 to 15 minutes. Walking is the easiest way to arrive, as parking nearby is limited.
From the railway station
Cambridge station is about 1.5 miles away, roughly a 30-minute walk. Buses and taxis run into the centre if you'd rather ride; Magdalene Bridge is at the northern end of that route.
By car
There is no parking at the riverside itself. Park Street car park, run by Cambridge City Council, is close to Jesus Green and a short walk away. Check current charges and opening hours before you travel.
Walking times are approximate and were last checked in October 2026.
What's near Quayside
Jesus Green
Follow the riverside path from Quayside to Jesus Green, a broad city park with tree-lined avenues, open lawns, play and sports facilities, and the 100-yard Jesus Green Lido, opened in 1923.
Midsummer Common
Across Victoria Avenue, Midsummer Common retains the character of a working riverside common. Red Poll cattle usually graze here from April to October, between events including the historic Midsummer Fair.
Magdalene College
Magdalene College stands beside the historic Great Bridge. Founded from a Benedictine students' hostel established in 1428, it is also home to Samuel Pepys's library of 3,000 books and manuscripts.
Magdalene Bridge
The present Magdalene Bridge is a cast-iron span completed in 1823, replacing James Essex's stone bridge of 1754. Earlier Great Bridges occupied this crossing by at least the Anglo-Saxon period.
Castle Mound
Castle Mound is the surviving motte of the castle William I ordered in 1068. Climb it for a panoramic view across Cambridge and a direct link to the city's Roman and Norman past.
Kettle's Yard
Kettle's Yard combines Jim and Helen Ede's carefully arranged home and modern-art collection with galleries for changing exhibitions. House entry is timed, so check current tickets before setting out.
Frequently asked
Quayside is the riverside beside Magdalene Bridge, at the northern end of the city centre. It is about 0.6 miles from Drummer Street bus station, roughly a 10 to 15 minute walk, and about 1.5 miles from the railway station. See the visitor guide for directions.
A typical chauffeured trip along the College Backs takes about 45 to 50 minutes there and back, depending on the operator and river traffic. The route guide lists the sights in order.
Booking ahead is worth considering in peak periods such as summer weekends, and for larger groups. Walk-up availability depends on the operator, the weather and river traffic. Cambridge City Council advises buying from licensed companies operating near their stations. More in the punting guide.
No. Cambridge has six licensed punting stations, and Quayside is the one at the northern entrance to the College Backs. The stations guide shows where each one sits.
Magdalene Bridge and Magdalene College are beside the quay, Castle Mound and Kettle's Yard are a short walk north of the river, and Jesus Green and Midsummer Common lie along the riverside path. See things to do nearby for two ready-made itineraries.
Visitor information on this page was last checked in October 2026.
Ready to see Cambridge from the water?
Quayside is the northern starting point for the College Backs. Check the practicalities, then go.