Quayside: Cambridge's historic riverside by Magdalene Bridge
A guide to the riverbank next to the crossing that Cambridge grew up around. Formerly a working dock, it now serves as one of the city's six licensed punting stations and a base for exploring the area.
Three ways into Quayside
The history
From the Roman-period river crossing nearby, through a Danish trading port and reclaimed riverbank, to the modern quarter you find today.
Punting from Quayside
What a punting trip involves, chauffeured trips compared with self-hire, the ground the route covers and typical prices.
Visiting Quayside
How to get there, when to come, what's close by, and ways to fill a few hours beside the river.
One of Cambridge's six licensed punting stations
Quayside lies where the River Cam meets Magdalene Bridge. The Conservators of the River Cam license it as one of six punting stations, and it marks the northern entrance to the College Backs.
The name comes from the working docks once found here, where goods brought up the Cam by barge were unloaded. That trade has long since gone, yet the riverside role has carried on for centuries: a quay at first, and today a launch point for punts. Read the history of Quayside →
Why this place matters
What you see on a punt from Quayside
A usual trip from Quayside sets off beside Magdalene Bridge, heads upstream through the College Backs and comes back to the same station, in about 45 to 50 minutes. You pass, in order, 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.
Routes and timings differ with the operator and river traffic. Follow the route landmark by landmark →
Choose your experience
Shared chauffeured
Share a punt with other passengers while someone else steers, often with commentary on the colleges. It works well for a first trip.
Private chauffeured
It's the same route, with a boat all to yourselves. Celebrations and larger groups tend to suit it.
Self-hire
You do the steering yourself. That takes effort and practice, and each operator sets its own rules on age, numbers and safety briefings.
Options, typical prices and what to bring are compared in the punting guide, or you can see where Quayside fits among the six licensed stations.
Finding Quayside
Quayside is the strip of riverbank next to Magdalene Bridge, at the northern end of Cambridge city centre. Right beside the bridge is Magdalene College. Going upstream, the river enters the College Backs; going downstream, it passes Jesus Green.
Open Quayside in Google Maps →
On foot from the centre
Drummer Street bus station is around 0.6 miles from Quayside, or roughly 10 to 15 minutes on foot. With so little parking nearby, walking is the easiest way in.
From the railway station
Cambridge station lies about 1.5 miles off, roughly 30 minutes' walk. If you'd rather ride, buses and taxis run to the centre, with Magdalene Bridge at the northern end of that route.
By car
The riverside itself has no parking. Park Street car park, which Cambridge City Council runs, is near Jesus Green and a short walk away. Check current charges and opening hours before you set off.
Walking times are rough, and we last checked them in October 2026.
What's near Quayside
Jesus Green
The riverside path leads from Quayside to Jesus Green, a wide city park with tree-lined avenues, open lawns, play and sports facilities, and the 100-yard Jesus Green Lido, which opened in 1923.
Midsummer Common
Over Victoria Avenue, Midsummer Common keeps the feel of a working riverside common. Red Poll cattle usually graze from April to October, in between events such as the historic Midsummer Fair.
Magdalene College
Beside the historic Great Bridge stands Magdalene College, which grew from a Benedictine students' hostel set up in 1428. It also houses Samuel Pepys's library of 3,000 books and manuscripts.
Magdalene Bridge
Today's Magdalene Bridge, a cast-iron span finished in 1823, took the place of James Essex's stone bridge of 1754. Great Bridges stood on this crossing at least as far back as the Anglo-Saxon period.
Castle Mound
The castle William I ordered in 1068 survives as this motte, Castle Mound. From the top you get a panoramic view across Cambridge and a direct link to its Roman and Norman past.
Kettle's Yard
At Kettle's Yard, Jim and Helen Ede's carefully arranged home and modern-art collection sit alongside galleries for changing exhibitions. Entry to the house is timed, so check current tickets before you leave.
Frequently asked
You'll find Quayside on the riverside next to Magdalene Bridge, at the northern end of the city centre. Drummer Street bus station is about 0.6 miles away, roughly a 10 to 15 minute walk, and the railway station about 1.5 miles. Directions are in the visitor guide.
Expect a typical chauffeured trip along the College Backs to last about 45 to 50 minutes there and back, depending on the operator and river traffic. Sights are listed in order in the route guide.
Booking ahead is worth thinking about at peak times such as summer weekends, and for larger groups. Whether you can walk up depends on the operator, the weather and river traffic. Cambridge City Council advises buying from licensed companies operating near their stations. The punting guide has more.
No. Cambridge has six licensed punting stations, and Quayside is the one at the northern entrance to the College Backs. Each one is shown in the stations guide.
Beside the quay are Magdalene Bridge and Magdalene College. Castle Mound and Kettle's Yard are a short walk north of the river, while Jesus Green and Midsummer Common lie along the riverside path. For two ready-made itineraries see things to do nearby, or try food and drink near Quayside.
We last checked the visitor information on this page in October 2026.
Planning a day at Quayside?
Get directions, a map and ideas for a few hours beside the river.