Punting to Grantchester from Cambridge

Not a trip from Quayside

Quayside is on the lower river at the northern end of the Backs. Grantchester trips start on the upper river, near Granta Place and the Newnham mill pond, at the southern end of the licensed stations. One hire company notes that boats from its upper river boatyard cannot pass onto the lower river.

How long it takes

Published hire information from that boatyard gives these rough times by punt:

• Sheep's Green: about 15 minutes
• Paradise: about 35 minutes
• Grantchester Meadows: about 1 hour

Those times are one way, and they reach the meadows, not necessarily the village. Allow at least three hours for a return trip, more if you want to stop. Times depend on experience, wind and how busy the river is.

Who offers it

Companies on the upper river include Scudamore's Punting and Granta Moorings. Between them they offer self-hire punts and canoes, and Scudamore's also lists chauffeured trips, kayaks and paddleboards. Boat types and prices change, so check with the operator.

The Orchard and Rupert Brooke

Grantchester's best-known stop is The Orchard, at 47 Mill Way. The orchard was planted in 1868, and teas apparently began there in 1897. The poet Rupert Brooke lived at adjoining Orchard House and later at the Old Vicarage. Check The Orchard's current opening hours before you plan around it.

Walking instead

You can also walk across Grantchester Meadows. A Cambridge University club route gives about 4.5 miles there and back from The Mill, or about 3.5 miles from Newnham village.

Before you go

Wear secure footwear, bring layers and water, and be back on time, as hire periods are fixed. Under-16s must travel with an adult on the hire boats we checked. New to steering? Read how to punt first.