Punting from Quayside
Quayside is one of Cambridge's six licensed punting stations and the northern entrance to the College Backs. A typical trip from here passes the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical Bridge.
Self-hire or chauffeured?
Licensed companies operate from Quayside, offering chauffeured trips and, with some operators, self-hire. Which is right for you depends on experience, group size and whether you want commentary on the colleges you pass.
| Option | Best for | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Chauffeured punt (shared) | First-time visitors, groups who want commentary on the colleges | About 45 to 50 minutes |
| Self-hire punt | Confident visitors, couples wanting a slower, private pace | Set by the operator and the time you book |
| Private chauffeured punt | Celebrations, larger parties wanting a dedicated boat | About 45 to 50 minutes |
Licensed stations and operators
The Conservators of the River Cam license six punting stations, and Quayside is one of them (see the stations guide). Prices, departure arrangements and trip length vary by operator, day and season, so check the operator's own current information before you travel.
- Six stations From north to south: Jesus Green, Quayside, Trinity College, Mill Pond, Mill Lane and the Granta mill pond near Sheep's Green
- At Quayside The northern entrance to the College Backs, beside Magdalene Bridge
- Nearby The Jesus Green station is the next one along the river, downstream from Quayside
Two established operators
- Since 1910 Scudamore's Punting Company, founded in 1910 with stations at Mill Lane and Quayside
- Since 2001 Traditional Punting Company, established in 2001, offering chauffeured tours from the landing stage on Thompson's Lane, by Jesus Green
Other licensed operators also work on the river. This is not a complete list or a ranking.
What a trip from Quayside covers
A standard College Backs trip runs upstream from Quayside and returns to the same station, usually taking about 45 to 50 minutes. Exact routes, timings and landmark counts vary by operator and river traffic. In the order you meet them, the main sights are below, or see the full route guide:
Magdalene College and the Great Bridge
The trip begins beside the cast-iron bridge of 1823, with Magdalene College on the water's edge.
St John's College
Kitchen Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs are the best-known features of this stretch.
Trinity College
Trinity Bridge and the river frontage of the college's Wren Library.
Trinity Hall and Clare College
Clare Bridge, the oldest of the college bridges on the Backs, sits at the heart of this section.
King's College
King's College Chapel rises above the lawns running down to the river.
Queens' College
The Mathematical Bridge links the two halves of the college across the Cam.
Practical tips
What to wear and bring
Secure, flat shoes, an extra layer, protection from sun or rain, and a compact bag. Space on a punt is limited.
Chauffeured or self-hire
On a chauffeured trip someone else steers and often gives commentary. On self-hire you steer yourself, which takes effort and practice, and you may get wet. Operators set their own rules, such as minimum age, boat capacity and safety briefings.
Children and accessibility
Boarding arrangements, age limits and accessibility differ by operator and pontoon. Contact the operator before you travel if anyone in your group needs particular arrangements.
Booking and licensing
Buy from licensed companies
Cambridge City Council advises buying punting tickets from licensed companies, which only operate near their own stations. It also warns that unlicensed sellers tout tickets in the city centre, on King's Parade and Market Square. Source: Cambridge City Council, Punting.
Booking ahead or walking up
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, so allow some flexibility if you plan to turn up on the day.
Frequently asked
No, they are two of the six licensed punting stations in Cambridge. Quayside, by Magdalene Bridge, is at the northern end of the College Backs. The Mill Pond station is further south, so a trip from there covers the Backs in the other direction.
A chauffeured College Backs trip from Quayside typically takes about 45 to 50 minutes there and back, depending on the operator and river traffic. Self-hire is usually booked for a set period, so check the length and price with the operator.
Often, yes. Operators that offer self-hire commonly give a safety and route briefing first, but age limits, group size and conditions differ, so check the operator's own rules. Steering takes practice, so if you would rather relax and take in the view, a chauffeured trip is the easier option.
Next: plan the rest of your visit
Where to go before or after your punt, and when to time your trip.