There are many things to do in our beautiful, historical city of Cambridge. Punting along the backs is just one of them.
if you’re looking more ideas for things to do in Cambridge, either before or after you’ve taken your punt tour, check out the posts below.
So you're thinking about visiting Cambridge but not sure where to start. Or, perhaps you need convincing about whether you should visit our wonderful city in the first place. Well, fear not dear reader, as always, we are here to help. When planning to visit Cambridge, a city with one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, you're in for an experience full of amazing history and gorgeous architecture. Spread across the city centre and beyond, the collegiate university features a wealth of beautiful university and college buildings, many of which you can explore at your leisure. Can the Public Visit Cambridge University? Yes, the public can absolutely visit Cambridge University. The university and many of its colleges are open to the public, though there might be certain restrictions during term time or for specific areas. Remember to always respect the students and the institutions' rules during your visit. A Tour of the Colleges The University comprises a collection of independent colleges, (31 altogether) each beautiful in its own right. Each of these colleges holds a unique place in history, boasting of famous alumni like Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Here are some colleges you should include in your Cambridge tour. King's College King's College, renowned for the majestic King's College Chapel, stands as one of the most iconic symbols of Cambridge. The Chapel is considered one of the greatest examples of late Gothic English architecture. Listening to the choir during Evensong is an experience not to be missed. Trinity College Trinity College is another must-visit, as it is the largest college in either Cambridge or Oxford. Don't miss the chance to see the Great Gate and the statue [...]
Cambridge, a beautiful city steeped in history and bursting with sights, is a place of global significance. Famous for its prestigious university, architectural beauty, and traditional wooden boats known as punts, Cambridge is a city you must explore. Is Punting Worth It in Cambridge? Punting in Cambridge is undoubtedly worth it. There's no better way to see the city's stunning architecture, including the majestic Cambridge colleges, than from the tranquil waters of the River Cam. A punting tour offers a unique vantage point to marvel at Cambridge University's historic buildings, such as the awe-inspiring King's and Queens' colleges, the picturesque Bridge of Sighs, and the venerable Wren Library. Experiencing a Cambridge Punting Tour A punting tour allows you to soak in Cambridge's beauty at a leisurely pace. The punts, typically chauffeured by knowledgeable guides, glide along the River Cam, past lush green spaces like Jesus Green and iconic sights such as Trinity College and Trinity Hall. The Logistics of Punting in Cambridge Exploring the Punting River: The River Cam The River Cam, affectionately referred to as the 'punting river', is the heart of punting in Cambridge. It flows through the city and the scenic 'college backs', giving punters breath-taking views of the Cambridge colleges and other architectural marvels. Where Do You Punt in Cambridge? The traditional punting route starts near the idyllic Jesus Green, winding its way along the college backs up to the Silver Street Bridge. You'll traverse under the world-famous Bridge of Sighs and the elegant King's College Bridge, each sight steeped in history. A Perfect Day in Cambridge Punting tours, Cambridge style are a perfect way to immerse in the city's culture. Chauffeured punting tours are particularly popular, providing historical insights into [...]
Afternoon tea has been a tradition in Cambridge - and England as a whole - since the 1840s. Back then, dinner (supper) was conventionally served at 8 PM, and there was no such thing as lunch. So, what were people supposed to do when they got hungry in the middle of the day? They would have a light meal of tea and snacks, which we now know as afternoon tea. This tradition was introduced by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. This simple afternoon ritual quickly evolved into a social event, especially for those who belonged to the upper classes of society. Filled with tiny finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and of course, cake, afternoon tea soon became a favourite pastime for ladies who lunch. Anyone for tea? Or maybe something stronger Nowadays, afternoon tea is enjoyed by people of all classes and is often seen as a special treat, whether it’s to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or just because. And there’s no better place to enjoy a spot of tea than in one of Cambridge’s many historic tea rooms. Today we will give you a run-down of some of the best afternoon tea spots in the city and what you can expect when visiting each. Six Restaurant, Varsity Hotel, Cambridge Situated within Cambridge's much loved, boutique Varsity Hotel, Six Restaurant offers one of the best afternoon tea experiences in the city. As the name suggests, it's located on the building's sixth floor, and is accessible by both lift and stairs. Visitors love Six's unique design and décor; panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows encompass this dining space while rich wood flooring and red seating arrangements bring its character to life. Casually [...]
After an arduous academic year, students are ready for a memorable night of fanciful fun. To celebrate the end of the academic year, the colleges of the University of Cambridge host May Balls. May Balls are intended to be memorable celebrations with an unrivalled showcase of revelry and opulence. Here’s what you need to know about the May Balls. What is the May Ball? The May Ball is an extravagant white tie or black tie one night event where students celebrate the end of the academic period with their friends. Though the balls were originally held in May, these formal affairs are now held in May Week. May Week is actually in June and starts on the second Thursday after the end of exams. Colleges host their balls onsite and start them between 6 and 9 p.m. It’s common for May Balls to last until after dawn. Many of the Balls have a theme that ensures everything (including décor and entertainment) is cohesive and adds to the lavishness of the evening. Some colleges host a less expensive variation of a May Ball known as a June Event. King's College hosts its uniquely titled King's Affair. Book a punt to see the fireworks What Elements Do May Balls Include? May Balls usually have food, alcoholic beverages, glamorous decorations, and live entertainment. Other activities may be held throughout the night, like fireworks, a punting trip, and dancing. Some items associated with the Cambridge May Ball include: Punting past Trinity May Ball Lavish Five-Course Feast Many Ball attendees enjoy a lavish five-course feast that’s included in the price of a ticket. This feast includes a variety of dishes that may be catered to the [...]
Do you know where the 'most romantic city in the world' is? Apparently it's Paris... However, the next city on the list (in our opinion, anyway) should be Cambridge. Not convinced? Well we've put together a list of fun things to do in Cambridge for couples, to change your mind. Read on and find out what are some of the most romantic things to do in Cambridge. Cambridge is a wonderful city with a lot to do, but with so many options available it can be hard to narrow down what’s best for you and your partner. Not to worry! We have got you covered. What follows is a run down of the best romantic things you can do in Cambridge. A bit about Cambridge Cambridge is a world renowned university city and the county town of Cambridgeshire, England. Situated on the River Cam approximately 89 km north of London, its first town charters were granted in the 12th century, though it wasn’t granted its modern city status until 1951. You can’t mention Cambridge without mentioning the University of Cambridge. Founded in 1209, the city’s skyline is dominated by several college buildings and the city itself is steeped in University culture. Cambridge is as picturesque as it is steeped in history. For love birds wanting to experience romance in one of England’s most prestigious cities, you can’t pass up a jaunt around Cambridge, making it a perfect place for days out for couples. So if you are looking for Cambridge date ideas, here are just a few romantic things to do in our fair city. 1. Have a romantic picnic in the botanic gardens A lovely spot for a romantic picnic Owned by [...]
Summer is all but over, and the feel of autumn is in the air. The days are getting shorter, the leaves are turning and thoughts will soon turn to winter and Christmas. We might be biased but we think that this is one of the best times of year to visit. With that in mind, here are a load of good reasons why you should visit Cambridge this year (or any year for that matter). 1. Punting. Of course Yeah, okay, so we’ll hold our hands up to being a tiny bit biased on this one, but trust us, going for a boat ride along the river Cam is actually really amazing whatever time of year it is. This used to be number 2 on this list but we decided that it deserves to be number 1. In the spring, you can see Cambridge in bloom and still get an insight into the Cambridge Colleges even when they are closed for exam term. In the summer, the days are longer, you can go punting into the evenings and see the sun setting. In the autumn you can enjoy the fantastic colours that nature’s firework show put on, as well as enjoying the sights. In the winter it’s much quieter, there are no pesky leaves on the trees to obscure the view and the light is great for taking photos. So just wrap up warm, bring a Thermos and some thermals and you’ll be sorted. For more information on going punting with us visit this page. 2. Loads of great independent restaurants If you fancy a bit to eat then you’re spoiled for choice in Cambridge. Many of them had a difficult time because of the […]
