Historical Tours
50 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 92% of travellers
92% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
£18
per adult
Rutherfords Punting Company
Rutherfords Punting Company
Rutherfords Punting Company
5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
PUNTING IN CAMBRIDGE WITH RUTHERFORD'S Book a seat on the best Cambridge punting experience! Visit the home of punting in Cambridge and try out one of Rutherford’s traditional boating tours for an enlightening journey through time! Just an hour from London by train, Cambridge offers a multitude of activities and sights with a truly engaging history. Here you’ll find the world famous university and have the opportunity to embark on Rutherford’s sublime punting tours. Be inspired by the star-studded cast and impressive architecture with subtle and fascinating details highlighted by Rutherford’s official guides. You’ll be amazed by the stunning College Backs as your guide punts you through the city’s rich history and regales you with the Cambridge discoveries that have changed the world. Sort the historical fact from the wild fiction as you punt in the wake of your favourite alumni. Happy Punting!
Tours and Tickets by Rutherfords Punting Company
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Private and Luxury
45 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
£240
per group
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
1,258 reviews
Excellent
1,184
Very good
44
Average
8
Poor
5
Terrible
17
Davethetraveller47
London, UK480 contributions
Sept 2021
We stayed in Cambridge for a few days to see the sights and decided before we went, that we would have to go punting on the river whie we were there.
There are several companies offering their services and it could be very expensive, particularly if the area is busy. All the companies were touting for business and approaching prospective customers ofering discounts, as they walked past.
Top end price could be as much as £78 for two people but we were offered discounts to £60 and £40. In the end we paid £30 through negotiating which we considered reasonable for a 45 minute trip along the river with a tour guide (punter).
We were lucky with the weather and the sun shone throughout as we slowly moved through the water. The punter was giving information as we passed the university buildings and various bridges.
A pleasant way to spend a little time and worth what we paid. If quite, always negotiate, and enjoy!
There are several companies offering their services and it could be very expensive, particularly if the area is busy. All the companies were touting for business and approaching prospective customers ofering discounts, as they walked past.
Top end price could be as much as £78 for two people but we were offered discounts to £60 and £40. In the end we paid £30 through negotiating which we considered reasonable for a 45 minute trip along the river with a tour guide (punter).
We were lucky with the weather and the sun shone throughout as we slowly moved through the water. The punter was giving information as we passed the university buildings and various bridges.
A pleasant way to spend a little time and worth what we paid. If quite, always negotiate, and enjoy!
Written 27 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Dave,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
Please check out our other experience tours such as the Gin Tour which you might enjoy and we look forward to welcoming you on the river again!
Best regards,
The Rutherford's Team
Written 10 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah M
26 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We had marvellous time punting on the river with our tour guide this afternoon. He was well informed, funny and a great personality. He steered well and kept the boat steady especially when my 6'4 hubby was getting in holding our 16 year old dog. I'd recommend this company from start to finish as they were reasonably priced, alongside having one of the nicest boats on the river Cam and easy to find and happy to look after large items such as prams so you didn't have to board with them. All in all 100% happy with our booking.
Written 3 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
Thank you so much for your lovely review and kind words! Max would be very delighted to hear your feedback!
Please check out our other experience tours and we look forward to welcoming you on the river again!
Best regards,
The Rutherford's Team
Written 8 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RSS94
Hounslow, UK140 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Really enjoyed the private punting experience with Katie. She was very friendly and educated us on some interesting facts about Cambridge during the tour.
They are also dog friendly - we took our dog with us on board and there was plenty of space for all 4 of us. Would recommend booking a morning slot as we found it much more enjoyable that the water wasn’t too busy and crowded.
They are also dog friendly - we took our dog with us on board and there was plenty of space for all 4 of us. Would recommend booking a morning slot as we found it much more enjoyable that the water wasn’t too busy and crowded.
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review of us! Will pass on this great feedback to Katie and yes we love all dogs and they are always a delight to take on the punt.
Please check out our other experience tours and we look forward to welcoming you on the river again!
Best regards,
The Rutherford's Team
Written 23 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Atle Bye
Malmö, Sweden221 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Don't let the guys on the street scare you off. They're aggressive in their marketing but you can negotiate the price. When finally on the boat you're in for a unexpected pleasant treat. Well fit guides push the boat tireless up and down the river while sharing facts and stories throughout the 45 mins journey. Our guide - Pip, was exceptionally friendly and skilled both as a storyteller as well as making us feel safe and entertained throughout the entire trip. Well done!
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your great review, we will pass on your comments to Pip! Rutherfords Booking Team
Written 1 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A Rose
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
We enjoyed an idyllic private tour along the Cam with local river rat Adam who was both charming and knowledgeable. He pitched his commentary perfectly with an appropriate balance of facts and anecdotes suitable to his audience. His punting skills were exemplary on a crowded river as he navigated his way through the other tour vessels and amateur punters, under the overhanging willow trees and under the bridges freely and without incident.
We also enjoyed a glass of Pimms purchases from a fabulous bar punt which cruised alongside.
I cannot fault the service that we received from Rutherford’s or Adam and would highly recommend this delightful tour along the backs of some of the most beautiful colleges in Cambridge.
We also enjoyed a glass of Pimms purchases from a fabulous bar punt which cruised alongside.
I cannot fault the service that we received from Rutherford’s or Adam and would highly recommend this delightful tour along the backs of some of the most beautiful colleges in Cambridge.
Written 4 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
Thank you so much for your lovely review and kind words! Adam our local river rat would be very delighted to hear your feedback!
Please check out our other experience tours and we look forward to welcoming you on the river again!
Best regards,
The Rutherford's Team
Written 8 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rebecca C
Suffolk, UK10 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
First time experiencing punting on the river cam and what a absolutely pleasure it was from start to finish with this company very professional was the best experience of the day. Me and my boyfriend booked a mid morning slot for 11am online for a shared boat and we are glad we did as it was a quiet time and not too hot and even better there was no one else on the boat with us so it was like a private experience for the price of a shared one clearly a best time to book so keep that in mind! Our tour guide was fantastic very informative and also very cheery and there wasn't a dull moment was so fun his name is ALEX so if you get him as your tour guide your in for a fantastic tour along the river Cam. We will definitely be booking again when we next visit and I hope we get Alex again. Thank you 😃😊
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Rebecca,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review of us! What a great feedback and I will pass this on to Alex as for someone who just is relatively new to this job he seems impressive!
Please check out our other experience tours and we look forward to welcoming you on the river again!
Best regards,
The Rutherford's Team
Written 23 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gerald
Cambridge, UK17 contributions
Jul 2021
Our Family group of Five adults and three children had a Fabulous Chauffeured Punt tour along the Cam with our excellent driver and Guide "Adam". We were initially invited to select and join Rutherfords from the many operators on offer at Quayside by their representative "Sam", who sold us the tour with no patter but straight talking ,an honest approach and a very cheery smile!!!! Adam then provided us with a super Punt ride along the backs of the Colleges together with an endless account of many historical facts many of which which we knew to be true having lived here for the last 60 years - but we still learnt a few more!! Adam went way above and beyond what was expected also taking the time to give punting lessons to both adults and children who he interacted with in a wonderful way. A credit to the Company and a great guy to have at the helm - thank you for making our tour so special.
Written 29 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
Thank you so much for your lovely review and kind words!
Adam is very experienced indeed and he would be very delighted to hear your feedback!
Please check out our other experience tours and we look forward to welcoming you on the river again!
Best regards,
The Rutherford's Team
Written 8 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ruby
Felixstowe, UK8 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
We arrived for our private tour experience at 12:15pm ready to depart at 12:25pm, the check in staff were very friendly and organised. Had everything ready for us including the food and drink that we had ordered from ‘The Cambridge Bar’.
When we boarded the punt, our guide John introduced himself and helped us get comfortable before setting off. Once we began John told us a bit about him and why he began punting as well as the safety information, and asked us whether we would like to have a detailed tour of the riverside or if we would like to be quiet and enjoy the view, we chose the detailed tour.
John was extremely knowledgeable about the variety of buildings and bridges along the river, explaining their heritage and anything interesting about them. He also made many jokes as we went along which were appreciated.
The food and drinks from the Cambridge Bar were nice and worth the money if you want something to enjoy all by the river.
Our party of 3 all throughly enjoyed our experience thanks to John’s wide range of knowledge and jokes, having something for everyone. John expertly navigated the river and other punters on the river, saving a couple of other people who had dropped their sticks. Towards the end of the tour John recommended some areas to visit and offered some directions which were extremely helpful.
Will definitely be coming again, had a super time and all props to John for making us feel welcomed and entertaining us!
When we boarded the punt, our guide John introduced himself and helped us get comfortable before setting off. Once we began John told us a bit about him and why he began punting as well as the safety information, and asked us whether we would like to have a detailed tour of the riverside or if we would like to be quiet and enjoy the view, we chose the detailed tour.
John was extremely knowledgeable about the variety of buildings and bridges along the river, explaining their heritage and anything interesting about them. He also made many jokes as we went along which were appreciated.
The food and drinks from the Cambridge Bar were nice and worth the money if you want something to enjoy all by the river.
Our party of 3 all throughly enjoyed our experience thanks to John’s wide range of knowledge and jokes, having something for everyone. John expertly navigated the river and other punters on the river, saving a couple of other people who had dropped their sticks. Towards the end of the tour John recommended some areas to visit and offered some directions which were extremely helpful.
Will definitely be coming again, had a super time and all props to John for making us feel welcomed and entertaining us!
Written 12 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi There,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
John would be very happy to hear your feedback. Glad you had a wonderful experience with us!
Please check out our other experience tours such as the Picnic Tour which you might enjoy.
We look forward to welcoming you on the river again!
Best regards,
The Rutherford's Team
Written 1 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Catherine
Birmingham, UK1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Couples
A great way of seeing some of the Cambridge University colleges. Our guide Paul was a skilled punter as well as being a mine of information and tales, told in a very entertaining and friendly manner. All we had to do was sit back and enjoy the experience. I would thoroughly recommend hiring a private punt if you can afford it.
Written 22 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there,
Thank you so much for your lovely review. Will pass on this great feedback to Paul and I am sure it will make him very happy!
Please check out our other experience tours and we look forward to welcoming you on the river again!
Best regards,
The Rutherford's Team
Written 23 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jack G
2 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
Me and my partner booked a 45 minute romantic punting tour yesterday and was our first time punting! We had the best time possible and it made the price feel 100x worth it. Not only did we enjoy the punting tour, but it would not have been as special as it was without the member of staff who took us on the tour! His name was PIP and he was outstanding from start to finish. Made us laugh, made us feel comfortable, ensured we were priority! He talked us through the buildings and also allowed us to have a go at punting! Because of Pip it made our day even more special!
Thank you and I reccomend this to anyone who hasn’t been ( ask for pip 😀)
Jack & Hana
Thank you and I reccomend this to anyone who hasn’t been ( ask for pip 😀)
Jack & Hana
Written 12 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jack and Hana,
Thank you so much for your kind review!
Pip would be very happy to hear your feedback! Glad you enjoyed his tour.
Please check out our other experience tours such as the Pimm's Tour which you might enjoy and we look forward to welcoming you on the river again!
Best regards,
The Rutherford's Team
Written 18 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Where is the nearest parking lot and what is the charges? Thanks a lot!
Written 9 March 2019
Hi the nearest parking is at the Round Church car park CB5 8AS- we are then 5 mins walk from there towards the river.
Written 11 March 2019
Our concierge desk at our hotel (University arms) gave us a discounted rate ticket. So it was 30 for 2 people. There are many companies standing around in the area of the punting boat take off and they are trying compete for your business.
Written 10 October 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.