‘Tis (once again) the season!
Winter is back in full force, and we are still operating strong. Don’t worry we have lots of blankets and umbrellas onboard, although we definitely recommend dressing for the weather!
We will be operating tours throughout December with the exception of Christmas Day, you can book your winter punting experience here.
Celebrating Christmas with Let’s Go Punting
This December we have some spectacular family friendly festive treats up our sleeves, including our hugely popular Christmas Carols on the River.
Each December we host Christmas Carols on the River, with the hope of raising money for local charities. This year 100% of our ticket sales will be going to Cambridge Aid, which give rapid practical grants to people in crisis. They work with a network of over 40 charities, usually giving people an average grant of £150 to get the essentials they need. In 2021 they provided approximately £141,000 of relief to those in need.
At Lets Go Punting we have lots of seasonal activities going on throughout the year to keep your little ones entertained; with our Christmas Punt and Hunt being this season’s shining star. Running from the 3rd to the 31st of December, you can add an activity booklet to any private or shared tour departing in this period. There are lots of fun activities for your kids including a festive dot the dot and a spot the difference.
For those of you hosting family from out of town this Christmas, why not treat them to a punting experience this Christmas Eve. Wrap up warm, bring some mulled wine or mulled apple juice and some mince pies, and sit back relax and take in the beautiful sights that are the College Backs.
A Sunday with Santa
Christmastime evokes a variety of emotions, with one of those being sheer excitement and delight at the thought of Father Christmas paying a visit. Before the big day why not take your child(ren) to Quy Mill Hotel for a special sunday lunch/afternoon tea with Santa. Santa will be visiting on the 11th and the 18th of December between 11 am and 6 pm. The visit will include a present for your kids.
Already have plans for those days, fear not, Quy Mill has a festive Afternoon Tea menu running daily between 2 pm and 5 pm until the 24th of December.
Winter Lights
Honestly, this next one is pretty synonymous with Christmas.
Each December, Anglesey Abbey hosts their hugely popular Winter Lights. This year from Friday 9th to 21st of December ‘Nature by Night, Nature by Light’ will provide visitors ” A beautiful sensory after-dark journey that brings the gardens of Anglesey Abbey to life in all their wonder”. The mile-and-a-half walk will show projections from illustrator Jackie Morris as well as songs and poems from local author Robert MacFarlane.
The perfectly magical evening out is made complete with a handful of family friendly local independent vendors situated in the orchard, including Pull Me Cheri and Vegetaria.
Credit: National Trust Images/ Sam Whitehead
Wintertime at Wimpole Hall
Throughout December there are plenty of events happening at Wimpole Hall, including Christmas Illuminations which will be running from the 25th of November to the 1st of January. The family friendly Christmas illuminations trail takes around 90 minutes to complete and included projections onto Wimpole Hall Mansion, giant light-up baubles, tunnels of light and trees draped in coloured lights.
Credit: National Trust/ Sony Music
Wimpole Hall’s Mansion house will also be decorated in the festive spirit and will be open to the public daily from 11.30 am to 3 pm.
On the weekends throughout December Wimpole Hall is also hosting Carols in the Stables, with performances at 11 am- 12 pm and 1.30 pm – 2.30 pm. To see the different choirs and dates they are performing click the link here.
Wicken Fen
How about something more wildlife orientated? Wicken Fen, to the north of Cambridge, has a festive woodland trail that families can enjoy for free (normal admission charges to Wicken Fen apply). The trail will be running every day between the 26th of November and the 5th of January.
You can also bring your little ones to meet Father and Mother Christmas during December. These visits to Santa’s cottage do need to be booked in advance but there are plenty of dates to choose from. Inside the cottage they will be able to help the elves make a Christmas decoration, collect a Christmas themed craft pack to do at home and finally meet Father Christmas who will have a present waiting.
