For anyone planning a school trip to the historic city of Cambridge, combining education with an unforgettable experience can sometimes be a little… challenging.
This blog aims to provide you with a simple step-by-step guide to getting the most out of a day trip to Cambridge, with a large group. We will dive into the most unmissable sights, activities, coach drop-off points, and museums that will leave you with a day filled with adventure.
Firstly (and arguably most importantly), the best way to explore the city in a way that’s controlled, fun and informative, is by taking part in a guided punting tour along the college backs.
What are the College Backs?
The area around the River Cam, known as the ‘College Backs’, is a quintessential part of Cambridge. It’s home to seven University of Cambridge colleges, nine iconic bridges, and some of the most beautiful gardens in the city.
A guided punting tour along the college backs allows visitors of any group size to see the most iconic city sites from the river. As the area around the college Backs is privately owned by Cambridge University, there are many restrictions for visitors. Therefore, we always recommend a punting tour, as customers are always guaranteed access from the best seat in the city – the seat of a punt!
Why Choose a Punting Tour for Your School Trip?
A punting tour isn’t just a relaxing ride on the river; it’s also an immersive educational experience. Students gain insight into centuries-old architecture, history and academic excellence.
Our expert chauffeurs bring Cambridge to life through storytelling, historical facts, and fascinating anecdotes, making the experience ideal for:
- Educational school trips
- Enrichment activities
- End-of-term rewards
- History and cultural exploration
What Students Will Learn
To support learning, we provide free educational worksheets for all school groups. These include:
- Information about historical figures connected to the College Backs
- Key historical facts and stories covered during the tour
- Engaging questions and trivia to reinforce learning
This combination of on-the-water learning and classroom-style resources ensures students stay engaged before, during, and after the tour.
For more information about how Cambridge University works, click here to read our blog ‘Cambridge University Explained Simply (Without the Confusion)
What you need to know:
Our tours last approximately 50 minutes, with all tours departing at quarter past and quarter to each hour.
Tours begin and end at our central landing stage on the corner of Jesus Green, with regular departures throughout the day, making it easy to fit into your school schedule.
Designed for School Groups
We understand the logistical challenges of organising a school trip, which is why we’ve made our booking process as accessible and flexible as possible.
- Group sizes: Our boats hold a maximum of 12 passengers, and can depart up to 4 boats at one time, depending on availability.
- Larger groups: Easily split across multiple time slots
- Flexible booking: Reserve your slot by paying a 30% deposit, with the 70% balance being due 2 weeks before the departure date
- Competitive pricing: Reduced rates available for weekday morning tours during term time
Our experienced team is available 7 days a week to help plan your visit and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Easy Coach Access and Parking Information
We know that transport is a key consideration for school trips, so here’s a rundown of your best options:
- Drop-off point: Chesterton Road (near Arundel House Hotel), just a 5-minute walk to our landing stage
- Parking options:
- Madingley Road Park & Ride
- Cambridge Golf Driving Range (Cowley Road)
Both options provide affordable, practical solutions for coach parking.
Make a Day of Your Cambridge Visit
A punting tour fits perfectly into a wider Cambridge itinerary. There are plenty of nearby attractions within walking distance that are ideal for school groups, including:
- Downing College (20-minute walk from us) – Known for its neoclassical architecture and spacious grounds
- Selwyn College (30-minute walk from us) – Attractive gardens with accessible areas near the chapel
- Emmanuel College (15-minute walk from us) and Christ’s College (10-minute walk) – Often open to visitors free of charge
- Trinity College (Wren Library) (10-minute walk from us) – Free entry Monday to Friday (12:00–14:00) and Saturday mornings during term time
- St John’s College (10-minute walk from us) – Free for Cambridge residents with a valid CB postcode ID
- Newnham College (30-minute walk from us) – Generally open to visitors
We recommend checking with the Porter’s Lodge at each college on arrival, as opening times can vary. Please also be aware that during exam term (typically late April to mid-June), many colleges restrict visitor access.
An Award-winning Business You Can Trust
We’re proud to be one of the highest-rated punting companies in Cambridge, with over 5,000 Google reviews and winners of the VisitEngland Gold Award for two consecutive years.
Our reputation is built on delivering high-quality, engaging experiences that schools can rely on.
Plan Your School Punting Trip to Cambridge Today
So if you’re planning a school trip to Cambridge, our team is happy to help you plan your visit, coordinate timings, and provide all necessary documentation, including risk assessments and safeguarding information.
Get in touch today to secure your booking and give your students a punting experience they won’t forget!
Contact information:
- Email: info@letsgopunting.co.uk
- Phone Number: 01223 651 659
