Let’s cut to the chase. How long is punting in Cambridge? Typically, 50 minutes. Well, at least when it comes to chauffeured tours guided by professionals. Self-hire punting tours take as long as you like. Here at Let’s Go Punting, we exclusively provide guided tours. That means you can set aside the majority of an hour for your glide down the River Cam. Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
What’s included in the punting tour?
During your 50-minute tour along the river, your expert chauffeur will bring each sight to life with captivating stories and unique insights. Every landmark has a tale, and your guide will share anecdotes that reveal Cambridge’s vibrant past. You are in for a treat.
Ready yourself for royal tales, from the Tudor era to our reigning monarch. Hear about mysterious underground societies that have shaped the city’s hidden history. Discover legendary university pranks—some grand, some mischievous—that give a playful glimpse into student life through the ages. With each story, you’ll find yourself drawn further into the world of Cambridge.
Can I book a longer punting tour?
With us, it can be done! Say, for instance, you have a big corporation outing on the Cam – it can be made even more special to have time to try punting yourselves! The same goes for family reunions and hen parties, you name it! Where possible, you may be able to book an extra 30 minutes onto your private punting tour to have a try yourself. This would always be under the careful supervision of our chauffeurs: they will be there to give guidance and help you become a punting pro.
Trust us – you’ll have a much deeper appreciation of your guide’s skills once you try punting for yourselves! There is more to it than meets the eye. But don’t worry, we just want you to have a bit of fun – there is no secret test at the end! Who knows, maybe your try at punting will be the start of your career as a chauffeur!
How long does self-hire punting take?
Well, that is down to you! You are given your boat and pole and sent on your merry way. If you are new to punting, it may take quite a while to get the hang of it before you make your way to a new college along the river to see. Now someone I know, a friend, let’s say, actually took 4 hours on the river because they could not punt themselves back to their starting point! It turned out to be a rather expensive outing for me – I mean them! So when it comes to how long punting is in Cambridge, at least with guided tours, you have a solid answer and can plan your day accordingly. The beauty of the River Cam loses its potency when you are frustratingly trying to manoeuvre your way along unsuccessfully. It’s far more relaxing to leave it to the pros.
As mentioned, we do not offer self-hire tours. It’s all pros with us!
What Affects the Duration of a Punting Tour?
With our chauffeured tours, there may be some exceptional circumstances that change the length of your tour. For instance, if there was a medical emergency onboard, we would need to stop at the closest possible area to pull the boat up to so that we can deal with the crisis.
Another instance that may take up some extra time is if there is a sudden downpour of intense rain. What happens if it rains on your punting tour? If it’s very bad, your chauffeur may take your boat to shelter under a bridge until the worst passes. Bear in mind, this is a rare occurrence – thankfully!
In the vast majority of cases, your tour will take between 45 and 50 minutes.
Let’s recap
If you’re booking a chauffeured tour with Let’s Go Punting, you can count on a delightful, informative journey lasting about 50 minutes. This timing allows for just the right balance of sights, stories, and relaxation as you glide past the iconic colleges and bridges along the River Cam. For those who prefer a more extended outing, private tours offer the chance to add extra time and try your own hand at punting under the guidance of our expert chauffeurs. Remember, this has to be arranged in advance and is subject to availability.
While self-hire punting can take as long as you like, there’s a charm to leaving it to the pros and soaking up Cambridge from the comfort of a guided tour. So, why not sit back, relax, and let our chauffeurs handle the pole as you take in the beauty of this historic city? When it comes to how long is punting in Cambridge, a professional tour is just right for a memorable, worry-free experience. What’s not to love?
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