And just like that – 2024 has come to a close! Punting in 2024 has been a wonderful mixture of seasonal activities, awards, customer satisfaction and team spirit. So, join us as we look back on each month and relive the highs and the challenges that made 2024 such a standout year for punting. Let’s celebrate the adventures, the memories, and the incredible community that made it all possible.
January
The year kicked off with an unexpected twist: flooding. January’s heavy rains caused the River Cam to rise well beyond its typical levels, leaving many of us wondering when we’d get back on the water. Safety is always our top priority, so the river stayed frequently closed, I am afraid to say.
February
Unfortunately, the high water levels lingered into February. It was a month of patience as we kept a close eye on the weather to assess when it would be safe to resume. The river, still swollen from January’s heavy rains, remained unsafe for tours. Nonetheless, we were optimistic! For us, it was a month of patience, preparation, and constant vigilance as we carefully monitored weather updates and water conditions.
March
But along came the arrival of Spring! March was all about bringing joy to the river and proving that punting isn’t only a timeless activity—it’s an adaptable one! When looking for something to do in Cambridge over easter, our Easter Activity Booklet is the ideal solution.
April
Magdalene College, Cambridge
Watching more of spring unravel on the River Cam was beautiful – as always. More pops of colours sprouted from the riverside for ourselves and customers to enjoy.
May
Now, we have a number of seasonal activity booklets, and they are always a hit. But we wanted to introduce a year-round booklet for little ones to enjoy any time of year. What was the result? Our Nature Activity Booklet! We are always on the lookout for improving the punting experience and punting in 2024 was all about embracing the natural Cambridge environment!
June
If you’re in Cambridge during May Ball season, the fireworks are a must-see, offering a glimpse into this historic city’s unique traditions and grandeur. And unless you can bag tickets to the May Balls themselves, the ultimate viewing experience is from our very own punts!
Each year, we offer front-row seats to the extravaganza. Guests embark on our punting boats and our wonderful chauffeurs take them to the ideal viewing point on the River Cam to enjoy the firework displays presented by both St John’s College and Trinity College. This is also the sole opportunity to experience nighttime punting and enjoy the River Cam in a ‘new light’. Click here to read more on our tickets.
July
In homage to the 2024 Paris Olympics, we decided to take to the river and compete in our own manner. Gold medals were on the line! We had two teams, each as hungry for the win as the other. You can watch the whole fiasco here.
August
Punting in summer is fantastic – it goes without saying. But to really elevate the experience, we released our sushi punting picnic! And we didn’t just release a sushi picnic, but a KIBOU sushi picnic. This would be perfect as a birthday treat for a loved one!
The ultimate Summer month was also celebrated by all punting companies on the river doing their bit for charity. Jimmy’s Cambridge is a well-known and well-loved charity providing sheltered housing in the county.
September
September proved to be just as sunshine-filled as August – if not better! Customers flocked to enjoy the stunning sights along the college backs, many remarking on how idyllic the scenery looked in the golden light of early autumn. Whilst Cambridge is beautiful no matter the weather, we were very pleased to experience a warm September.
It was a month where everything aligned—comfortable temperatures, vibrant foliage, and calm waters. September’s gorgeous weather made it one of the standout months of punting in 2024, leaving us with warm memories as we prepared to welcome the crisper days of autumn.
October
October was not a particularly humble month for us. VisitEnglad – the official tourist board for England – awarded us with their Gold Accolade! They could not have chosen more grateful recipients. All the team worked hard to score highly on the Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment – leading to our win. And we are more than ready to take on 2025 with the same attitude that got us this far. Punting in 2024 really has been something else.
In other news, October was also a fun-filled month of Halloween splendour. Our Halloween Activity Booklets added a sense of whacky wonder to many family October outings.
November
This was a necessary month to cool down from Halloween and begin plans for the Christmas festivities. November was a welcomed break to focus on good ol’ punting – in its traditional form. With a focus on just this, we released a new YouTube video getting back to basics…
December – Minus a few unfortunate days of closure owing to the pesky storm Darragh, December proved to be full of festivities. As always, Cambridge is a wonderful destination for Christmas festivities. Although 2024 did not provide us with a white Christmas, it was a wholesome one nonetheless.
You can watch our YouTube video that captured the event here…
Our Christmas Carols on the River event was one of the best ones we have had for a long time! The weather was calm, the choir was majestic, and the audience was especially receptive.
2025
We can now begin making memories for 2025, and we would love for you to be a part of it. Of course, you are always invited. As always, you can check our availability for punting tours here.
