Author: Admin

The short answer is yes, definitely, punting’s worth it.

 

Punting is a quintessential British activity, and paired with the atmospheric sights of some of Cambridge University’s most iconic colleges (we are looking at you, Kings College Chapel) it is an almost inevitable must-do on any trip to Cambridge.

 

A bit about Punting in Cambridge

 

Punting in Cambridge has been around since 1910 when Scudamores founded their punting station on Mill Lane. Since then punting has been taking over Cambridge by storm. By the 1920’s Punting overtook any other form of boating to be the largest activity on the river in Cambridge. There have also been many pieces of literature that have referenced the River Cam, including ‘The Old Vicarage, Grantchester‘ by Rupert Brooke and ‘Taking Leave of Cambridge Again‘ by Xu Zhimo.

 

Our tours are a 50 minute return trip of the College Backs, we depart and return from our landing stage on the corner of Jesus Green. During your tour of the mile long stretch of the College Backs you will see seven colleges and nine bridges. The famous College Backs route is largely only accessible by either buying admissions to the individual colleges or by taking a punting tour with one of the licenced tour operators.

 

We offer chauffeured guided shared or private tours, meaning you can cruise down the river without the worry of navigating the tens of other boats also out on the river. Your experienced guide will delight you in various anecdotes surrounding the colleges and university life, making punting a worthwhile trip.

 

Why you should do it? 

 

Firstly, it is a traditional English activity, ‘pleasure punting’ has been around since the nineteenth century, first starting off in London. Nowadays ‘pleasure punting’ can be done in several English cities including Bath, Canterbury, Oxford and Stratford-Upon-Avon. However, it is Cambridge which undoubtedly takes the crown when it comes to the popularity of punting. Pictures of people punting in Cambridge can be found published all throughout the UK and even Europe. There is a Spanish textbook which has a picture of somebody punting in Cambridge as its cover.

 

Not only is punting one of the top things to do in Cambridge, it is also one of the top things to do in the United Kingdom. Just think you wouldn’t go to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower, or you wouldn’t go to New York without seeing the Statue of Liberty. So why would you come to Cambridge and not go punting?

 

Punting also provides an excuse to indulge in the slower pace of life or as the Italians call it ‘Dolce Far Niete’ (pleasant idleness). Punting is worth it as gives you 50 minutes to sit, relax, marvel at the atmospheric beauty of the college architecture, and observe the vibrant ecosystem that habits the River Cam. Just look at these paintings (Lady in a Punt by Henry John Yeend King, and Lady and Child Asleep in a Punt Under the Willows by John Singer Sargent) from the nineteenth century and you’ll see exactly how recreational punting is.

 

What makes it so special?

 

Almost a rhetorical question, as the answers are infinite. Some of the highlights include;

 

  1. Punting is one of the only way to access the College Backs, unless you pay individual entry fees to each of the nine colleges. Not only do you see more but it is also a far cheaper alternative.
  2. As our tours are guided you will gain access to anecdotes about Cambridge University you wouldn’t otherwise hear, especially as most of our tours are done by Cambridge locals.
  3. During your tour you will see some of the famous Cambridge locations including Bridge of Sighs, Kings College Chapel and Mathamatical Bridge.

 

Punting became a fun leisure activity on the River Thames in London, but many tourists enjoy Punting in Cambridge because it gives them a chance to see the colleges at Cambridge and Oxford in style while being chauffeured by tour groups or students looking to earn some money outside class. Here is our list of the best places in England to go punting if you can’t get enough of the quintessential English pastime.

Cambridge

Punting in Cambridge is unanimously the number one hotspot that most people think of as it offers a visit to the world-famous Cambridge University that narrates the historic civilization. The River Cam glides through the city of Cambridge and passes the “Backs,” which is a mile-long stretch through the rear side of some of the prestigious colleges of the University that exhibit architectural excellence. Many famous personalities and Oscar award winners have studied in the various colleges of Cambridge University. Stephen Hawking studied in the Trinity College that can be seen while gliding through the serene river. Tourists can also row past St. Johns College, attended by William Wordsworth. 

Many chauffeurs are students who share stories and historical facts about Cambridge that are fun to hear while rowing through the weeping willows over the river in the most tranquil setting.

The greatest privilege of punting in Cambridge is that you can witness the Cambridge Bridges that are exhibits of architectural mastery. Each of the bridges is unique in its construction, and they serve a vital role in the city’s popularity. Punting offers a close view of the Bridge of Sighs, which offers pedestal access only to the students of St Johns College. While gliding through the river, you can see every minute detail of the bridge and get fascinated by its mysteries.

The Backs have heavy traffic during the summers. But it is still a jovial place to hang out. Punting in Cambridge during the springs offers an eye-catching aesthetic with the daffodil and cherry blossoms that line up the river. In winter, it is an adventurous trip with the blankets on and never forgets to click the pictures of the silent and snow-filled river, which is a boon for the photographers.

Oxford

Tourists can go punting on the River Cherwell which flows through the city of Oxford. It passes through Oxford University’s many historically famous colleges such as St. Hilda’s College, where Theresa May attended. If you are a fan of Oscar Wilde, you might enjoy rowing past Magdalen College which is where he studied. The beautiful Oxford Botanical Gardens can also be seen from the river, and people can spot the perfect spots to have a picnic. Towards the west of Oxford, there is more incredible scenery and many local pubs that tourists can visit after their punting tour.

Stratford-Upon-Avon

If you enjoy watching swans and want some ducks paddling next to your punt, the River Avon is one of the most picturesque waterways, and you can spot the Royal Shakespeare Theatre along the riverbank. Tourists can also see the Holy Trinity Church where William Shakespeare was baptized and then later buried after his death. Punting on River Avon is the best way to experience Warwickshire, which was where Shakespeare lived, and you might feel a lot of literary inspiration in the air from all the breathtaking scenery.

Canterbury

A punting tour on The Great Stout River takes you through the historical city centre of Canterbury. You will get to see a lot of medieval churches and secret gardens. Tourists can also float along with the Blackfriars Dominican Priory which dates back to 1237. There is plenty of wildlife to complement the rural scenery, and the most daring people can go on a haunted punting tour to learn about all the scary and exciting ghost stories at night.

East London

Unlike punting in Cambridge and Oxford which has a historic story to narrate, punting in East London is a recent phenomenon. Dated back to 2019, punting in East London was introduced to enjoy the sights of London through a glide in the waters.

If you long for a thrilling and unique waterway excursion through England, punt along Regent Canal in East London for an adventurous experience. You can punt in rental boats between Mile End Lock and Old Ford Lock. The sights and sounds experienced are more of urban grits than the countryside. The river banks are live with activities. Runners, walkers and cyclists escape from the bustling streets to the tranquil riverside to rejuvenate their souls and acquire a healthy build. 

Graffiti took over the positions of grass and trees. But punting through Regent’s canal is still entertaining for its numerous garden pubs. To make the punting trip more entertaining, we can collaborate it with a trip to the cultural melting pot of Brick Lane and the hangout destination of Jack the Ripper, the Spitalfields.

There is more to punting in Cambridge than taking selfies while admiring the breath-taking greenery. Punting is a storytelling experience, and it has a history that not many people know about unless they go on a specific historical tour.

What is Punting

Punting is an activity where people ride a small square-ended boat that has a flat bottom. A chauffeur then uses a long pole to push against the riverbed, which propels the boat in whichever direction you want to go. That propulsion is what’s known as “Punting.” Cambridge is surrounded by water, and there is lots to see, which is why tourists go for a punting adventure because they can take in the best views of the world-famous university.

History of Punting in Cambridge

In between 1902-1904, Cambridge witnessed a more organised set-up for traditional punting, which then went on to become a major recreational activity along the River Cam. As a result, River Cam now boasts the most punting activities seen anywhere in England. The entire ecosystem is naturally structured to give the onlooker some of the most breathtaking visuals in the world. Moreover, the trip takes the tourists across the heart of Cambridge that is packed with stunning college buildings. As one travels upstream, the river enters the quaint and serene countryside in the village of Grantchester. Numerous historical monuments, churches, pubs and traditional buildings are situated in this scenic village.

Punting Along The Cam River

The little boats or “Punts,” were built in medieval times to row in shallow water. Cambridge has marshy flatlands that the locals lived near to take advantage of hunting ducks, eel fishing, and transporting cargo until the nineteenth century. Punts don’t have a keel, which is a flat blade that sticks down into the water. They do not need it because they’re only meant to be rowed on very shallow water. This makes the boats more flexible to move around in narrow waters. Their stable and generous width allows plenty of room for passengers to sit and enjoy the ride.

Modern Day Punting in Cambridge

Punts became a recreational mode of transport in Cambridge at the beginning of the 20th century. Before that, they were popular on the Thames and in Bath. Even during poor weather and strong winds, people still use them because they are unconcerned about a quick dip in shallow water that they can easily climb out of.

A punt is a little harder to navigate compared to a rowing boat, but people still enjoy riding them and getting their sightseeing done from the waterways around Cambridge. At times, the long poles get stuck at the bottom, and a chauffeur could get knocked off the boat if they yank it out too hard. They might have to go in the water to pull it out, but in the Cambridge area, there are stone beds in many areas that prevent poles from getting stuck easily. These stone beds were placed during a time when horses were allowed to wade up the river, so riders didn’t have to pay tolls to the university if they were crossing their lands.

The next time you go on a punting in Cambridge along the River Cam, ask your chauffeur about the history of punting and what makes it so unique compared to any other mode of water transport. There are many punting tours to choose from, and they regularly compete because of the influx of tourists coming to Cambridge University.

A Punting Chauffeur’s Job

Punting in Cambridge is one of the most quintessential English past times, and one ride is never enough.

There is so much beauty and scenery around this city, and the shallow marshy waters make every corner you turn feel like an enchanting journey.

Punting Chauffeurs do an exceptional job, it isn’t easy! Not only do Punting Chauffeurs have to navigate the packed waterways of the college backs, they also ensure that you are entertained for the entire 50 minutes of your guided tour. Come rain or shine (and even snow) they are there to give you an experience like no other.

Guided tours always have a chauffeur to navigate along these waters, but sometimes its exciting to renting your own punt for the day.

Now is the best time to see if you are up to the challenge because the weather is fantastic too.

Anyone can rent their own private punt without worrying about waiting in queues or sitting close to lots of other people, which makes it the perfect activity as we slowly come out of lockdown. Grab a pole and get ready to go punting in Cambridge like a pro.

Please note we no longer offer self-hire.

Standing on The Punt

This seems very scary at first because the boat can be wobbly, especially since the water is never still.

The best thing to do is walk to the end of your punt and stand on deck.

You may stumble a little or wobble before your Cambridge punting tour even begins, but there is no need to cling to the edge for dear life because you will adapt to balancing quick enough.

It is best to take a wide stance with bent knees, keeping your foot a little closer to your preferred side of punting.

Just watch how the punting chauffeurs do it and copy them!

Getting Comfortable on The Punt

Gently rock the punt using your feet to get a strong feeling of its movements and structure. This may seem silly, but it will help your body find the right balance when you are on the deck.

Then you will not panic when you feel wobbly at times during some turns.

How to Handle Your Pole?

Firstly, you will have to choose a side to make the punt move.

For your first solo Cambridge punting tour, try to use a long pole (a quant) to propel yourself along the River Cam. These are used by all punting chauffeurs.

You can keep the pole on either side of your rented punt but will probably prefer the right side if you are right-handed and vice versa.

When you are done choosing which side to use, then you need to lift the pole out of the water and raise it hand over hand, before placing the bottom of the pole against the outside of the boat and near your foot.

Then let the pole drop into the water into the riverbed and past your hands.

The fun part comes when you must bend your knees and move your hands along the top of the pole while holding onto the end of it.

To steer, let the pole end trail behind your punt.

If you drag your pole to the left or right through the water, it will turn the direction of your punt as well.

It is best to use the pole as a boat rudder, by turning it underwater in whichever direction you would like to go.

Finally, to turn the boat, you will need to spin it by dropping the pole from your left or right side and pushing it away from your Cambridge punt.

Punting in Cambridge as Lockdown eases

Punting in Cambridge has finally become a reality again, rather than a distant dream.

England has been on lockdown due to Covid-19 since March, and the government is now looking forward to lifting some movement restrictions. People will slowly be allowed to leave their homes and venture out to catch the sunny rays that are shining across the country as summer approaches.

The best way to bask in all that glorious sunshine is by going on punting in Cambridge with a friend or two.

Usually, punting in Cambridge is a favourite among international tourists who fly from around the world to visit the famous colleges.

However, it is also the most quintessential English pastime that many residents can take advantage of, especially since tourist flights are currently still halted.

This will also make social distancing more comfortable because there are no crowds.

You can grab a Cambridge punt all to yourself and go for a row or lie back and enjoy the ride without sharing the boat with too many other people.

Here are the reasons why every resident should take an afternoon break to go punting in Cambridge as lockdown rules slowly lift in the upcoming weeks. 

Enjoy the Summer Breeze

As the country continues to have incredibly warm and sunny days, it is never a better time to catch some rays to make up for all that lost time during isolation.

Grab a comfy t-shirt over a cute pair of shorts and head out for a day punting in Cambridge down the River Cam.

Getting enough sunlight is essential to maintain vitamin D levels. Vitamin D helps maintain strong and healthy bones.

Trust us when we say that punting in Cambridge is way more fun than taking supplements, such as sardines, cod liver oil, or beef liver, to get your natural fix of natural D while taking selfies with sun-kissed drooping trees in the background. 

Enjoy the Gorgeous Scenery

Even though Cambridge is a city, it does not feel like it most of the time, thanks to its vast and picturesque green spaces.

It makes it easier to get away from the bustle of the inner city, to catch a breath in a scenic place that helps your mind escape.

Grab a camera and go for a quick Cambridge punt. And then sprawl across an open field for a picnic and afternoon nap before exploring the colleges on foot.

It sounds like a great way to celebrate coming out of isolation, right?

Enjoy the Soulful History

Are you a history buff who tears up watching movies like Braveheart? This city is full of so much history that makes so many brits proud.

You can easily have a drink in the same pub where DNA was discovered or find a similar apple tree that helped discover gravity.

When you wander down the streets of Cambridge, you embark on the footsteps of eight hundred years of historical achievements.

The city has been around since the Bronze Age, and the first game of football with association rules was played here!

Book a Cambridge punting tour and pick your chauffeur’s brains to find out whether The Mathematical Bridge really was built by Sir Isaac Newton or not.

Post Lockdown Punting

Everybody in the United Kingdom is currently still under lockdown due to COVID-19.

This means that no matter how gorgeous the hot weather is outside, there are still restrictions on people’s movements and social distancing rules that should not be broken until the government says so.

After that, nothing would sound better than a Cambridge punt to breathe in all the scenery and fresh air to make up for all those weeks you spent at home to save lives.

Here are a few tips to organize the best Cambridge punting ride when society returns to socializing outside again.

Book A Post Lockdown Private Tour for Your Group

Let’s face it, even after coronavirus restrictions are officially lifted by the government later this year, it will still take a while for us all to start feeling close to each other again, post lockdown.

In this case, you might not want an overcrowded tour with strangers, especially if you already have a group of your own friends and family to accompany you.

It is best to book a private tour for your party, which would only cost the same as a Sunday roast at the pub.

This will be significantly cheaper per person to go back in time along the Cambridge Backs on your very own Cambridge punt and chauffeur.

Then you can all sit back and enjoy all the sights from one of the most historically rich and famous stretches of water in the world.

Beat the Crowds by Coming Early

When all international borders are open again, Cambridge welcomes millions of tourists from around the world who visit to explore all the renowned colleges.

If you are planning to go on a shared Cambridge punting tour, you might want to arrive early morning to secure a spot and beat the queues.

Mornings are perfect for punting in Cambridge, especially post lockdown.

Aside from a lack of crowds, there are also fewer boats fighting for space on the River Cam.

You can enjoy that crisp morning air while absorbing a great sense of splendour and history as you view the bridges and colleges with private views.

The sunlight reflecting across the water and colleges is stunning, and that is why it would be a crime to forget your camera at home.

Bring Something to Eat or Drink on your Post Lockdown Punt

A Cambridge punt can take up to an hour to catch all the magnificent sites, and you are bound to get hungry or thirsty along the ride.

Since you get to sit back and relax comfortably on a punt, why not bring some snacks to make the trip extra special?

On a private Cambridge punting tour, you can pop open some champagne to celebrate spending time with loved ones. For a fancier adventure, why not pack some fresh strawberries and cream to down with the bubbly?

Social Distancing whilst Punting in Cambridge

The weather in England has been full of sunshine and warmth for the past few days, but the whole world is unfortunately still on lockdown due to the widespread of COVID-19.

The British government has requested that people follow strict distancing measures by staying at home to contain the disease.

However, people can venture out for daily exercise to remain sane during the lockdown, and a Cambridge punt is the best way to enjoy the trees blossoming under the
warm sunset that beams its rays across all the buildings.

Social Distancing Outdoors

Cambridge Punting is a favourite pastime because it is a relaxing boat ride down the River Cam,
where you can breathe in the beautiful scenery on a sunny day.

Since most tourists are not around due to the coronavirus lockdown, locals can try a Cambridge punt without the hectic
crowds.

Punting in Cambridge is one of the best ways to hear all the historical tales about the famous college backs.

The architecture speaks for itself and gives you a different feeling while rowing past sitting in a punt.

Practising Safe Social Distancing

A punting tour is an activity that brings people together with a capacity of approximately 12 people per ride.

However, due to COVID-19, it is essential to maintain strict social distancing rules.

Unlike regular year-round tours, you can try private tours with loved ones, if you are not more than six people to ensure safety.

Members of your household who display coronavirus symptoms should stay at home and avoid punting in Cambridge.

Any booked tours can be rescheduled to a later date so that people may recover from all symptoms before punting.

Everybody should always remember to wash their hands and use sanitizers before and after boarding a punt.

It is recommended to limit non-essential contact with your chauffeur while punting in Cambridge.

If you need assistance, the chauffeur can offer their shoulder or elbow while getting on and off the boat.

Everybody should attempt to sit with significant gaps in between each other, and still be close enough to the centre of the punt to avoid tipping over.

Private tours will have plenty of space to spread apart while keeping arms and legs safely inside the punt.

To prevent breaking social distancing rules, every member of your group should be living together.

People are still advised against gathering in large groups or visiting friends and family who are not part of the same household.

These are troubling times for everyone in the world, and passenger safety is of utmost importance.

Businesses and tourists have been affected by the necessary lockdown measures and need to remain healthy and resilient during this challenging period.

Although punting in Cambridge is one of the safest activities in the country, being mindful of a few simple social distancing rules is critical to flattening the curve.

Punting in Cambridge

If you have been wanting to take a boat ride in scenic England, nothing beats punting in Cambridge. Cambridge has plenty of history and cultural traditions, and it is one of the most famous cities in the world because of its University.

However, what you might not know before booking punting in Cambridge is that the conversations and utterings between people are also famous, even if that is on a smaller scale.

Your tour might be a crazy adventure because people say the funniest things.

Here are some examples that will make you go, “Wow, that is such a Cambridge thing to say.” 

“Dad! You cannot feed the geese Pimm’s!”

This was overheard on a Cambridge punt by tourists who could not stop laughing while a child begged their dad to avoid feeding the geese some alcohol. Pimm’s is a gin-based spirit that is made with orange and warm spices. Even though this is a delicious drink to have onboard whilst punting in Cambridge, it is certainly not meant to be shared with any geese. 

Famously among punting companies, there is a Pimms boat that frequents the River Cam during the summer months.

If you are punting in Cambridge during the summer be sure to check it out.

“Punting in Cambridge Is the Poor Man’s Gondola Ride.”

To some, a Cambridge punt may not seem as luxurious as going on holiday to Italy. Although gondola rides are still affordable for many tourists, they were a method of transportation for only the elites and upper-class living in historical Venice.

However, it is the journey to Venice from England that also adds on to the overall cost, which is why many wealthy people can take the plunge faster than others.

There are no significant differences between both experiences.

A gondola ride has the reputation of being a one-of-a-kind romantic experience, but Cambridge punting is catching on too.

You can hire a private punt for you and your partner, and ride into the sunset with champagne and strawberries on board.

Like a punt, a gondola is also a flat-bottomed wooden boat driven by “Gondoliers” instead of “Chauffeurs.”

There is no requirement for a gondolier to sing like they do in the movies.

Chauffeurs who transport tourists in Cambridge do not have a strict uniform and are often students studying at the university.

Gondoliers wear striped t-shirts with red, white, or black colours. Punts have a natural wood colour, but gondolas are all painted in black due to a law that goes back to the 16th century. 

“Don’t Worry. Your Moustache Is More Charles De Gaulle Than Adolf Hitler.” 

These were comforting words that were overheard outside Christ’s College.

Christ’s College is part of Cambridge University, and you can see it during your punting in Cambridge tour.

The college was founded by William Bingham back in 1437 as “God’s House.”

Charles Darwin and John Milton were some of the most famous alumni of this college. Sacha Baron Cohen, who plays Borat, studied at Christ’s College too.

The college is an essential landmark at the university, which is why one must always keep their moustache in good shape whilst punting in Cambridge. 

“There Is So Much Latin In This City, You Wouldn’t Even Think You Are in England Anymore.” 

The city of Cambridge has a lot of fascinating history, and that is why many tourists flock here to explore the University and all its glory.

However, some people might struggle to go back to history.

Latin was initially used by ancient Romans, and a significant portion of the English vocabulary has been derived from Latinate and Romance sources.

Nearly 70% of English words are inspired by Latin.

For example, “Cantabrigia” is the old Latin name for “Cambridge.”

Every part of Cambridge consists of historical wonders. Even if you dislike Latin, there is so much to learn about this city because it has a very special place in England’s heart.

Valentines Punting Tour

Valentine’s day is the most romantic time of the year, and a Cambridge punt is perfect for a
well-deserved date night to celebrate true love with your special someone.

You can take your loved one on a relaxing valentines punting tour so that you can fall in love with Cambridge together on a
peaceful trip while holding hands and cuddling on the river.

Here is why Cambridge is such a special place to celebrate romance in the air with your significant other.

Feel the Romance on The River Cam

Punting in Cambridge is one of the best surprises you can gift that wonderful person in your life
this upcoming valentine’s day.

A valentines punting tour on the River Cam will transport you through the heart of the city and will grow your hearts for each other too.

It will reward you with breath-taking views of the famous bridges and colleges that line the river.

This traditional English pastime is ideal for couples who want to book a private tour to spend quality time together amidst all the scenery.

To make your Cambridge punt extra special, your chauffeur can provide cushions and blankets to keep you warm as you huddle close during the ride.

Your boat can also be decorated with roses and any other perks you might want to make your trip as romantic as possible just for the two of you.

Since this is a private tour, you can make a playlist with all your favourite love songs to listen to during the ride while popping open that bottle of
champagne on the water during sunset.

Please let us know in advance if you wanted anything in particular added to your tour.

Explore History Together

If you share a passion for culture and learning together, a Cambridge valentines punting trip will fulfil your desire for history with some mind-blowing tales.

You will also get up close and personal with some of the most iconic buildings and sights, such as the grounds of Trinity College, The
Mathematical Bridge, Kings College Chapel, The Bridge of Sighs, Clare Bridge, New Court St Johns, The Wren Library, and so much more.

These are the locations where academic geniuses made England a world leader thanks to alumni members, such as the legendary Stephen
Hawking, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Edward VII, George VI, Sylvia Plath, and Alan Turing.

If you and your partner enjoy the famous Netflix show “The Crown,” you will be pleased to know that Olivia Colman, who plays her majesty the Queen in season three, is also an alumnus
of the university.

For the Adventurers

This valentine’s day, you can also go on an exciting ghost tour while punting in Cambridge if you prefer something offbeat and thrilling.

This is a fun way to experience Cambridge’s darker side with a spooky trip that will keep you and your loved one on the edge of your seats the entire
time.

There is a lot of history in Cambridge, and a lot of epic stories of scary hauntings at the colleges.

If that does not scare you enough, Freddie Highmore, who played Norman Bates from Bates Motel, is also a Cambridge University graduate.

Layer up for a Cambridge Punt in February

The average weather in Cambridge during February is a low of 2 degrees with a high of 9 degrees Celsius.

Although this is not as cold as earlier months, you should still layer up if you are going punting in Cambridge. The city is surrounded by water and can feel a lot colder than being in central London or the southern parts of the country. Even if it is slightly windy, you might feel the windchill through your bones.

This can make your Cambridge punt uncomfortable if you are not wearing the right clothes. This is what you should pack in your suitcase if you are planning to visit the city for a Cambridge punt in February.

Coats and Jackets for a Cambridge Punt

Although the weather forecast predicts around eight days of rain, England is very unpredictable. You never know when a random shower might surprise you while punting in Cambridge, especially if you do not have an umbrella or a headcover.

When you bring a coat, you should ensure that it is waterproof to wear in the rain and not get your inner clothes wet. Your coats and jackets should be lined with warm fleece on the inside to keep you toasty enough to spend the day on the River Cam comfortably.

This way, you will be able to appreciate the ride instead of shivering and wanting to rush indoors.

Woolly Hats

When you are punting in Cambridge, a woolly hat in February can be a lifesaver to keep your head and ears warm.

It might not be the most flattering part of your winter wardrobe and might wreak havoc on your hair, but it will help your body lose less heat to withstand the cold weather.

You can pull a woolly hat all the way down over your eyes to the top of your neck. Then it can also act as a cover for the back of your neck in case you do not have a scarf.

If you buy a black woolly hat, it can match any outfit. You can also get them without the fluffy ball material on top in a fitted size that covers your head fuss-free.

Scarves and Gloves

Scarves are always fashionable, no matter what season. Wearing a scarf to cover your mouth and neck, creates better insulation with a pocket of warm air.

Then you will not have to breathe in the cold air while punting in Cambridge on the River Cam.

If it is uncomfortably chilly, you should also wear gloves to keep your fingers warm, or else they might feel numb.

Many gloves are designed to use on smartphone and camera touchscreens, which is beneficial because you will want to take plenty of photos during your Cambridge punting trip.

The Right Boots

Even though the predicted temperature is not below freezing, parts of England do experience snowfall in February and March.

You will need to buy boots that are waterproof for treading snow with high-quality rubber soles and significant traction to prevent you from slipping on ice.

The best boots can be both fashionable and versatile for cold and rainy days.

Look for sneakers or boots that have a thick faux fur lining on the inside for extra warmth during your magical Cambridge punt this winter season.

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