Author: Tyrrell's Punting

punting in cambridge during the summer months underneath willow trees

At Tyrrell’s, we are here to help you find the easiest way possible to book the best punting in Cambridge tour. We offer multiple booking opportunities which are catered to your best interests! Read more to discover our booking systems!

Punting in Cambridge- How to book

At Tyrrell’s Punting Cambridge, we offer an option to book online via our website, which provides 2 tour options-  a private tour and a shared tour. Both tours are a 50-minute chauffeured punt around the college backs. During your punting in Cambridge tour will see some of the famous sights including the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical Bridge.

Our online booking system has perks which will equal a smooth sailing trip along the River Cam. By booking your punting in Cambridge tour online, your benefits will include; a limited queuing system where our cashier will assist you by getting on and off the boat.  Our online booking system ensures the best available rate- this can be up to 50% off in comparison to prices on the day of your punting in Cambridge tour. The price difference can also be dependent on the discounts available on the website, in this instance, always keep an eye out for the best deals.

In order to secure your payment, we offer two different methods- via phone or online. The system asks you to put in your bank details and after payment has been recieved, you’ll receive a confirmation for the day. A similar process is used for our phone bookings, once the booking is paid over the phone we will send a booking confirmation for you to show the cashiers once your tour is ready!

If you’re visiting for the day, around our historic city, keep a look out for our staff based on Quayside! We always have staff based in this location, ready to help to fulfil the Cambridge dream. If you are struggling to find someone to help, we also keep a cashier’s desk further down the boardwalk. You can find us under the orange umbrella and a member of staff stationed to support any enquiries, bookings and payments.

To make a booking on the day, our staff will ask for your details for your booking, which then we will confirm your booking with an instant message. However, with the in-person booking method, availability and prices may fluctuate and there is less flexibility in available punting in Cambridge tours.

 

What do I do if my booking needs to be cancelled

As we all know, the British weather can take an unexpected turn. We are an outdoor business and therefore we go ahead in all weathers. In light rain, we have umbrellas and blankets onboard to keep you dry during your punting in Cambridge tour. In circumstances of extremely heavy rain, we will still go ahead if you like (provided it is safe) or we will offer online bookings a 100% credit note or a 70% refund.

If you have pre-booked a private punting tour online, bookings can be cancelled more than 48 hours in advance and will be eligible for a 70% refund. If you have pre-booked a shared tour we can exchange your tickets for another date if you give us at least 24 hours’ notice. If the new date is more expensive then the difference will need to be paid.

If you’re running late, we will try our best to accommodate your needs, if there are any problems please feel free to call us on our number on the website. We will try our best to accommodate you, however, all punting in Cambridge bookings are for a specific departure time and any late arrivals will result in a missed tour. If there is a chance you may miss your booking slot, please ring us to let us know at the earliest available opportunity.

 

 

 

Thinking of coming winter punting in Cambridge? Let us explain why this is a must-do this season.

Christmas in Cambridge

There are two things that Christmas and Cambridge have in common; one, they both start with the letter C; and two, they are both magical.  So whether you are a Cambridge local or a visitor to this wonderful city, we 100% recommend spending the holidays here. There is plenty going on in Cambridge during December including Mill Road Winter Fair, Christmas Carols at Kings College Chapel and the annual pantomime at Cambridge Arts Theatre.

Our Christmas Eve and Boxing Day punting experiences are the perfect way to treat out-of-town families to a taste of Cambridge. Wrap up warm (don’t forget to layer), grab some wine from Cambridge Wine Merchants on Bridge Street, and get ready to impress your in-laws. Please note, Cambridge Wine Merchants won’t be open between the 25th-27th of December.

Cosy up this winter

Looking for that picture postcard experience? Well, look no further. Arguably one of the best quintessential and atmospheric activities is winter punting in Cambridge. Cosy up with friends and family on either a shared or private tour with Tyrrells Punting Cambridge.

This year, winter punting at Tyrrells is extra special as we have new boats on the river. Currently, we have two brand new fibreglass, raised seated punts in operation, with the rest of the fleet coming in spring 2023. So worry not about your loved ones with limited mobility, we have them covered, so they can still enjoy a beautiful hour cruising down the River Cam.

Winter Punting in Cambridge provides a more personalised experience as the river is quieter and there is less traffic for your chauffeur to navigate. In lieu of this, the photographic opportunities at this time of year are second to none. The picturesque college backs are only accessible by punting, so if you want to see the mist blanket Kings College Chapel and Mathematical Bridge, then book your tour here.

If you happen to go punting in the snow you might just catch the snowmen made by the students of the University of Cambridge.

Dress for the weather

Last week we experienced -9 degrees Celcius and for the first time in many people’s memories, the River Cam froze over. The ice was too thick to break through with a boat which sadly meant we had to be closed for five days.

Despite the cold temperatures winter punting in Cambridge is still highly enjoyable, we just recommend dressing for the weather. We have blankets and umbrellas onboard, you are more than welcome to bring hot water bottles and hand warmers for your punting experience with us.

If you scroll further down the blogs you will find one titled ‘Punting in Winter in Cambridge‘ in which we lay out some valuable tips for your winter punting in Cambridge experience.

Punting at Christmas

Winter in Cambridge is more like your daily advent calendar that offers something different and unique each day. The curious part is you will never know what the next day provides, but be ready for excitement, especially punting at Christmas.

Cambridge In Winter

The Cambridge winters offer a heavenly atmosphere anyone falls in love with. The city is a tiny beautiful piece of geography in the United Kingdom. But it is filled with full of astonishments that make it a fascinating and lively leisure retreat hotspot. The winter in the UK is undoubtedly chilly, and a picnic during the season is more of an adventure. But still, embrace the English weather by wrapping yourself warm. It is a truly rejuvenating experience for your inner soul. Cambridge winters offer numerous options to cherish the winter because Christmas is to be celebrated to the fullest.

Illumined in the Christmas lights, the Cambridge winters is an aesthetically astonishing atmosphere. To add to the serenity, one can choose punting at Christmas which brings tranquillity to their inner self. Above all, the River Cam blanket cased with snow and the quiet Cambridge college backs with cherry and daffodil blossoms are the perfect portraits for photographers. And you can use the best of it with punting through College Backs during a winter morning when the river has zero traffic.

Punting during winter is the perfect chance to get a majestic shot of the architecture, charismatic scenery and wildlife, regardless of the time of the day. Photographers consistently look for that extra ‘attraction’ to make a shoot stand out in uniqueness The tranquillity that the winter in River Cam offers is the perfect answer to the dream shot for a photographer.

Punting In Cambridge

Cambridge is known for its punting activity all around the world. The scenic beauty of the place is best explored through punting. Although, many people see punting as a warm-weather activity, punting during winter is bliss to the eyes and soul. The best part of punting during winters is the serene winter scenery deprived of the hustle and bustle of summer on the river.

The weather would be freezing. But the Cambridge punting companies provide extra blankets and warm water bottles to keep you warm and cosy. The winter punting can be experienced from November to March, and it is easier to book a punting during these times as there is not much traffic during this season.

The best part is you will be the only one on the river, and you will float past the Cambridge Bridges and the tranquil Cambridge Backs, and you soak up some of the magic that the winter in Cambridge brings.

The Christmas Arrives

The chilling and cosy winter is the greatest season of celebrations. December marks the arrival of a festive season with the Christmas traditions. With lighting the Christmas tree, wrapping the presents, hanging starts, decorating gingerbread houses and baking with family, Christmas is full of surprises and contentment.

Christmas traditions never get complete without the joyful Christmas carols. Christmas is the time when we embrace our legacy with the old traditional songs that have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Carols are sung to celebrate the sacred birth of Jesus Christ. Some companies host special events for punting at Christmas, including Christmas Carols.

A Punting Christmas

We introduce you to an idea of a unique Christmas in Cambridge that can be red-lettered with the most magnificent memories. The River Cam in winter is a serene picturesque that anyone would fall in love with. Think of a well-lit Christmas eve and a calm Christmas morning gliding through the still river embraced with the aesthetics of the mere atmosphere. It would be a magnificent experience. 

Think of an early Christmas morning, you gather with your friends and family at our punting station for an exclusive punting trip through the College Backs. Let’s celebrate the festive of harmony, together with our loved ones amid a serene ambience. Singing carols while gliding through the River Cam besides the Chapel, sharing the desserts and cakes to rejoice in the harmony and finally ending with a drink to warm ourselves in the chilling weather would be a unique and most fascinating Christmas celebration one could have.

So, let the year 2021 be red-lettered in your memories for the unique Cambridge Christmas you celebrated.

Magdalene Bridge Cambridge

Compared to other River Cam bridges, Magdalene Bridge in Cambridge isn’t a popular bridge. But, the bridge plays a vital role in the history of Cambridge city. The explicit architecture hidden underneath the eminent bridge is worth a watch.

This majestic bridge adjacent to the Magdalene College Cambridge is the only River Cam bridge potential to carry any transports, including the public transport buses. It is the most prominent public bridge.

A rejuvenating punting Cambridge trip allows us to sink into the history of this lofty bridge. Punting through the River Cam rewards us with a unique yet invigorating experience, adding to its popular demand. Moreover, a Magdalene College Punting trip is more convenient as it offers a parking lot too at Quayside. And, in this punting, it is the Magdalene Bridge that you witness both at the start as well as at the end of your punting trip.

A Glance into the Past

During the Roman reign, the Magdalene Bridge, monikered as Cam Bridge, marked the only entrance into the city. Thus, this bridge witnessed the city’s advancement from the very beginning and played a crucial role in the trading and sustainability of the city. A popular myth suggests that the city got its name from the bridge. However, the city’s name was officiated upon the river meandering in the city’s heart, The River Cam.

The bridge is an illustrious link between East Anglia and London, dating back to Roman times, and it is still continued. There was a time when every route converged at this crossing point. However, the irony is the evolution of the bridge for the past centuries. 

The first model of the site was accomplished with wood, up until 1754, when architect James Essex re-constructed the bridge stone for the first time. However, it was rebuilt twice before that with wood.

The first-ever cast iron Magdalene Bridge also called the ‘Great Bridge’, dates back to 1823 when the Norwich architect Arthur Browne designed it. The bridge was a single span of cast iron with iron railing decoration resting on ashler piers. It became a Grade II listed structure in 1969. The current Magdalene Bridge is the structure repaired and strengthened in 1982 by Browne itself.

Interesting Facts about Magdalene Bridge in Cambridge

With the proximities to the foundations of Magdalene College, the bridge was titled Magdalene Bridge. The paradox hidden in the name’s pronunciation is that it is actually pronounced ‘Maudlin Bridge’. The logical naming introduced many historical facts to this bridge. The bridge contributes an inevitable role in the stories of the Magdalene College and Cambridge University.

The Magdalene Bridge stands out among the first sites to cross the River Cam. It serves as a prominent role trading route and enhances the city’s survival. While punting from north to south, the bridge is followed by the Bridge of Sighs, another architectural masterpiece.

Above all, this extensive bridge, notably near the River Cam, is unique in its features. The ingenious ridges underneath the bridge that aid punters to propel themselves along the river impart uniqueness to the structure.

Magdalene College

The college resides on the River Cam banks on an idyllic spot adjacent to the dynamic Quayside. Summer in Magdalene is a popular hangout for students and locals to relish the view while sipping a beer or wine.

The college dates back to 1428, known as Buckingham College; it was originally a Benedictine hostel for student monks. The structure was deliberately located to the north of the river to detach the monks from the sinful temptation of city life.

In 1542, the college was named St. Mary Magdalene after St. Mary, a devoted biblical character. The odd pronunciation of Magdalene is said to be derived from one of the college benefactors, Thomas Audley.

The college set out history by being the first college to admit Jewish and Asian students. However, it is the last all-male college in Oxford or Cambridge as it accepted women students in 1988; it was the final college to admit girl students. Although there was a high objection from the male students in admitting the females, they were proven wrong with the increment in grade average in the following years. In addition, only the female alumni of Magdalene contributed Nobel prizes to the college.

May Morning

The bridge used to be crowded every year on May 1, from dawn, for Oxford’s May Morning celebrations. The recent tradition among the students was to jump off the bridge, despite the injury from low water levels in the Cherwell. When the injury traffic rose in subsequent years, the bridge routinely closed on the later May Morning.

Thus, the majestic Magdalene Bridge plays a vital role in the history and aesthetics of Cambridge city. Although all the 25 bridges(soon to be 26) have a remarkable role in the city’s unique appeal and economy, Magdalene serves both the students and the public equally, thereby adding popularity in function.

Punting in Cambridge is a fantastically quirky tourist activity that is both informative and much fun. You can learn a lot about the exhilarating history whilst punting in Cambridge.

A punt is a narrow flat-bottomed boat that will remind you of a Venetian gondola with the removed curve. Punting along the River Cam is a traditional delight that everyone must experience at least once. Unless it is a hectic season, you do not need to book a ticket in advance. There will be plenty of chauffeurs ready to take you and your group on a guided tour. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Punting in Cambridge with Pets

If you want to try punting on your own, you can hire a punt for the day. It can be challenging for first-time punters, and many of them get laughed at, especially when their pole or quant gets stuck in the riverbed. If you are inexperienced and want to impress a date with a self-punt, we highly recommend against it.

Many people travel around England with their pets and have asked if they are allowed on a punting tour. Some companies permit pets to join you for the thrill, but some minor safety precautions must be considered. Our pets are our best friends. It is a privilege to include them in our favourite trips. And they’ll love anything that we are interested in.

Punting in Cambridge is a truly timeless and eccentric idyllic pleasure where you sit and enjoy a ride down the river while admiring the wildlife and Cambridge University sights around you. Keep in mind that the punt boat has a flat bottom with a square-cut bow. It is designed for use in shallow water and small rivers. It can be risky for pets unless they can sit completely still during the ride. Everyone on a punt must sit close to the centre, and the boat is low enough for your hand to touch the water. If you have a jumpy dog who tends to bounce around, then punting may not be for them.

Things to be Cared of while Punting in Cambridge with Pets

Some people feel uncomfortable sitting too close to a pet, especially if they have any allergies. Hence, a guided tour with other tourists might not allow your pet to join in some cases. Your chauffeur will let you know if your pet can be allowed or not. If you are adamant about your pet joining you in punting, you can hire a private punting tour just for your group. You will still have a skilled chauffeur to do all the hard work while you kick back and enjoy yourself. This way, there will be more space on the punt for your dog to lie down and stretch.

Well behaved small canines are more comfortable to bring on a punting tour, whereas big breed dogs can be a challenge. Make sure they are not frightened or too excited during the ride. There might be ducks and swans swimming in the river. While you enjoy the architectural excellence of the College buildings, these little creatures gliding in the river attract children and pets. There are chances for your pet dogs and cats to get zealous with the picturesque and serene environment. Make sure that they are under control. Make sure that you have packed enough food for your pets before heading on for a punting.

Keep them close to you in the centre of the punt. The best is to let the dog sit between you and someone else so that they are not at the edge if they tip overboard. It is exceptionally safe to punt in Cambridge, especially with the talented chauffeurs who have been doing this for a very long time. However, it is always recommended to keep an eye on pets if you bring them for a tour.

Punting on the River Cam

The River Cam is said to be the heart of Cambridge as it glides through the world-famous Cambridge College University. Punting on the River Cam in a traditional Cambridge punt is an escape from the swamped life into a serene and blissful scenery that freshens our minds.

Your 45 minutes of punting on the River Cam would be a stupendous experience with the views of all the world-famous Cambridge landmarks including the King’s College Chapel, The Wren Library at the Trinity College, and the masterpieces like the Bridge of Sighs, Mathematical Bridge, and many more. Punting in Cambridge is a perfect outdoor activity for a weekend trip in Cambridge and serves as a perfect destination for any kind of celebration.

Steeped in History

When it comes to history, not just the River Cam punting, but the sightseeing it offers has a story to narrate. If in a chauffeured punt, the expert punter omniscient about the history of Cambridge and Great Britain transforms your punting experience into a red-lettered one. Gliding through the river and listening to the history of punting is an impeccable experience.

The acclaimed traditions of education and higher learning from Cambridge University is well known all over the world. The Charter of King Henry III founded the university in 1209 and Cambridge serves to be the second oldest English speaking university in the world.

When it comes to the history of punting, punts were developed in medieval times to provide a stable craft in shallow water areas. One such area was the Fens, the marshy flatlands to the north of Cambridge, where punts were used in the local trades such as reed-cutting, fowling, eel fishing and transporting cargo until Charles drained out Fens in the late nineteenth century for making the super fertile land suitable for farming.

The first-ever punts are associated with fishing in the river Thames. Pleasure punts in the river Thames, specifically built for recreation and entertainment became popular between 1860 and 1880.

See the Sights Whilst Punting on the River Cam

The Vintage Buildings

If you are starting your 45 minutes trip from Mathematical Bridge, you could start the amazing trip being fascinated with the geometry of this epic bridge. Gliding through the river, and passing the bridge, the enormous Queen’s College that was built in 1448 awaits you to your right. The mathematical bridge itself is an extension of Queen’s college. You will be surrounded by vintage buildings on both sides. Moving on, St Catharine’s built-in 1473 is to your right and you will have vast greenery that imparts a serene and subtle feeling to your minds on the left. 

On the way, you could see other tourists enjoying their punting trip like you. It is estimated to have more than 0.5 million punting tourists every year. While waving to your fellow punters and enjoying the views on both sides, glimpses of 1209 built University College starts to appear. The view of this enormous college and its distinctive building is eye-catching view. Far behind, the King’s College Bridge built-in 1819 awaits you. You could see traces of the people walking over it even from miles away. 

The Serene View

Passing the bridge, a widespread green field where the cattle graze would be on your left and the massive King’s College built-in 1441 on the right. It is continued with the College Chapel built-in 1446. The immense college campus and the clear blue sky over it offers a lifetime view. You could extend your vision to the Claire College bridge built in 1640s, even from miles apart. Immediately as you travel beneath the bridge, your right side would enhance the beauty of your vision with the Claire college campus that was built in 1326. 

Then comes the Trinity Hall built-in 1350 to your right. The river Cam is a great place to spot wildlife including ducks, swans and herons. You could see the ducks swimming in the river, while you punt. The recently built (2005) Jerwood Library is a reflection of modern architecture. It also has a bridge connected. 

The Masterpieces

Now, gliding through the river, you reach the Trinity College Bridge built-in 1764. Passing the bridge, you find 1546 built Trinity College to your right. Being refreshed and rejoiced by the views, and feeding the ducks swimming in the river, you could watch the New Court built-in 1831 at your left, the 1709 built Kitchen Bridge awaits you on your way. It will be soon followed by its sibling, The bridge of Sighs built in 1831. St Johns who owns both the bridges are seen to the right. Unlike other bridges, public passengers are not allowed to pass through the Bridge of Sighs

Thus, Punting in Cambridge is the only way for tourists to enjoy this masterpiece. Later, you can see the Cripps Building to your left and far away, gliding through the river Cam, you could see the Magdalene Bridge built in 1823. It even carries buses over it. Passing the Magdalene Bridge, you reach the Magdalene College built-in 1428. 

The punting experience is truly mesmerising irrespective of the season. The cherry and daffodil blossoms that line up the river is an eye-catching view. You can even make your punting during winter a remarkable one, by wrapping yourself in a blanket and staying warm and cosy in the punt. Although you’ll be frozen with cold, the experience would be adventurous and the sights the nature offers would be an impeccable one.

Travel Bloggers

Punting in Cambridge is very much cemented in the travel blogger world.

Life is never short of uncertainties, and it can sometimes be a terrorizing feeling when things do not turn out the way you expected. But certain people around the globe fully embrace a life filled with uncertainty and tread the path of adventure.

Travel bloggers are just ordinary people with extraordinary zeal who chose to abandon the structured social norms to explore the unknown terrains of this planet and their lives. To them, adventure means the courage to explore their lives by relentlessly pursuing things that challenge the so-called “conventional” way of living.

By leading such an exhilarating life, they are endowed with an experience which only a few in the world are blessed to perceive.

Let Us Now Explore The Life of Some Inspiring Travel Bloggers 

1. Kiki – The Blonde Abroad

Leaving her decent job in wealth management, Kiki embarked on an incredible journey to explore the world. The Californian native is an avid globetrotter and travel blogger who has travelled extensively and covered a staggering 71 countries.

The decision to quit her successful career for quenching her soul’s thirst for meaning has led her to a lot of destinations that echoed the essence of vibrant culture and history.

With refreshing experiences, she was able to realize a renewed sense of freedom and happiness that prompted her to start “The Blonde Abroad” blog.

The blog contains a whopping 1500 articles that offer valuable insights to travelers and inspire people who are yet to explore their dreams of travelling.

2. Kristin – Be My Travel Muse

Meet Kristin! She’s one of the prominent travel bloggers in the world with 5 million visitors annually visiting her blog to gain incredible knowledge and tips for travelling efficiently.

She has defied the odds several times in her life by fearlessly hitchhiking across China, and that too on a solo trip. Her other adventures include hiking 18,000ft in Nepal which lasted for 14 days without a guide, leading her life as a Buddhist nun for 10 days, freediving in the South Pacific alongside the Humpback whales and leading several adventures tours with women all around the world.

She has travelled to over 50 countries and gained relevant experience in leading worldwide tours. Her blog is packed with different genres of articles on topics that include various first-hand experiences, culture, food and travel hacks that have been helpful to her during her foreign adventures. 

3. Anna – The Legendary Adventures Of Anna

Anna is an avid solo traveller who has explored her way to various adventures by sailing through the Caribbean country of Belize in Central America, rappelling the challenging craters of Israel, exploring the wilderness in Tanzania and exploring the culinary treat of Japan. All these adventures were accomplished in her 8-year solo travel escapades.

She is a specialist in social media consulting and is extremely fond of photography, which is accessible in her blog. She has garnered ample attention from over 1,00,000 social media followers for posting a plethora of exceptional content and articles.

She is highly motivated to make a difference in the lives of her followers and the people she meets during her travel by sharing her share of life experiences that she has gained throughout her extraordinary journey.

Various publications including the Huffington Post, The Travel Channel and several others have showcased her work in the form of photography and inspirational travel guide articles.

4. Sabrina – Just One Way Ticket

Sabrina is one of the funniest travel bloggers you will encounter online, with an extensive range of quality content in her blog.

The contents which include several insightful travel videos, photography and articles on various genres have caught the attention of travel aficionados around the globe.

In 2017, she became the brand ambassador of Cebu Pacific Air and had travelled extensively with them for her travels.

She has captured the beauty of several Asian countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Hong Kong in its pristine beauty.

Evidently, she was also the winner of Best Culture Travel Blog 2018 and received a golden award for the same from TBC Asia.

5. Vanessa Rivers – Glitter & Mud

Vanessa Rivers is the founder of Glitter & Mud and another travel community known as “We Are Travel Girls”.

Both these initiatives have been a guiding light for thousands of female travellers around the globe. Her blogs are packed with a comprehensive range of articles, guides and reviews about different countries, restaurants, hotels, travel hacks and many more. She is an avid traveller and proud mom who loves to juggle her time with family, travelling and documenting her escapades on “We Are Travel Girls” and “Glitter & Mud”.

Furthermore, “We Are Travel Girls” was co-founded with her friend Becky van Dijk which focuses on empowering women to explore the world. They have also launched the charity division known as Travel Girls Giving to assist the needy.

6. Sherry – Otts World

Sherry quit her corporate life in 2006 and has been trotting the world ever since. She started her travel adventures during her stint as an Information Technology professional. It was a life-changing trip to Istanbul that paved the way for her evolution as a travel blogger. A mantra that she keeps close to her heart is this fantastic quote from Gilda Radner –

Some Stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity

These golden words have helped her to embrace ambiguity throughout her exploration around the world. Her transition from an amateur solo traveller to a seasoned travel blogger has positively influenced the lives of many people who were afraid to step into the world of the uncertainty of travelling alone.

7. Rachel – Rachel Roams

By covering seven continents and journeying through a whopping 70 nations, Rachel Rudwall has undoubtedly evolved into a jack of all trades when it comes to travelling the globe.

She’s a multifaceted personality who has received several coveted accolades and nominations. She is also a media buff who has extensively worked in all dimensions of mass media communications that includes media productions, content creation for an iconic automobile brand, photography, Tv and digital hosting etc.

She has gained immense experience from travelling widely to some of the most faraway destinations which are unknown to the majority of the world. As a result of the incredible insight that she has gained over the years, she was inducted as an Explorers Club “Fellow” which promotes the incredible spirit and feats of exploration.

It is interesting to note that, in the past, several high profile explorers such as Sir Edmund Hillary, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Jacques Piccard and Elon Musk have been inducted as Explorers Club “Fellow”. 

8. Trisha – P.S. I’M ON MY WAY!

Trisha is a renowned traveller in the world of exploration and has been continuously travelling for 11 years.

She has made her passion for travelling into a full-fledged job that supports her in leading the adventurous life of a digital nomad. Her blog P.S I’m On My Way is a fantastic travel blog that imparts the necessary knowledge to travellers for efficiently living and sustaining on a long term basis.

She was also supposedly instrumental in helping over 5000 backpackers around the globe to travel with her impressive insights, reviews, tips and travel hacks.

Additionally, she is a well known public speaker who has given many speeches including TED talks.

9. Christine Ka’aloa – GRRRLTRAVELER

A trip to India was the turning point in the life of Christine Ka’aloa, who faced a string of adverse situations and emerged victorious in the end. That adventurous trip was pivotal in the birth of her solo travel blog, GRRRLTRAVELER.

This blog primarily focuses on providing several survival tips and hacks in the face of uncertainty. She also demystifies the fear of travelling alone in foreign lands and gives sufficient insights on dealing with cultural shocks. You can also discover a great deal of information regarding the different dimensions of travel on her social media platform.

10. Vicky – Vicky Flip Flop

Vicky is an exceptional travel blogger / writer and a trained journalist based in the UK.

She has gained a massive reputation for travelling over 75 countries and coincidentally she was ranked the 75th best blogger in the world. 

Based on another polling she was ranked the 5th best blogger in England.

She is also extremely fond of festivals and has experienced over 60 of them around the world. Her works have been featured in numerous reputed media establishments such as Business Insider, BBC Radio, Forbes, The Guardian, Huffington Post and several others.

Her blog is packed with enormous insight for travellers seeking some of the finest destinations on all the seven continents.

Punting in Winter

Punting in winter is a magical experience. Winter is an even better season for many people to go punting in Cambridge. Even though the temperatures can drastically drop, punting is, without a doubt, one of the most rewarding winter activities in Cambridge.

Without the summer crowds, you can go punting in winter and gleefully immerse yourself in the beauty of the picturesque surroundings on the River Cam. With less traffic on the River Cam, there is freedom of movement, and you can see the same destinations in Cambridge from a whole new perspective.

It can be fun, and absolutely enjoyable to drift across the River Cam in the depths of winter. And surprisingly, Cambridge transforms into one of the most exquisite locations in England during the winters.

Having said that, we have some valuable tips to help you stay warm and cosy throughout your punting in winter adventure.

Wear A Winter Coat

The British weather is unpredictable and can be unforgiving.

You could be caught in freezing temperatures, especially from wind chill. It might also rain unexpectedly, so make sure to pack a decent waterproof winter coat. This will keep you sufficiently warm enough to enjoy your Cambridge punting trip. Otherwise, you might not appreciate the beautiful views if your body is numb.

Have Good Walking Boots

Even though your feet will always stay dry when you are sitting in a punt, the grassy areas surrounding the river might be muddy and slippery.

High-quality and warm boots will ensure that your feet are warm and avoid any dangerous falls, especially if there is melted ice on the ground. Boots will also make you look classier and more stylish compared to wearing trainers in winter.

Don’t Forget Your Camera

In the modern digital world, people often say, “Pics or it didn’t happen!” Although we encourage every punter to live in the moment and enjoy their scenic trip, it wouldn’t hurt to take some incredible photos and share them on social media.

That is the best way to make friends and family feel jealous that they missed out. You do not need to have a professional DSLR camera hanging around your neck all the time. A smartphone is more than enough to capture the majestic beauty of Cambridge and share those memories with loved ones back home.

Bring Gloves and A Hat

The weather in Cambridge can feel freezing whilst punting in winter. A warm woolly hat and gloves will be necessary to keep you warm so you can enjoy the entire ride on the River Cam. You can also do a walking tour around Cambridge University after the punt and hold hands with loved ones without freezing your fingers.

Carry A Thermos

It is impossible to enjoy an authentic British tour without some hot tea, especially punting in winter. You can carry a thermos with some tea to sip on during your punting trip. This will give you a warm and fuzzy feeling in your tummy as you take in all the sights and learn the most fascinating titbits about the famous university.

If you are not a big fan of tea, try some mulled wine with cloves, cinnamon, and citrus. Mulled wine is also one of the most popular hot drinks to have in England during winter because it warms and satisfies the soul.

The architect Henry Hutchinson designed this masterpiece for St John’s College of Cambridge University in 1827. Built across the river Cam in 1831, Bridge of Sighs bridges between original parts and New Court of St John’s College. The bridge becomes unique as it is the only covered bridge over the river Cam and the only college bridge built in the Victorian Gothic style. It is an architectural masterpiece which you can stalk at while punting through the River Cam in Cambridge.

It’s  sibling, the Wren Bridge, or a punt moving  in the river Cam provides the best view of the bridge.

The bridge design goes hand in hand with the romantic Neo-Gothic style, the signature of architectural fashion at the time. It’s one of the most loved and fascinating features in Cambridge. The bridge was Queen Victoria’s favourite spot in the city than any other tourist attractions in Cambridge.

The key feature of the bridge is the tracery opening having stonework elements to support glass. But the bridge doesn’t have any glass. 

Key facts about the Bridge of Sighs

  1. Second bridge built by the St. John’s College
  2. The only covered bridge across river Cam.
  3. The bars in the open gothic fenestration prevents one from climbing in or out.
  4. The name bridge of sighs is so popular that there are a total of 9 bridge of sighs around the world.
  5. The bridge has a posh and plain side. The right side is the best for photography.
  6. The bridge has appeared in blockbuster movies; The theory of everything (2014) is the most recent.

Naming of the Bridge

In October 1843, Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert visited Cambridge. A reigning monarch had been to Cambridge for the first time in about 120 years. And hence citizens were greatly excited with the royal visit.

On their trip, the royals visited several colleges, including St John’s. It was about 12 years after the completion of ‘New Bridge’ and the fellows of the college were enthusiastic to show them the ‘New Bridge’.

Reports say that Victoria fell in love with the sight and remarked it as the most “picturesque view in Cambridge”. She stated that this favourite view of her in the city reminded her of the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ in Venice. 

The bridge is popularly known as the “Bridge of Sighs”. Although, the only factor it has in common with the Bridge of Sighs in Venice  is that they are both covered. 

However, another common myth is that the students named the bridge. It was in context of its existence within the college grounds. The function of the bridge supports the belief; it links 2 quadrangles of St John’s College in a covered path. On the contrary, its sister bridge, the Kitchen bridge is an open air bridge. The rumour says that the name of the bridge came from the sighs of the students on proceeding from their quarters back to the tutor’s office in the main college quadrangle.

History

St John’s college(founded in 1511) is 3 centuries older than the New Bridge and the New Court. St Johns was the first College to expand its accommodation westwards into the area known as “Backs of Cambridge”; until then, every college bridge in Cambridge was on the east side of the River Cam.

In 1827, architect Henry Hutchison, a pupil and business partner of Gothic revivalist Thomas Rickman, designed the new buildings and bridge. The expansion was named “New Court”; it was the newest part of the college.  In 1831, they completed the entire project. A few months later, Hutchinson died.

The bridge was first named “New Bridge” as it connected New Court on the West bank with 17th century Third Court on the East Bank. However, soon it was known as the “Bridge of Sighs”. The famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy, an enclosed bridge that connects the ducal palace to the court and prison was the reference for the name.

Pioneer photographer, William Henry Fox Talbot took the first ever known photograph of the “New Bridge” in 1844.

Student pranks and Blockbuster movies

Since its construction, the Bridge of Sighs, Cambridge has been featured in numerous photographs and artistic projects. Some blockbuster movies, including The Theory of Everything (2014) and Elizabeth : The Golden Age (2007) had the bridge as one of their sets.

The bridge even has a history of cars suspended from its arches twice. The students were the pranksters. On both these occasions the bridge managed to escape from any kind of damages.

On both the occasions, students pulled the prank by dangling a car under the bridge. In 1963, students strapped an Austin 7 with 4 punts and it was punted down the river. And ropes tied hoisted up the car under the bridge. The prank became so infamous. In 1968, students used a Reliant Regal 3-wheeler car to repeat the prank. 

Sister Bridges

St John’s is significant as the only Cambridge College to feature two bridges on its main site; The Bridge of Sighs and it’s sister, the Wren Bridge (also known as ‘Kitchen Bridge’). They run parallel to each other.

The Wren Bridge was constructed to replace a pre-existing wooden bridge and is a century older than the Bridge of Sighs. 

Christopher Wren submitted his design for a stone bridge to St John’s in the 1690s. But, the building work commenced only in 1709. The workers completed the project in 1713. Robert Grumbold supervised the construction. Wren suggested urns and pyramids in his original drawing. But, the work didn’t have them in construction. But still, the bridge perfectly reflects Wren’s design.

Wren Bridge is a tourists’ pedestal route through the college. While access to the Bridge of Sighs is only for the ones in St John’s College. This enables an uninterrupted view of Bridge of Sighs for the visitors.

The College Backs

The tranquil scenery of The College Backs in Cambridge makes an incredible backdrop for casual walkers and nature lovers. A relaxing stroll along the serene River Cam, and the vibrant streets of Cambridge can instantly get you transported to a different era altogether.

Moreover, the stunning colleges of Cambridge are open to the public throughout the year that makes them one of the “most photographed” Universities in the world.

With an extensive coverage of green spaces surrounding the overall campus and its vicinities, the college backs in Cambridge certainly takes the top spot as one of the most attractive spots in the U.K.

It’s not just Cambridge University but the entire surroundings are enveloped in picturesque scenery in every location.

Why are they called “The Backs” ?

Cambridge University consists of 31 distinguished colleges, out of which 8 of them have the rear/side facade of the buildings and grounds facing the “Cam”, the river associated with the college backs.

In medieval times these grounds were extensively used for herding cattle and cultivating crops. Also, the River Cam was a busy commercial trade route in those eras.

This stunning location comprises several colleges that are flanked on either side of the River Cam.

Darwin College

This famous college was established in 1964 and named after the renowned English naturalist Charles Darwin. The entire college was built using the Victorian and Georgian styles of architecture. Also, the college grounds are integrated with the Darwin College bridges for easy passage and connectivity to the two islands owned by the college. Furthermore, Darwin has the honour of being the first graduate college in Cambridge to admit both men and women.

Queen’s College

Several iconic, medieval and modernistic styles of buildings can be found at the Queens College in Cambridge. They are famed for having their college buildings on either side of the River Cam. The connectivity between these two halves of the college is accomplished with the help of Mathematical Bridge. As the name suggests, the Queen’s college was established by two royals of England, Queen Margaret of Anjou and later by Queen Elizabeth Woodville. They were the wives of King Henry VI and King Edward IV, respectively, of England.

King’s College

King Henry VI was the founder of this distinguished educational institution in Cambridge. Kings is globally considered as an architectural marvel that showcases an exquisite range of Gothic-style architecture designs. The largest fan vault in the world and the gorgeously stained-glass windows are the other tourist attractions at King’s. Robert Walpole, the first prime minister of Great Britain was one of the famous alumni of the King’s College.

Clare College

Formerly known as the University Hall, this famed college of the Cambridge University boasts several iconic buildings and monuments like:

Old Court

“This grade I listed building is one of the most historic structures in England. The design of the Old court is a fusion of the Classic and Gothic style of architecture.

Memorial Court

“This structure was designed by the architectural genius of Britain, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott.”

Clare Bridge

“Built completely out of stone, this is the oldest bridge in Cambridge to survive the civil war.”

Trinity College

King Henry VIII founded this esteemed college in 1546. This building houses an enclosed courtyard, which is said to be the largest in Europe. The reputation of the college lies in its impeccable architecture, the picturesque gardens and obviously, the 32 Nobel laureates from this prestigious institution. Popular attractions in the Trinity includes :

  • The Wren Library at Nevile’s Court
  • Trinity Bridge
  • Whewell’s Court north range
  • Great Court
  • The River Cam( river associated with the college backs in Cambridge)
  • Clock Tower
  • Great Gate

Trinity Hall

The Bishop of Norwich, William Bateman, was the founder of this distinguished college in Cambridge. Established in the year 1350, Trinity was historically a law school but currently teaches arts, sciences and humanities. The architectural elegance of the Trinity exudes a medieval ambience, and the main building was modified to a Baroque style in the 18th century by the English jurist Sir Nathaniel Lloyd. Also, the college is open to visitors on certain days for self-guided tours and is one of the famous tourist attractions in Cambridge.

St. John’s College

Established in the year 1511, this institution is one of the eminent Oxbridge colleges in the U.K. St. John’s is renowned for producing numerous high-profile alumni including Nobel Laureates, Prime Ministers and several Archbishops from various countries. The college is also well known as a tourist attraction spot in Cambridge with multiple heritage sites and architectural marvels. Some of the top sites include the Great Gate, The Chapel, First Court, Second Court, Third Court, Chapel Court and Cripps Building.

Magdalene College

This institution is one of the distinguished colleges of Cambridge founded in the year 1428 and reputed for hosting the Benedictine monks in the past. The college was again founded in 1542 and thrived under the patronage of the nobles of Britain such as Duke Of Norfolk , the Duke of Buckingham and Sir Christopher Wray. Visitors can explore the magnificent college buildings , gardens , Pepys Library, Cripps Court on certain days and also enjoy punting in Cambridge.

A chronicle of “The College Backs”

The past

The lands that now constitute “The College Backs” were owned by several colleges of the University in the past. These spaces were extensively filled with orchards, gardens and used as pasture grounds. For better connectivity, these lands were attached with wooden bridges built across the River Cam. Later, Lancelot Capability Brown, one of the greatest English landscape architects, laid plenty of wilderness by the Queens Road.

FACT – The College Backs in Cambridge are listed as a Grade I Historic Park by the English Heritage

The Present Day

The College Backs are currently set to undergo significant stages of evolution under the patronage of six colleges of Cambridge University. The next 50 years will reportedly witness drastic changes that improve the quality of the landscape and enhance the total appearance of “The College Backs”. The transformations will be implemented under the expert guidance of Robert Myers, a landscape architect based in Cambridge. Moreover, the strategy involves the plan to enhance the existing landscapes and the formation of a wildlife corridor.

WhatsApp chat