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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.

Importance of the River Cam

A trip to England would never feel complete without punting in Cambridge and marvelling at
the sights surrounding the world-famous university that was home to legends like Professor
Stephen Hawking.

A Cambridge punt involves a flat-bottomed wooden boat with a quirky
chauffeur who is most likely a resident or a student at the university.

You can take a ride with friends and family and learn about the history of Cambridge and why it has a special place in
many people’s hearts. If you are visiting the city for the first time, you might be wondering
which side of the River Cam to take the tour from to get the best views. There are two main options
for a Cambridge punting tour.

Please note that we only do tours along the College Backs  (the lower River Cam).

The Lower River Cam

This is a short stretch of River Cam that runs through the heart of Cambridge University and is best if
you want to see all the famous landmarks, such as King’s College Chapel and the Mathematical
Bridge.

If you want to explore the university, this is the better tour because then you will get to
enjoy all the views and stories during your Cambridge punting tour. This is an exceptional ride that will
give you a lot of insights into student life at this renowned establishment.

During the tourist season, this route may be the most crowded, but you can always book in advance to avoid
queues and secure tickets for your preferred timings.

Unless you steal a student card or sneak into the university, this is the best way to see all the grounds and iconic buildings even if you
spend less time on the River Cam.

The Upper River Cam

The upper River Cam is a lengthier stretch that leads towards picturesque villages outside Cambridge.
Instead of gazing at buildings, you might see more natural scenery and farms.

This side of the river is less crowded, so if you are self-punting in Cambridge for the first time and need some
space to master your punting techniques, you can practice your skills on this side without
bumping into all the tourist boats that swarm the lower river.

Unlike the lower River Cam, you can also enjoy a more relaxing atmosphere because there are hardly any crowds at the upper river,
and you will find plenty of beautiful scenic spots for a picnic break.

However, be careful of swans and ducks that might attempt to steal your food.

Please note we no longer offer self hire.

The Popular Route

The lower river is a popular choice among tourists, but the upper river is preferred by locals because of its serenity and chance to
spend more time on the river.

You should not have any problems buying tickets at the last minute, but it is always better to book those beforehand because Cambridge gets very crowded
during the warmer months.

If you are only visiting for a day, you might miss out on a punting in Cambridge tour if there are too many people and you have not booked the tour on the college backs in advance.

Punting in Cambridge: the technical bits.

A quant is a pole that is used to propel a barge or punt boat through the shallow waters while punting in Cambridge. The barge quant has a cap at the top and a prong or teeth resembling a pitchfork at the bottom. This stops the pole from sinking into the mud. A quant used for

Cambridge punts are usually around four meters or thirteen feet long and is generally made of hollow metal or wood. This way, it can always float even if it is left in the water. Depending on the size of the punt, a longer quant might be required to propel it.

In earlier days, these poles were essential to drive yachts when there were no engines or if the wind was not strong enough. Sailors for large vessels relied on quant poles that were at least twenty-six feet long. Aside from propelling a Cambridge punt, the quant is used to steer the boats by acting as a rudder. The rudder is a primary control surface that helps boats move through the water.

The chauffeur using the quant can quickly stick it behind the punt to safely control and navigate the direction it moves.

There is also a common saying, “I wouldn’t touch that thing with a barge pole,” or “I wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole,” which usually referred to a long pole that is meant to tread through dirty slush and mud at the bottom of a river.

How to Use A Quant whilst punting in Cambridge.

The main reason quants are used for punting in Cambridge is to propel the boat from the rear or front deck. The angle that the chauffeur holds the quant depends on how deep the water is and how fast they want to travel.

For large tour groups, they will go relatively slow because punting in Cambridge is a relaxing trip for you to see the sights around the university, so you might notice that they are not holding the quant at a steeper level, which is meant for deep waters. This is because the bottom of the quant should be able to reach the bed of the canal, and a shallower angle is needed for speed. Your chauffeur might hold it relatively straight because they do not want to go all fast and furious with families and children on board.

Your punting chauffeur will drive the quant downward and then push it slightly back, which propels the punt.

On larger boats, the chauffeur will walk along the side of the punt and brace against the quant to drive forward at the speed they are walking in. For reversing, the quant needs to be pushed forwards and then pulled out of the water.

Your chauffeur will place their hand over it and then pull up, as though they are climbing up and down the pole. Whilst punting in Cambridge, the chauffeur will usually stand at the back for most of the rider and then slide their quant in the water at a forward angle.

This will glide the punt loosely in the direction they want it to go. They will then push the quant just past a vertical angle, sloping it downwards from front to the back of your punt, and then push on the quant to propel forward. At the end of this stroke, the quant gets twisted with a downward roll of their wrist to break it free from the bottom and then retrieve it by throwing their hands forward, getting ready for the next stroke.

You will notice how smooth and rhythmic this style is, which is the best form to give you a safe yet adventurous ride that will satisfy all your punting in Cambridge tourist needs.

Punting in Cambridge

Punting in Cambridge is the most popular activity that is enjoyed by residents and tourists every
year. You can either go book a tour with a group or hire a punt to enjoy exploring the historic
River Cam.

A traditional punt is a flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow that is perfect for
rowing on shallow water and small rivers. They were initially used as cargo boats and are now
used for pleasure trips for those who want to enjoy the sights around the world-famous
Cambridge University.

These boats can be rented by the hour if you want to experience your
own unique Cambridge adventure. If you are hiring a punt, you will need to know how to row
safely along the narrow and crowded waters because punting is not easy. Here are some
rowing techniques to learn for your next self-punt to ensure safety for everybody on board.

Please note we no longer offer self hire punting tours.

Rowing Style for Punting in Cambridge

The most basic technique for punting in Cambridge is to push the boat along with the quant, which
is the long pole you will be using while shoving it directly against the riverbed.

The Cambridge tradition most punters use requires them to stand on the back of the boat and punt forward
with the open end.

The River Cam is narrow and very crowded full of punts, but you will see
most chauffeurs using this style, which is known as the “Cambridge End.”

Rowing Technique for Beginners

When you have a firm grip on the quant, stand near the back or “Till.” It would be best to
position yourself closest to the side as much as balance allows as you look over the side of the
punt.

Using your forward hand, push the pole down vertically close to the side of your punt and
guide it with your lower hand. Let the quant fall down all the way until you feel it touch the
bottom of the riverbed, and then reach forward with both hands by gently pushing the pole
past your chest.

It is essential to be gentle for the first time so that you can control your
steering. When you complete each stroke, relax your muscles and let the pole float upwards
behind you like a rudder. This relaxation habit after each stroke will prevent you from falling
over if the quant gets stuck unexpectedly.

We see a lot of people fall in whilst punting in Cambridge for the first time!

Rowing Technique for Experienced Punters

Instead of using the quant as a rudder, more experienced punters will steer during their
strokes. They do this by standing forward further and stay close to one side of the punt. If they
want to turn the boat in the direction they are facing, they throw the pole close to the punt and
pull it towards them. This type of stroke is known as “Pinching” the punt. To face the other way,
they throw the pole slightly further out and pull their feet towards it. This style is called
“Shoving around.”

Some Cambridge punters with a lot of experience might also use a one-
handed technique, which is more challenging. The one-handed method requires a punter to
throw the pole forward instead of pulling up, which is a “Bucket recovery.”

The advantage of doing this is so the punter can drop their pole directly onto the riverbed at an angle facing their position without slowing momentum.

The pole is in a vertical position, and pressure is applied to steer the punt. This style is beneficial if you want more power in fast-flowing streams or if
the punt is already racing.

Cambridge Punting

There is nothing more British than going punting in Cambridge on a hot summer evening as the sun sets across the River Cam, and the glistening water under long drooping trees surrounds you.

Thousands of visitors travel from across the world to go on a Cambridge punting tour to hear fascinating stories about the renowned university that was once home to Stephen Hawking.

A Cambridge punting tour will always bring out the proud magic of England because it is a rich historical experience.

Going on gondola rides in Venice while listening to “When the moon hits your eyes,” is also a lot of fun, but you should never confuse these relaxing favourites. Here are the main differences between punting and gondola rides.

The Location

In our opinion, the best place to go Cambridge punting is the ‘College Backs’, where you will cross the shallow, narrow waters that surround the colleges.

You will hear vivid stories about all the famous people who graduated from Cambridge University and went on to change the world. The most notable alumni members are Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, Prince Charles, Emma Thompson, Stephen Hawking, Sylvia Plath, and many more.

Cambridge Punting is suitable for large groups or couples who want a romantic ride, you can hear a lot of historical facts about all the colleges, and even some funny stories involving students.

A gondola ride is famous in Italy. Although gondolas have a reputation for Italian romance, you can also ride one in groups with friends or other tourists. Since most of Venice consists of waterways, it is the best way to explore the city.

The Boat

Gondolas used to be a symbol of power for Venetian families, which is why they all decorated gondolas differently to represent each other.

The final shape of the gondola reached around eleven meters, and the stern and bow were lifted higher. This gave it a stronger symmetry and made it easier to control. A gondola operator would propel the boat by rowing a type of oar that is unique to Venice, and they do not need to be in shallow waters.

A Cambridge punt, on the other hand, is a flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow. It is designed to use in shallow water or small rivers. The punt is propelled by pushing the pole or quant against the bottom of the river. Punts are usually the colour of the wood that is used to make them, whereas gondolas are all painted black for uniformity.

The Operator

A punt boat operator in Cambridge is called a “Chauffeur.”

Most chauffeurs who ride on the River Cam are students from the university, and you should pick their brains for interesting titbits that are not mentioned in any brochures. Since lots of them are British, they might sound a lot like Benedict Cumberbatch.

Gondola operators are called “Gondoliers,” and they wear regulated clothing that consists of a striped red or navy t-shirt, or a white sailor’s shirt. In the movies gondoliers often serenade romantic couples with classics like “That’s Amore,” but they are not forced to sing anything in real life, so you should not expect them to.

While punting in Cambridge, anybody can sing if they want to, if they do not disturb other passengers during the ride.

Although some Cambridge punting companies hold musical events on the river, which prove to be very popular among locals and tourists alike.

Cambridge University

Cambridge University draws crowds from all over the globe.

Did you know that Cambridge is where the hole in the ozone layer and gravity were discovered?

There are so many incredible things that Cambridge/ Cambridge University has contributed to the world.

This city is globally renowned for its creativity, inventiveness, and breath-taking natural surroundings.

Here are the top reasons why you should always choose to go punting in Cambridge rather than any other place.

Cambridge Rules

Cambridge is the birthplace of football and the earliest record of the game dates to 1579.

In 1848, a group of representatives and students from Cambridge drafted a set of rules and pinned them to the trees surrounding Parker’s Piece, which is a massive open park in the centre of Cambridge that you can visit after your punting tour.

The “Cambridge Rules” were then adopted by all the teams in the area.

England’s leading clubs got together to form the Football Association in 1863, and Cambridge Rules was the basis for the new FA rules.

A History of Evolution

Charles Darwin, a naturalist, was a student at Christ’s College in Cambridge and was inspired by his professor, who established the city’s botanic garden.

Darwin founded evolutionary biology, the Theory of Evolution, which shook the world when it was published in “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection” (1859), which shaped the way future generations learn about human evolution.

IVF Treatments

This medical procedure has been a lifeline for many people around the world who struggle to start a family.

It was developed in Cambridge by Robert Edwards, a decade after he proved the technique by fertilizing an egg outside the womb.

The world’s first test-tube baby was born in 1978, and Edwards received a well-deserved Nobel Peace Prize in 2010.

Artificial Intelligence

If you have not seen the movie “The Imitation Game” starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley, you are seriously missing out.

It is based on the true story of Alan Turing, who was a Cambridge Universtiy Mathematician, and the father of artificial intelligence and computer science.

He had built a computer called Christopher that successfully cracked an unbreakable German Enigma code during the Second World War.

Gravity

Sir Isaac Newton was a famous scholar and student at Cambridge University.

He was sitting on the grounds one day when an apple fell on his head and helped him develop the theory of gravity.

In 1687, he also established the fact that planets revolve around the sun, and gravity is the force that controls this.

This publication became the foundation of modern physics, and the world knew that Cambridge is an unbeatable city when it comes to education and sciences.

A Collection of Nobel Prizes

When you are punting in Cambridge and admiring the beautiful views on the River Cam, remember that this city has ninety-six Nobel Prizes.

These were awarded for outstanding discoveries related to medicine, chemistry, economics, literature, and peace. Thirty-two winners were from Trinity College alone.

There are many more fascinating contributions that Cambridge University has made to the world.

These include the works of Stephen Hawking, Joe Farman, and many famous poets like Sylvia Plath and William Wordsworth.

You should take a Cambridge punting tour with loved ones, and your chauffeur will share more incredible stories about why this city is the best.

Discovery of DNA structure

After your punting tour along the ‘college backs,’ you may want to relax and refresh at The Eagle Pub.

This is not just any pub, it is located opposite one of the science labs belonging to Cambridge University.

In 1953, Francis Crick announced to the pub that he and James Watson had discovered the double helix structure of DNA.

Haunted Punting

Haunted punting might seem a bizarre concept but just because Halloween is over, it does not mean that going on a haunted trip and hearing about ghosts isn’t still a lot of fun.

Instead of the usual walking tours, why not take a ride through the River Cam and hear spooky stories about Cambridge University that will put every horror movie to shame.

This will make punting in Cambridge a lot more exciting, especially if you want a little more thrill rather than the usual stories about the architecture.

St. John’s College

The second college you will see on your haunted punting tour. This college is one where people have reported several haunted sightings and bizarre incidents.

It was built on a Medieval hospital that was forced to shut down.

You can ask your chauffeur about the ghost of Doctor James Wood, who was an impoverished student at the college. He could not even afford a light in his room while students today are spoiled with laptops, televisions, and mobile phones. Back in the day, he used to sit in the O staircase in the Second Court and use the light from other rooms to work through the night.

Some people reported that his apparition is still haunting the same place at nights and surprised a few students by following them to their rooms.

Another famous ghost is James Ashton, who was brutally murdered in 1746 in the First Court next to the library. He was discovered stabbed in his room, and everybody suspected that his friend John Brinkley killed him.

However, Brinkley escaped justice because his father had some very powerful lawyers. He fled after the murder, and Ashton’s angry spirit can sometimes be heard screaming loudly in the building.

King’s College

Arguably the most famous sight along the river, King’s College is a very popular haunting site. Naturally, Kings College has to be included in our list of haunted punting locations.

This is because the founder, King Henry VI, had gone insane after prison when he was defeated in the War of the Roses.

The chapel was used during the civil war by Oliver Cromwell to house parliamentarian cavalrymen.

Students at Cambridge have reported noises coming from inside the chapel at night. You might hear horses neighing and soldiers scraping their feet. Even the police were called many times by students and teachers because they spotted moving figures on the roof.

Another unusual haunted punting story is that of Barret’s Coffin.

A scholar named Barret was a very eccentric person and lived in the Gibbs Building while strangely keeping a coffin. People often heard him screaming loudly throughout the night but ignored him because of his quirky personality.

One day, the screaming stopped, and when scholars entered his room, they found him dead, lying in his coffin with a smile on his face.

For a long time, the Gibbs building was no longer used for accommodation because people could not sleep and always complained about the random screaming.

It was so bad to the point that the college tried exorcising the building. The exorcism did not work, and now people just continue to tolerate whatever happened in the building.

Clare College

When you are haunted punting in Cambridge, ask your chauffeur about the Black Widow of the Cam.

Her name was Elizabeth De Clare, and she was married off to the richest man in England against her wishes when she was only twelve years old.

Her husband died after the wedding, and Elizabeth had to remarry. Her second husband also passed away after getting married. Then she went on to marry a third wealthy husband, who perished from food poisoning.

Elizabeth became the richest woman in Europe and was unstoppable.

Supposedly the people of Cambridge formed a mob and tortured her until she confessed to murdering all her husbands.

The local men tied Elizabeth to a boat and floated her until Clare Bridge, where she was then killed by burning arrows. She suffered an agonizing death, and her vengeful spirit continues haunting the River Cam.

Romantic Punting in Cambridge

Cambridge is an exceptionally scenic and ancient university city.

There are many romantic activities for couples to celebrate their love and punting in Cambridge is an excellent way to enjoy each other’s company. You can surprise your partner with a tour on the River Cam and relax while you are being chauffeured around this beautiful location.

Instead of sharing a punt with other tourists, you can hire a private ride to take your significant other on the most exciting historical journey. While booking the tour, ask us to personalize the ride.  Whilst romantic punting in Cambridge our chauffeurs can make suggestions about which are the best spots to get photographs.

Why the River Cam?

The River Cam provides the most gorgeous setting for a romantic outing, and it is inspirational to share that with a special person. Ask your chauffeur to take photos of you together so that those memories can last forever.

This is one of the most relaxing tours after exploring the city together. After spending the day in Cambridge, your significant other would really appreciate getting a chance to sit back and rest their feet while taking in more breathtaking sights.

The boat can be decorated with rose petals, and cushions to give you the best experience possible. If this does not impress your date, nothing else will.

If you are celebrating an anniversary together, you can arrange to have a chilled bottle of champagne on board with flutes to sip along the ride while toasting your relationship.

During your punting in Cambridge, you do not have to worry about the weather because we will have blankets and covers on the punt. We can even supply you with a deli grazing box to share together to make the trip extra special. The views you will see along the way are nothing short of something from a Jane Austen novel, which is what makes Cambridge such a romantic city.

A romantic day out in Cambridge

There are lots of activities for couples to partake in and strengthen their bond. After the romantic tour punting in Cambridge, you can stop at a quiet spot to have a picnic in the nearby Jesus Green. If it is not too cloudy, you will see the most magnificent sunset from the water that will literally take your breath away. Dusk is the most romantic time of the day when the sun is going down, and you can stroll under the soft pastel-coloured sky while holding hands as all the buildings light up around you.

At the end of the night, you should cosy up together in a local pub, especially one that has a wood-burning fireplace to set the mood. We recommend Pickerel Inn, just off Magdalene Bridge.

After all that fresh air you experienced on your romantic punting in Cambridge. Enjoy some great food and drinks in Cambridge, and before you know it, you will be coming back to this city for more. Travelling together with loved ones is one of the most unique experiences. As you look at all the beautiful sights together, you are celebrating that there is nobody else you would rather be with to share these magical moments.

Best spots for punting in Cambridge

Best spots for punting in Cambridge is a hotly debated topic between locals and tourists alike.

Cambridge has a wealth of fascinating history that captures the soul.

Punting in Cambridge is the most popular tourist activity for a reason because you get to see all the beautiful architecture and hear the most enthralling stories.

Cambridge is also a very picturesque location if you enjoy taking photographs or even a few selfies for Instagram.

Here are the best spots for punting (in our opinion), ready for your adventure on the River Cam. So that you can truly experience everything that Cambridge is famously known around the world for.

Mathematical Bridge

This historical bridge was built during the seventeenth century and was inspired by bridges in China.

You can see that very little material was used to create this long-lasting structure.

Most people believe that the bridge was designed by Sir Isaac Newton. But it was his student, William Etheridge, who designed it in 1748.

The bridge is right beside Queen’s College, which is one of the oldest and largest colleges at Cambridge. It was founded in 1448 and spans both sides of the River Cam.

You should ask your punting chauffeur to tell you all about the bridge’s design, and how the timber sturdily holds it in place despite being a weak material.

All of the college backs punting tours pass this bridge as it is one of the hotly anticipated spots for punting photography.

The Wren Library

The Wren Library was built in 1695, as part of Trinity College in Cambridge. It was designed by famous British architect Sir Christopher Wren, constructed in 1695. The same architect also
designed the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

This is one of the most beautiful views on the River Cam, especially during sunset.

Sir Isaac Newton, Prince Charles, George VI, Eddie Redmayne, and many more have studied in this library during their time at Trinity College.

 

Bridge of Sighs

One of the most famous spots for punting is the Bridge of Sighs.

This gorgeous bridge looks like something from Harry Potter.

It was named after the Venetian Bridge of Sighs by Queen Victoria. It was built back in 1831 by Henry Hutchinson.

The bridge crosses the River Cam linking between the New Court and Third Court colleges.

Queen Victoria once said that this was her favorite spot in the city, and that’s how this bridge became such a popular tourist attraction.

There is also a common myth that the word “Sighs” came from Cambridge University students who were very stressed during exams.

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