Grantchester Punting Trip

A 3-hour guided expedition upriver to the village of Grantchester, approximately 5 kilometres from Cambridge city centre. The route passes through meadows and woodlands before arriving at the village, where you typically stop for a pub meal or drinks before the return journey. This is the longest punting excursion available and suits those wanting countryside beyond the colleges. Best for experienced punters wanting countryside exploration. This is a moderate activity lasting 3 hours. Group size: 4-12. You meet at Jesus Green. Key highlights: Only punting tour extending into countryside beyond colleges, Meadows, fields, and trees instead of urban scenery, Pub stop in village (food purchased separately).

Price: £18 per person

Duration: 3 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: 4-12

Minimum age: 8+

Best for: experienced punters wanting countryside exploration

Best time: May to September for weather reliability and longer daylight. June and July offer the most daylight but are busier. Early autumn (September) has good weather and fewer crowds. Avoid March-April when water levels are high and punting is difficult.

Meeting point: Jesus Green

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

10:00am (approximate departure) Meet at Jesus Green and board the punt - The guide briefs you on the longer route and what to expect. Groups of 4-12 share a larger punt.

First 45 minutes Punt upstream through Cambridge residential areas and college grounds - You'll pass newer college buildings and gardens. The water is gentler than central sections.

45 minutes to 90 minutes Enter open countryside and meadows - Development decreases. You'll see fields, cows, and trees. The Cam widens slightly. This is the transition to rural England.

90 minutes to 2 hours Arrive in Grantchester village - The guide moors the punt at a village pub (often The Orchard Tea Garden or The Blue Ball).

2 hours to 2.5 hours Pub stop for food, drink, and rest - You can order meals, drinks, or just relax. Food prices typically £12-18 per item. This is a proper break.

Final 30 minutes Punt downstream back to Jesus Green - Returning downstream is faster and easier than the outbound journey.

The whole experience takes 3 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Jesus Green.

• Only punting tour extending into countryside beyond colleges
• Meadows, fields, and trees instead of urban scenery
• Pub stop in village (food purchased separately)
• More relaxed pace than central Cambridge tours
• Strong sense of exploration and rural escape

What is included: 3-hour guided punt (approximately 90 minutes each direction with 30-minute pub stop), Professional punter navigation, Life jackets, Route map.

Not included: Food and beverages at Grantchester pub (purchased separately, budget £12-20), Pub entrance fees (some venues charge £2-5 per person). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Wallet/cash for pub meals and drinks, Sunscreen and hat for longer exposure, Windproof layer (river wind stronger in open countryside), Comfortable walking shoes for village exploration, Camera for countryside and village photos, Book or tablet for quiet moments. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: May to September for weather reliability and longer daylight. June and July offer the most daylight but are busier. Early autumn (September) has good weather and fewer crowds. Avoid March-April when water levels are high and punting is difficult..

Tip: Check weather conditions

Tip: Bring snacks and drinks

Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users. Requires sitting for extended periods (up to 2 hours at a time). Requires walking to village pubs. Those with hip or knee issues should consider shorter tours instead..

Operator: Lets Go Punting | Book directly (opens in new tab)

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Cambridge University Botanic Garden (15 min walk from Jesus Green walk)
• King's College Chapel (12 min from Jesus Green walk)
• Fitzwilliam Museum (10 min from Jesus Green walk)

This activity is run by Lets Go Punting.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. Cancellations within 48 hours forfeited..

Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users. Requires sitting for extended periods (up to 2 hours at a time). Requires walking to village pubs. Those with hip or knee issues should consider shorter tours instead..

Best time to go: May to September for weather reliability and longer daylight. June and July offer the most daylight but are busier. Early autumn (September) has good weather and fewer crowds. Avoid March-April when water levels are high and punting is difficult..

Is the pub lunch included in the £18 price?

No. The £18 is for the punt and guide only. The pub stop is included in timing (roughly 30-40 minutes), but all food and drinks are purchased separately and typically cost £12-20 per person depending on what you order.

How difficult is it to punt upstream to Grantchester?

The professional guide does the punting, so you don't have to. However, upstream punting is harder work than downstream, which is why the return journey is faster and easier. This tour suits people with moderate fitness.

What if the weather turns bad during the tour?

Tours operate in light rain with ponchos provided. In severe weather or flooding, tours may be cancelled. The operator monitors conditions and will contact you 24 hours before if cancellation is necessary. You'll receive a full refund.