Cambridge is about 60 miles north of London and one of the most rewarding day trips you can take. The city centre is compact and flat, the colleges line the river, and an hour on a punt shows you the famous view of the Backs that you cannot see from the street.
- DistanceAbout 60 miles, roughly 1½ hours by car
- Tickets to bookKing's College Chapel; punting in summer
- WalkingEasy: the centre is flat and compact
- Best monthsApril to October for punting
King's College Chapel
King's College Chapel, begun in 1446, is one of the finest late Gothic buildings in the world, famous for its fan-vaulted ceiling and its choir. Visits are by timed ticket and numbers are limited, so buy in advance from the college's official ticket page rather than relying on the day. Allow about an hour for the chapel and the college lawns.
King's is a working college and chapel, so it sometimes closes to visitors for services, events or exam periods, often at short notice. Check its opening times calendar for your date. If you would like to hear the choir, Evensong is free to attend; arrive at least 30 minutes early.
Punting on the Cam
A punt is a flat-bottomed boat pushed along with a long pole. Most visitors take a chauffeured punt, where a guide does the hard work and tells stories as you glide past the Backs: the lawns behind King's, Clare, Trinity and St John's colleges, under the Bridge of Sighs and past the Mathematical Bridge at Queens'.
Shared punt tours are sold per person and private punts per boat. On sunny summer weekends the river is busy, so book ahead or plan your punt for the morning. Punting is gentle and safe for children, who wear life jackets where the operator provides them.
A day that works
- Pickup from your hotel or home in Central London.
- King's College Chapel and its lawns (about an hour).
- A 45-minute chauffeured punt along the Backs.
- Lunch in the city centre.
- Trinity Street, the Market Square, the Corpus Clock and, if you like, the Fitzwilliam Museum (free entry).
- Back to London, about 1½ hours.
- Drop-off at your door.
Train or private car?
Cambridge is well served by trains from King's Cross and Liverpool Street, and the fastest take under an hour. The main station is about a mile and a half from the centre, so most people take a bus or taxi into town. For two adults travelling light, the train is good value.
A private car is the better choice for families and groups, for visitors who would rather not cross London to a station, and for anyone who wants to add a second stop. Ely Cathedral, about half an hour away, and the American War Cemetery at Madingley are both easy to add by car and awkward by public transport.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Price per vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| See the current prices for every vehicle on the tour page. | ||
Practical tips
- Bring a light layer for the punt: it is cooler on the water.
- Many colleges charge for entry and set their own opening hours. Choose one or two rather than trying to see them all.
- Cambridge is very busy at graduation time and on summer Saturdays. A weekday is calmer.
- Arriving at Heathrow? See our Heathrow to Cambridge transfer guide.
Questions we are often asked
Do we need to book King's College Chapel tickets in advance?
It is strongly recommended. Visits are by timed ticket, numbers are limited, and the college cannot guarantee tickets on the day. Book through the college's official ticket page.
Is punting included in the tour price?
No. Our price covers your private car and driver, fuel, parking and waiting time. You buy punting tickets directly, either on the day or in advance.
Is punting safe for children?
Yes. Chauffeured punts are slow and steady, and you stay seated throughout. Children should sit still and wear a life jacket where the punting company provides one.
Can we combine Cambridge with Ely Cathedral?
Yes. Ely is about 30 minutes from Cambridge. Add one or two hours when you book, or tell us and we will suggest a timetable.
When is the best time of year to visit?
April to October is best for punting. Colleges sometimes close to visitors during the exam season in May and June, so check opening times if a particular college is important to you.