There can be few more romantic and quintessentially British ways to spend a lazy afternoon than punting the rivers of the stunning city of Cambridge with your love. The best people to trust to deliver this experience in luxury and style are Rutherford’s Punting.
Romantic Punting Experience for 2
This incredible experience takes you cruising along the River Cam in beautiful Cambridge in Eastern England. Even the tour name makes my heart do a little sigh! Simply turn up and find your Guide Chauffeur and boat (or rather, punt) all ready and waiting for you. Sit back and relax in comfort with cushions, lumbar supports, and blankets and turn up the romance a notch with beautiful petals in the boat and an award-winning bottle of chilled Premium Champagne and two flutes. The tour is super romantic so it is perfect for a special anniversary, a proposal, or just couples looking for a memorable afternoon.
On sunny days your chauffeur will dress in the traditional punting ensemble with wear a waistcoat or shirt and perhaps even brace, if it’s slightly chillier, the professional coat comes out. The boat is also ready for all-weather; there’s plenty of (waterproof!) blankets, umbrellas (or rain or sun!), and even hot water bottles on colder days. Your tour lasts 50 minutes, leaving you plenty of time before and after visiting some of Cambridge’s lovely pubs and restaurants.
Who to Punt With
For punting in Cambridge, it has to be Rutherford’s Punting. They are the top-rated punting company in Cambridge, with over 29 years of experience, offering VisitEngland Quality Rose Marque tours. An impressive feat that involves an annual mystery shopper to ensure their standards remain incomparable.
They offer a truly exceptional experience and deliver all the little extras that make such a difference to discerning travelers. Their unique lumbar supports are designed by a qualified yoga instructor, all their Chauffeurs are fully trained in their hospitality approach, and they are the first punting company to have personal and business premises licenses so you can enjoy that delicious glass of bubbly!
There’s some lovely history behind their name too. The company is named after previous resident Ernest Rutherford, a Cambridge Graduate whose contribution to nuclear physics is legendary and much celebrated.
Cambridge
This romantic punting experience takes you cruising along the River Cam in beautiful Cambridge in Eastern England. The historic city of Cambridge is home to the prestigious University of Cambridge, dating to 1209. Some of the most famous University colleges include King’s, known for its impressive choir and magnificent towering Gothic chapel; Trinity, founded by Henry VIII, and St John’s, with its 16th-century Great Gate. The city is packed with beautiful museums, art galleries, architecture, and, of course, the majestic college buildings. Wander the quaint passages that surround the historic marketplace and colleges and browse the many independent shop and boutiques here. The River Cam runs through the very heart of Cambridge, so a punt is the way to enjoy sensational views of the world-famous Cambridge College Backs. Punting the river also takes you past the English Heritage historic park right in the center of the city, as well as under the seemingly endless stunning bridges and past divine pristine gardens.
The Traditional Cambridge Punt
A punt is a flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow and no keel. This traditional vessel was designed for use in small rivers, just like those that flow through Cambridge. Punting refers to the experience of boating in said punt. The punter generally propels the punt along by using a pole to push against the river bed, creating that lovely slow motion through the river. Punts were introduced to Cambridge as a pleasure craft at the start of the 20th century, and the city’s love affair with punting began.
Other Punting Experiences
If romance isn’t on the agenda, perhaps you are with a group of friends or just on a bit more of a budget, then there are many other punting options from Rutherford’s Punting. Be it an adventurous hen party, punting lessons, a picnic tour, or how about a sushi dining experience, they have it covered! If you are on a budget, then you can even take a Shared Punting Tour where others will be in the boat with you; the experience is still magical, and the views just the same.
Fancy a Drink?
Before your punt, why not head to The Punter Pub, one of the most romantic pubs in Cambridge and the ideal venue to set the scene for your time on the river. It’s wonderfully quirky here and set just minutes walk from the river, is ideally located. Super snug and cozy in winter and gorgeous on the courtyard terrace in the summer, it’s one for foodies too, with delicious Gastropub served in generous portions. Why not return after your punting experience to and raise a glass to a memorable day together.
Where to Stay
And to make the most of your experience, you need a hotel as equally romantic to stay in. When in Cambridge, it has to be the Hotel du Vin & Bistro. This stunning boutique hotel was lovingly converted from old University buildings. Its French-style Bistro is perfect for afternoon tea or, better still, a candle-lit dinner while you reminisce on your day on the river.
If you would like to book a stay at a luxury hotel or a business class flight, contact our luxury travel concierge to get a quote before booking. We offer free upgrades, free breakfasts, deals, and special benefits.
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