Punting Boats

Punting is a shared tradition: a quintessential activity in both Cambridge and Oxford. On a waterside stroll or bicycle ride, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find a flurry of these flat-bottomed boats, or “punts,” being propelled through the shallow water of the Cam or Oxford’s Cherwell River. Punters stand at the rear of the boat and push against the riverbed using a long pole, like dapper vaulters who—preferring leisure repeatedly stop themselves from catapulting into the water.

In Oxford, punt stations line the riverbank and the vessels are available for hire. But over on the River Cam, the scenery makes punting more of a must-do. The Backs, a lavish area behind several colleges, is a particularly popular span. If your aim is to step into a period drama, start here.

During the warm summer weeks in England, both riversides come to life as destinations for picnics, Pimm’s cups, and punting. Knowledgeable locals (or students) step up as guides to share the history, architecture, and landmarks of the colleges along the route. Whether you’re an Oxford admirer or a Cambridge enthusiast, river punting is soaked in tradition and an excellent means of capturing the essence of either enchanting town.

The fact that they had their first boating race against each other in the thirteenth century, or that it feels strange to mention one university without the other—often within the same word, “Oxbridge”—you would assume their relationship would be defined by scathing rivalry. And of course there’s no shortage of contrasts or competition between these two elites. But the ways they complement each other are far more notable: quirky, profoundly honored traditions; stunning libraries and spaces for learning; stringently upheld rules; increasingly absurd attire the more educated you become.

Whether you’re watching punting boats while enjoying a beverage from one of the first coffee shops in the world or tucking into a box of delectable Chelsea buns, it feels like a privilege to be there. The ideal is to
enjoy both towns—while attempting to contain your disappointment that you may not be around for the next rendition of the swapping, swapping mallard song.

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