I was pleased enough with my wonderful morning exploring Cambridge’s colleges and back streets, but little did I know that the best fun was yet to come. Without a doubt, punting down the River Cam is the best way to see the town, allowing you to peek into back gardens and admire the gorgeous architecture – all from the comfort of your seat!
It always adds extra flavour to a visit when you’re able to catch up with friends who live in a city, and so it was with Cambridge. Nick and Madeleine threw a fantastic picnic party, and then suggested that as Victoria and I had come all the way from London, we couldn’t leave without going for a punt on the river with them. Who were we to refuse?!
Picnic party!
Everyone in Cambridge was loving the sunshine
We hired a couple of the lovely lady punts from Cambridge Chauffeur Punts and were quickly off up the river. You can rent punts with or without a guide, and as the river was very busy on this sunny Sunday I was grateful that the guys were well-experienced from a year of living in Cambridge.
The famous Mathematical Bridge, originally constructed by Sir Isaac Newton without nuts or bolts
Punting has been popular in Cambridge since Edwardian times, and is the perfect way to see the ‘Backs’, the parts of the famous colleges that face the river and are often not accessible by the public. I loved seeing the different views of the gorgeous architecture and hearing Cambridge’s stories told by my friends.
St John’s College
Visiting friends meant we could also have a nosey around their college, in Nick’s case Magdalene. Madeleine led us past the immaculate lawns and the Pepys building, with a peek into the hall being set for Sunday formal dinner.
A cute couple in the college
The Pepys Building
The Bridge of Sighs – yep in Cambridge, not Venice!
Students lounging outside the Wren Library in Trinity College looked like they were easily mixing studying with pleasure. Those familiar with my St Paul’s obsession will not be surprised I was fascinated to learn more about the architect of the Library, who built it to house all the books on the second floor in case the river ever flooded.
King’s College
Punting was a brilliant way to see a different side of Cambridge and so much fun – make sure you give it a try if you ever find yourself in the town!
For more on my amazing day exploring Cambridge, click here
Linking up for #WanderfulWednesday with Marcella, Lauren, Van and Isabel – check out their travel link-up and their fantastic blogs using the links!
