Punting

You can rent punts at several places, notably at Silver Street Bridge–Mill Lane, at Magdalene Bridge, and from outside the Rat and Parrot pub on Thompson's Lane on Jesus Green. Hourly rental costs around £16 to £25. Chauffeured punting, usually by a Cambridge student, is also popular. It costs upwards of £15 to £20 per person.

Scudamore's Punting Co.. This company rents chauffeured and self-drive punts. Daily, 45-minute tours start at around £20 per person (less if booked online). Scudamore's also runs various special tours—for afternoon tea or Halloween, for example. Private tours and punting lessons are also available. High-stakes romantics can even arrange a "Proposal Tour," which includes champagne and roses if your beloved says yes. Granta Place, Mill La., Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1RS. 01223/359750; www.scudamores.com.