W

ith its famous university colleges and ancient streets, without doubt the most famous romantic pursuit in Cambridge is a punt on the River Cam.

A standard return trip takes approximately 45 minutes and takesthe ¾ mile stretch of river from Jesus Green to Silver Street. En route are many landmarks including seven colleges, the Mathematical Bridge and Bridge of Sighs, along with the Chapel at King’s College.

There are many competing punting companies offering romantic evening punts either self-hire or with a chauffeur, complete with champagne and canapés. Scudamores offers something even more romantic - an overnight punt from 5pm to 9am the next morning. This means you can lie back and watch the stars appear from the comfort of your own punt, have supper under the moon and fall asleep in one another’s arms.

If you go during May Week, the climax of the university year, you’ll see spectacular firework displays put on by the May Balls (which actually take place in June) at Clare, Trinity and St. John’s colleges. If you come in the winter when it’s too cold to punt, book an ice skating session at Cambridge on Ice or head out to the Fens for a skate or a romantic yomp and a hearty meal in a local pub.