Boating along the River Cam

The River Cam has a busy boating community, particularly in Cambridge itself, where there are liveaboard vessels of all shapes and sizes.

As well as powered boats, the city river is very popular with rowers and punters, so you should always be alert if you're in charge of a larger vessel. The punts generally keep to the section of the river above Jesus Lock, which is closed to powered boats during the summer.

However, during the winter months, you can take your own boat along this immensely picturesque stretch of river, lined with colleges and crossed by several historic bridges. At these times, the head of navigation for larger boats is the mill pool just past Silver Street Bridge, by the Anchor and Mill pubs.

If you'd like to penetrate even further upstream, you can hire a punt or rowing boat, and waft lazily through Grantchester Meadows to the village immortalised by Rupert Brooke.

Control of the river is shared between the Environment Agency and the Conservators of the River Cam. You should contact the Cam Conservators if you are planning to cruise above Jesus Lock.

Bridge & lock opening times

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.