MAY 11, 2020
Whether it is your first time to the city or you have been here all your life, the best way to experience the beautiful and historical city is by punting. You will experience a leisurely trip along the River Stour while someone pushes you along, giving you the freedom to enjoy the sights and your drink. Punting is a quintessentially British thing to do, and Canterbury has been a hotspot of tourism since the 12th century.
A punt is a flat-bottomed boat designed to operate in shallow areas. Today they are used to take river tours along the Stour in Canterbury. The boat is pushed along manually by a pole traditionally made of wood. The person doing this is referred to as a punter. Punting became a pleasurable leisure activity in the early 1900s.
There are two main locations known simply as up or downstream. Downstream takes you through the city centre where you travel under historical buildings and even inside old tunnel networks. Upriver leads to the countryside, better for enjoying nature with a drink. Tours suit many occasions including hen parties, birthdays, ghost tours, romantic trips, and even proposals.
River tours are available almost all year round. Spring brings ducklings and beautiful sunlight, summer is warmest but busiest, autumn offers seasonal colours with fewer crowds, and winter offers exclusivity with blankets and hot water bottles. In our opinion, spring and autumn are best as crowds can ruin the serenity of the river.
Bank holidays and weekends are busier than midweek. The river is quietest earlier in the day, with a real peak between 11 am and 4 pm. Do not be put off by nighttime either — some companies offer lantern-lit tours on request.
Book in advance when possible, as some companies offer deposit schemes that save money on the day. Contact the company directly with questions — they can often work out the best way for you to book and save money.