The Backs, Cambridge
The Backs is the stretch of green riverside land along the River Cam behind (hence the name) several of Cambridge's grandest colleges, including King's, Trinity, St John's, and Clare, offering the best views of their rear facades, bridges, and gardens from across the water or from a punt. It's less about any single building and more about the cumulative effect of walking or punting past centuries of college architecture set against open lawns and the river.
Punting along the Backs is the classic Cambridge activity, either self-punted (harder than it looks) or with a chauffeured guide who narrates the history and, invariably, the Mathematical Bridge myth along the way. Walking the public paths on the far bank is free and gives good photo angles of the Bridge of Sighs (St John's) and the Wren Library (Trinity) among others.
An hour's walk covers the main stretch; a punt tour typically runs 45 minutes to an hour and is worth doing at least once.
The Backs, Cambridge FAQs
The stretch of parkland and riverside along the River Cam behind several major colleges (King's, Trinity, St John's, Clare), offering views of their rear facades and gardens.
Yes, the public riverside paths are free to walk; only punting tours and entry into the colleges themselves are ticketed.
Self-punting is cheaper but has a real learning curve and can be frustrating for first-timers; a chauffeured punt is more relaxing and includes narration of the colleges' history.
Views of King's College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs at St John's, the Mathematical Bridge at Queens', and Trinity's Wren Library, among other college buildings.
Typically 45 minutes to an hour for a standard guided punt tour covering the main stretch of colleges.
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