About RiverCam Tourist Cameras

RiverCam Tourist Cameras was created for visitors who want to explore Cambridge with a camera that captures its true light. Rather than packing expensive equipment or relying on a phone, we provide ready, easy-to-use kits that allow guests to focus on their walk, not their gear. The service began on King Street, just a few minutes from the historic colleges, where the mix of cyclists, courtyards and river reflections inspired the idea of short-term camera hire for travellers who prefer light travel.

Each of our kits is prepared daily—batteries charged, cards cleared, and settings reset for smooth operation. We keep the menus simple and offer brief printed guides so every visitor, even those new to photography, can capture high-quality images from the first shot. Our team checks all equipment by hand before it leaves the shelf and again on return, ensuring that every lens, strap and bag is ready for the next explorer.

Why We Started

Cambridge attracts photographers from all over the world, yet many arrive with only a phone camera or with gear that’s not suited to local conditions. RiverCam’s founders noticed how often tourists borrowed or shared cameras within groups, missing opportunities to photograph the city at its quietest moments. We designed a system that’s affordable, flexible and friendly. Visitors can book online or on arrival, collect their chosen kit within minutes and return it after a morning or day out. The goal was never to run a tech shop—it was to create a smooth bridge between local life and the visitor’s eye.

Our Approach

We believe that photography should be accessible, not intimidating. Our staff are not salespeople but guides who understand what travellers need for a short stay—clarity, fair pricing and reliability. There’s no membership or deposit complexity; identification is checked at collection, and the process is straightforward. Most hires take less than ten minutes from walk-in to walking out with the camera bag.

We keep the technical side light. Every camera is preset to automatic and daylight balance, with the option to adjust if the user wishes. Printed cards explain the basic functions—focus, exposure and playback—without long manuals or apps. Visitors who want a quick demonstration can request a two-minute briefing before heading out.

Responsible Practice

All memory cards are securely formatted after each use, preventing access to any previous data. Returned devices are cleaned with care, batteries recycled appropriately, and packaging reused when possible. Our processes follow the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) principles when any personal details are stored for booking or payment.

Where We Work

The hire desk is based at 23 King Street, Cambridge CB1 1LH, England—a short walk from the Market Square and the River Cam itself. From this base, visitors can easily set off to the Backs, King’s College Chapel, or along the river paths. We are open daily, adjusting hours through the seasons to match visitor flow. Email and phone enquiries are handled quickly, and responses usually include suggested kit options for the type of trip described.

Our Promise to Visitors

We can’t promise sunshine or perfect light, but we do ensure well-maintained cameras and helpful, clear communication. RiverCam stays small by design, keeping attention on each traveller rather than scaling into a chain. The most satisfying part of our day is when visitors return, scroll through their images and share a moment they’ve captured—often something they wouldn’t have noticed without a camera in hand.