A star-studded trek down the river! William Shatner swaps the Starship Enterprise for an idyllic punt as he takes in the sights of Cambridge

By Victoria Finan For Mailonline

Published: 23:02 GMT, 15 August 2016 | Updated: 23:30 GMT, 15 August 2016

He's better known for his adventures in outer space than on the water.

But veteran Star Trek actor William Shatner enjoyed life at an easy pace as he took a nautical trip on a punt in Cambridge this week.

The 85-year-old looked serene and relaxed as he reclined back on some very comfortably-looking cushions in his punt up the River Cam.

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Punting: William Shatner enjoyed a journey in a punt on the river Cam today

Punting: William Shatner enjoyed a journey in a punt on the river Cam today

He was helped into the long boat from moorings in the south-east city by a friend. 

And William was clearly enjoying the seasonal British sunshine as he was gently pulled through the water.

At one point he was accompanied on the trip by a cameraman, leading to speculation that he may be filming a new drama or documentary in the historic university city.

Serene: He was towed along the peaceful river by a young punter in the city

Serene: He was towed along the peaceful river by a young punter in the city

Let's row! He let the punter do the hard work as he relaxed and enjoyed the scenery

Let's row! He let the punter do the hard work as he relaxed and enjoyed the scenery

Steady on! The punter gripped some stairs on a mooring for support as he sailed down

Steady on! The punter gripped some stairs on a mooring for support as he sailed down

Idyllic: William was given the chance to enjoy some of the finest university buildings in the country

Idyllic: William was given the chance to enjoy some of the finest university buildings in the country

Friendly faces: He was joined by friends for part of the relaxing journey

Friendly faces: He was joined by friends for part of the relaxing journey

Rolling along: The punter expertly navigated the long boat under a bridge 

Rolling along: The punter expertly navigated the long boat under a bridge 

Atmospheric: Punting is an exceptionally popular past-time in the university city

Atmospheric: Punting is an exceptionally popular past-time in the university city

The actor paused to chat to some friends on a moorings as he took in the beautiful scenery.

And while he was casually dressed, his punter looked a little more traditional. 

He wore the quintessential punting garb of a waistcoat with a jaunty boater hat.

Shatner is no stranger to travelling - he is set to appear on reality series Better Late Than Never.

Alongside fellow veteran TV star Henry Winkler, NFL legend Terry Bradshaw and boxer George Foreman, the actor will head to discover the delights of Asia.

The one-hour series travels to Tokyo, Kyoto, Seoul, Hong Kong, Phuket and Chiang Mai before heading home to the US.

Help: William was aided into the boat by a female friend

Help: William was aided into the boat by a female friend

Catch-up: The group certainly looked to be enjoying eachother's company while docked at a mooring

Catch-up: The group certainly looked to be enjoying eachother's company while docked at a mooring

Casual: William looked suitably relaxed for his day on the punt

Casual: William looked suitably relaxed for his day on the punt

No stopping him: Despite being 85, William looked to be in excellent health as he enjoyed the ride
No stopping him: Despite being 85, William looked to be in excellent health as he enjoyed the ride

No stopping him: Despite being 85, William looked to be in excellent health as he enjoyed the ride

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