Cambridge Bridge of Sighs — a Gothic Revival covered bridge built in 1831, spanning the River Cam to connect the Third Court and New Court of St John's College. It is Cambridge's most photographed and most frequently captured building. Designed by architect Henry Hutchinson, Queen Victoria marvelled at it during her 1847 visit, comparing it to Venice's Bridge of Sighs — hence the name. The pale stone arched windows reflect in the rippling Cam, and the bridge has appeared in films such as *The Theory of Everything* and *Elizabeth: The Golden Age*. This one-day in-depth tour includes a visit to St John's College, photographing the bridge, and punting through its arch on the Cam.
From St John's College's Gothic gatehouse to punting through the Bridge of Sighs arch, step into Queen Victoria's romantic exclamation and feel the eternal beauty of 1831 Gothic Revival architecture
In the morning, enter St John's College from St John's Street, look up at the Tudor-style turreted gatehouse bearing Lady Margaret Beaufort's colourful coat of arms, walk through First Court into Third Court — and there before you stands the pale stone Bridge of Sighs. The Gothic Revival pointed arched windows cast delicate shadows in the sunlight, the bridge's reflection shimmering dreamily in the rippling Cam. Cross the bridge into New Court, gaze up at the Gothic Revival tower nicknamed the "Wedding Cake" — the filming location for Harry Potter's broomstick flying scenes. Then return to Third Court, pause before the Old Library (built 1624), admiring the Tudor arcade and the accumulated wisdom of generations of scholars. In the afternoon, find the best angle to photograph the Bridge of Sighs from Kitchen Bridge — a stone bridge built in 1712, just 20 metres upstream, offering a superb free external viewpoint. At dusk, hire a punt and glide through the bridge's arch, listening to the boatman tell tales of student pranks — including the time a car was suspended from the arch — and feel 500 years of romance and poetry in the golden sunset light.
A classic riverside pub just a 3-minute walk from St John's College, housed in a beautiful cottage on the banks of the Cam. Famous for traditional British Sunday Roast and Cambridgeshire local craft ales. The summer terrace overlooks punts gliding along the river. Budget £15-£30 per person.
Housed in a historic building beside King's College, a 5-minute walk from St John's College. Renowned for quality British steaks and roast cod with mustard sauce, using locally sourced Cambridgeshire produce. Wood-panelled interiors exude warm collegiate atmosphere. Budget £25-£40 per person.
Cambridge's most popular artisan gelato shop, a 4-minute walk from St John's College. Creative flavours like thyme honey, Earl Grey tea, and rose raspberry are full of British charm. Grab a cone by the Cam in summer — a sweet memory Cambridge locals have grown up with. Single scoop from £4.
A hidden gem around the corner from St John's College, famous across Cambridge for its slow-roasted beef on artisan bread sandwiches. Charcoal-grilled pork with apple sauce and crispy fries — simple yet unforgettable, the highest-rated affordable eatery among Cambridge students. Budget £10-£15 per person.