St John's College, Cambridge — a legendary college founded in 1511 by Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII, pouring her heart and soul into its creation. It is one of Cambridge's most spectacular colleges with the greatest number of courtyards. The Gothic Revival Bridge of Sighs spans the River Cam, its intricate carvings prompting Queen Victoria to remark "more beautiful than the original in Venice"; Second Court is hailed as "England's finest Tudor courtyard," its Tudor porches and oak panelling keeping silent vigil over 500 years; the Old Library treasures Keats' death mask and medieval chained books. A one-day in-depth tour includes chapel visits, a stroll across the Bridge of Sighs, and exploration of New Court.
From the Tudor chapel to punting beneath the Bridge of Sighs on the Cam, step into the filming location of Harry Potter's flying broomstick lessons, and feel the solemnity and splendour of Lady Margaret Beaufort's 500-year unfulfilled legacy
In the morning, enter through the magnificent Great Gate on St John's Street, gaze up at Lady Margaret Beaufort's coat of arms and the mythical "yale" statues above the gatehouse, then pass through the fan-vaulted gateway into First Court. Turn right into the Tudor chapel, admire the exquisite stained-glass windows and oak choir stalls, and experience the world-renowned celestial music of the Choir of St John's. Next, walk through the cloisters to reach Cambridge's most photogenic spot — the Bridge of Sighs. This Gothic Revival covered bridge, built in 1831, spans the River Cam in three tiers — a semi-elliptical lower arch, a middle arcaded gallery, and an upper flat parapet with pinnacle decorations — reflected in the river like a dream. In the afternoon, stroll to New Court, whose pale yellow Gothic Revival towers are nicknamed "The Wedding Cake" — this is precisely the filming location for Harry Potter's flying broomstick lessons. Finally, explore the Old Library built in 1624, searching among the oak shelves for Keats' death mask and medieval chained books. In the evening, return to Kitchen Bridge to capture the classic silhouette of the Bridge of Sighs at sunset.
Cambridge's most famous century-old bakery, just a 3-minute walk from St John's College. Famous nationwide for its Chelsea Bun, served with a three-tier afternoon tea stand and Earl Grey tea in the Victorian wooden-arched interior — feel the Cambridge academic atmosphere where Wordsworth and Jin Yong once lingered. Budget £15-£25 per person.
A classic British pub beside Silver Street Bridge on the River Cam, with a terrace offering direct views of St John's College back gardens and the Bridge of Sighs spire. Signature dish is Cambridge grilled trout with lemon butter sauce. Enjoy a local craft ale on the riverside terrace on a summer evening — the best way to experience Cambridge college life. Budget £20-£35 per person.
Cambridge's most popular handmade ice cream shop, a 3-minute walk from St John's College. Creative flavours like thyme honey, Earl Grey, and salted caramel are full of British charm. Grab one by the Cam on a summer day — a sweet memory Cambridge locals have loved since childhood. Single scoop from £4.
A hidden gem in the alley behind St John's College, a cosy bistro converted from an old stable. The signature venison pie with blackberry sauce is full of English countryside flavour, and the wine list features hand-selected Cambridgeshire craft ales and English wines. Budget £25-£40 per person.