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Bridge of Sighs

📍 Bridge of Sighs, St John's College, Cambridge, UK

1 photos

4.6/ 5.0

★★★★★

Introduction

The Bridge of Sighs is a covered bridge at St John's College, Cambridge University, UK. Built in 1831 in Neo-Gothic style, this stone bridge spans the River Cam connecting New Court and Third Court, named after Venice's Bridge of Sighs for its resemblance — with fine lattice windows and a stone corridor, and the best view from a punting trip passing beneath, it is the most romantic and photogenic of Cambridge's college bridges. Designed by Henry Hutchinson in Neo-Gothic style — a covered stone bridge with lattice windows and dentiled cornice — named after Venice's Ponte dei Sospiri; the tale that students sighed crossing it before exams is apocryphal. The bridge links New Court and Third Court across the Cam. The best view is from a punting trip passing beneath — looking up at lattice windows and the stone vault with dappled light. Kitchen Bridge and Iron Bridge nearby offer distant views. Visiting to admire Neo-Gothic lattice windows while punting beneath is a classic, poetic Cambridge college-bridge experience.

✨ Highlights

Neo-Gothic covered bridge

Built 1831 — covered stone bridge with lattice windows and dentiled cornice.

Punting

Passing beneath by punt is the best way to view the lattice windows.

St John's College

Links New Court and Third Court across the Cam.

Name

Named after Venice's Bridge of Sighs; the student-sigh tale is apocryphal.

🛈 Practical Info

→Exterior：Free from the Cam or nearby bridges.

→Punting：Take a punt beneath — best vantage.

→Interior：Bridge belongs to St John's — interior by permission.

→Combine：With Mathematical Bridge, Clare Bridge and King's College.

💡 Tips

• Punting beneath is the best way to view the bridge.

• Bridge belongs to St John's — interior by permission.

• Kitchen Bridge or Iron Bridge offer distant photos.

• Combine with other Cambridge college bridges.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Bridge of Sighs?

Punting beneath is the best way to view the bridge. Bridge belongs to St John's — interior by permission.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.