Bridge of Sighs

Bridge of Sighs showing heritage architecture, a bridge and heritage elements
Bridge of Sighs
Bridge of Sighs which includes heritage elements, a bridge and kayaking or canoeing
Bridge of Sighs which includes heritage architecture, kayaking or canoeing and heritage elements
Bridge of Sighs showing a bridge, kayaking or canoeing and heritage elements


Take a chauffeured tour along the River Cam to get a closer look at this neo-Gothic bridge as you pass beneath it.

The Bridge of Sighs is a stunning 19th-century structure in the University of Cambridge. The covered bridge connects parts of St. John’s College and is a major draw for sightseers who come to delight in its elegance and charm. Admire the historic bridge and imagine the countless brilliant minds that have traversed it while studying at Cambridge.

The bridge, which was built in 1831, was Queen Victoria’s favourite part of Cambridge. Some say the site takes its name from the sighs of students crossing it on their way to take exams. However, it is actually named in honour of the famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice, which is also covered.

The bridge connects the New Court building with the Third Court structure across the River Cam. The students and professors that live and work at the illustrious university cross the bridge daily and you may be able to spot them from below. The bridge is not open to the public and the best ways to see it are as part of a guided tour of the university. Check with tour operators before departing as entry is often restricted.

For a memorable experience, take the chauffeured river tour instead. Appreciate the majesty of the bridge as you glide underneath it and take note of its grand arches and spirals. Listen to fascinating and humorous tales from the guide about the bridge and the river. One such story centers on a bizarre prank that students pulled twice in the 1960s, by hanging a car off the bridge by a rope.

Take photos of the site from the river or one of the nearby halls. There are also great photo opportunities from the bridge itself, with views downriver of the gardens and neo-Gothic architecture.

The Bridge of Sighs is in St. John’s College in the centre of Cambridge. To get here, take a short walk from the campus or city centre. Nearby features include the St. John’s College Playing Fields and the Jesus Green.

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Things to do near Bridge of Sighs

While visiting the iconic Bridge of Sighs in Cambridge, be sure to indulge in photo tours that capture its stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings. Additionally, explore the vibrant local art scene, which adds to the charm of this historic landmark. Whether you're snapping photos or appreciating nearby artworks, there's plenty to engage with during your visit to this enchanting area.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the Bridge of Sighs, visit Cambridge Market Square, a vibrant public market just 186m away. The Grand Arcade Shopping Centre, located 249m away, offers a mix of business and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore Waterside Antiques Centre, 9.3km away.

Recreation

The Backs, a picturesque area just 435m from the Bridge of Sighs, offers tranquil walks along the river, perfect for relaxation. For golf enthusiasts, Gog Magog Golf Club, located 2.5km away, boasts stunning outdoor facilities. Milton Country Park, 1.9km distant, features peaceful trails and scenic views for a rejuvenating escape.

Adventure

At Virtual Aviation, located 1.9km from the Bridge of Sighs, immerse yourself in exhilarating airSports experiences. Feel the thrill of flying with state-of-the-art simulators, perfect for adventure enthusiasts seeking a unique and adrenaline-pumping activity in a vibrant atmosphere.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Bridge of Sighs offers vibrant experiences, from the cultural performances at the Cambridge Corn Exchange and Cambridge Arts Theatre, both 186m away, to romantic film screenings at the Cambridge Arts Picture House, 373m away. Enjoy a delightful evening out!

Find the best attractions near Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs in Cambridge offers a delightful mix of historic colleges and modern university life, catering to culture enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can explore the iconic bridge itself, as well as nearby attractions such as the Rialto Bridge. Immerse yourself in the vibrant city experience, soaking in the rich history and stunning architecture that surrounds this famous landmark.

  • University of Cambridge: This historic university, located 311m from the Bridge of Sighs, is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich academic heritage. Stroll through its picturesque courtyards and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural atmosphere.
  • The River Cam: A mere 62m away, the River Cam offers delightful scenery and outdoor activities. Enjoy a leisurely punt along the river, taking in the beautiful views of meadows and the iconic university buildings that line its banks.
  • Fitzwilliam Museum: Situated 373m from the Bridge of Sighs, this art museum boasts an impressive collection of artworks and antiquities, providing a deep dive into culture and history in a stunning setting.

Best time to go to Bridge of Sighs

The best time to visit Bridge of Sighs can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Bridge of Sighs falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Bridge of Sighs falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.5°F (6.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.7°F (8.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September59.2°F (15.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bridge of Sighs

To save money on your visit to the Bridge of Sighs, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February, when accommodation prices drop. Sundays offer the best rates for stays, while Saturdays tend to be the priciest. Use Expedia to compare room rates and filter for eco-friendly hotels, and look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. To navigate Cambridge economically, utilise public transport or explore the city on foot, as many attractions are within walking distance and often free to enjoy.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bridge of Sighs are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bridge of Sighs is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Bridge of Sighs is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, chosen location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Bridge of Sighs with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.