There are several different versions of the Bridge of Sighs that you can see around Europe (and probably further). And there are countless bridges that you can discover in Cambridge itself. (Okay, by countless I mean 25, but given the size of Cambridge, that is quite a lot.) However, the Bridge of Sighs in Cambridge is one of the more beautiful bridges in existence. It takes a bit of careful planning to actually see it in person, but it is absolutely worth the work.
The Cambridge Bridge of Sighs is not identical to the original Bridge of Sighs in Venice. It actually doesn’t resemble it in any other way than being a bridge. But alas, it is also the Bridge of Sighs! Designed by Henry Hutchison and built in 1831, the Bridge is part of St. John’s College. It connects the Third Court with the New Court, and is only open to visitors during normal working hours. And yes, there is an Oxford Bridge of Sighs, as well, but it was built in 1913-14 and is boringly over a road.
Famously, this was Queen Victoria’s favourite spot in all of Cambridge. Now, given that Prince Albert got sick after visiting Bertie in Cambridge to tell him to settle down, I don’t know that Victoria would have frequently returned. However, in any case, it is easy to see why it is considered such a beautiful spot!
If you want to see the bridge, I would absolutely recommend going punting for the best views. I’m going to have a post up about punting in Cambridge, but it is a wonderful way to see several of the bridges on the River Cam. I know that some travel bloggers recommend going into St. John’s to actually walk across the bridge, but if you have to pick one or the other, I would choose punting. (You can’t see the bridge when you are crossing it yourself…) And although we did a guided punt, you can also just hire it for yourself and float along at your leisure.
What do you think of the Cambridge Bridge of Sighs? Worth a float down the River Cam?
Cheers,
The Historian
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin’
What a gorgeous bridge! 😉