St John's College and Bridge of Sighs

Founded in 1511, St John's spans the River Cam via the covered Bridge of Sighs, built in 1831 and named after its Venetian counterpart. The college's Tudor gatehouse and neo-Gothic New Court showcase 500 years of architectural evolution from medieval to Victorian. It sits in Cambridge's City Centre, close to the other main sights. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Cambridge, especially paired with nearby Trinity College. Tickets cost £12 adult, £8 child, £10 student/senior and 1 hour is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 1 hour Best for: most photographed college bridge in cambridge Skip if: You're on a tight budget and have already seen King's College Chapel Cost: £12 adult, £8 child, £10 student/senior

You pass through the imposing Tudor gatehouse into First Court, then continue through cloisters to reach the Bridge of Sighs. The covered stone bridge offers river views through Gothic windows, while New Court's pink neo-Gothic towers rise beyond.

Accessibility: Ground floor courtyards accessible, but Bridge of Sighs and some areas require stairs

Most photographed college bridge in Cambridge and finest Tudor gatehouse entrance. It is not the first thing you should see in Cambridge, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with Trinity College and King's College Chapel - together they fill a solid half-day. Afternoon tends to work best here.

Skip if: You're on a tight budget and have already seen King's College Chapel

• Bridge views are better from the river than inside the college.
• Old Library may be closed during term time.
• Audio guide included in admission price.

Insider tip: The college eagle above the main gate was carved to face towards Trinity College as a deliberate snub to their academic rivals

Bridge exterior best shot from Silver Street Bridge or punt tour, interior photography allowed in courts