Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is one of Oxford’s most iconic and photographed landmarks, officially known as the Hertford Bridge. Completed in 1914, this decorative skyway connects the old and new quadrangles of Hertford College over New College Lane. Its elegant design, featuring beautiful windows and a central coat of arms, was created by Sir Thomas Jackson. Although popularly named after the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, it actually bears a stronger resemblance to the Rialto Bridge in that same city. It serves as a functional corridor for students and faculty, adding a touch of Venetian romance to the medieval heart of the university.

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Alles über Bridge of Sighs

Was Sie erwartet

The bridge is a public landmark that can be viewed for free 24 hours a day, as it spans across a public road. While you can stand directly underneath it on New College Lane to admire the stonework, the interior of the bridge is strictly private. Only members of Hertford College, students, and staff are permitted to walk across it. Most visitors spend about 15 to 30 minutes here taking photographs and enjoying the view of the nearby Sheldonian Theatre. Being a street-level attraction, it is completely accessible for all travelers, though the road surface consists of historic cobblestones and tarmac that can be slightly uneven.

Warum diese Tour buchen

Since the bridge is located on a quiet but active college lane, be mindful of students and university staff moving between buildings. It is a very popular spot for graduation photos and tourist groups, so it can become quite crowded during the middle of the day. There is no entrance fee and no need for tickets, making it a perfect quick stop on a budget-friendly walking tour. While photography is encouraged, tripod use may be difficult due to the narrowness of the lane and pedestrian traffic. For a unique perspective, you can pay a small fee to climb the cupola of the Sheldonian Theatre nearby for a birds-eye view of the bridge.

Die richtige Tour auswählen

The Bridge of Sighs is located on New College Lane, right in the center of the historic university district. From Oxford Train Station, it is a straightforward 15-minute walk through the city center. If you are arriving by bus, several routes stop at the High Street or Broad Street, both of which are just a few minutes away on foot. If you are already at the Radcliffe Camera or the Bodleian Library, the bridge is essentially around the corner. For those using the city’s Park and Ride, the buses drop you within easy walking distance of the central landmarks, which is the best way to avoid Oxford’s very limited city-center parking.

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For the best photographs without large crowds, aim to arrive in the early morning before 09:00 or during the golden hour just before sunset. The morning light hits the stone beautifully, highlighting the intricate carvings of the facade. During the summer months and university term times, the area can be very busy with walking tours between 11:00 and 15:00. If you visit on a rainy day, the bridge takes on a moody, atmospheric quality that is very characteristic of Oxford. Late afternoon on a weekday is often a great time to see students in their academic robes crossing the bridge, adding to the authentic university feel.