New College Lane
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High stone walls, often draped in ivy, line the narrow, historic New College Lane, creating a secluded and timeless atmosphere as it connects Catte Street with Queen's Lane. This medieval passageway, largely unchanged for centuries, offers a palpable sense of stepping back in time, surrounded by ancient university buildings that have housed academic life since 1379 when New College was founded by William of Wykeham. It’s more than just a thoroughfare; students and faculty frequently use this quiet, atmospheric route as a shortcut, perhaps to the nearby Bodleian Library or Radcliffe Camera. The lane’s intimate, almost cozy feel is characteristic of Oxford's older streets, providing a peaceful escape from the city's busier areas and a perfect spot for a reflective stroll.
One of the most photographed and iconic features of New College Lane is the Hertford Bridge, more famously known as the Bridge of Sighs. This covered skyway, completed in 1914, connects two parts of Hertford College and, despite its common moniker, bears a closer resemblance to Venice's Rialto Bridge than its Bridge of Sighs. The lane also provides glimpses into New College itself, one of Oxford's oldest and most prestigious colleges, revealing its stunning architecture and gardens. Visitors can often enter New College to explore further, including the cloisters which featured in a Harry Potter film, the historic dining hall, and parts of the old city wall that the college maintains.
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