The rear ends of the grand colleges along King's Pde spill onto the banks of the river in a long sweep of parks, gardens and even grazing pastures for livestock. Collectively known as the Backs, these genteel spaces are abuzz with student activity. While the colleges are closed, the Backs are best glimpsed from the pathways and bridges along the Granta or from the comfort of a rented or chauffeured punt. When the colleges reopen, visitors should be free to explore these spaces more fully.
If you're exploring from the water, check out the famous, fanciful Bridge of Sighs in the grounds of St John's College, and the nearby Kitchen Bridge, designed by Christopher Wren. The oldest river crossing is at Clare College, built in 1639 and ornamented with decorative balls (one allegedly vandalised by its architect in protest at the measly fee he was paid).
Most curious of all is the flimsy-looking wooden Mathematical Bridge (visible from Silver St) that joins the two halves of Queens' College. It was first built in 1749 using what were then world-leading engineering principles.
