The UK is home to manyworld class universities that not only offer high quality education, but also beautiful scenery and stunning backdrops to your study.
Times Higher Education recently named the most beautiful universities in the UK, and the following are deemed to have the most eye-catching architecture, open spaces and best natural backdrops in the UK.
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Top Ten Most Beautiful Universities in the UK
1. Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway, University of London, is a hidden gem just 40 minutes away from the bustling heart of London. It is nestled in 135 acres of peaceful parkland and provides a serene environment for studying and relaxation. Established in 1879, Royal Holloway joined the University of London in 1900. The iconic Founder’s Building, completed in 1881, showcases stunning gothic-revival architecture inspired by the Château de Chambord. This architectural masterpiece has graced the screens in popular productions like Downton Abbey, adding to its allure and making it one of the UK's most impressive university structures.
2. University of Edinburgh
With its distinctive dome at the University of Edinburgh, the Georgian Old College is among the oldest universities globally. Built from 1789 to 1887, this iconic structure hosts the School of Law and the Talbot Rice Gallery. The university, founded in 1583, boasts stunning architecture and breathtaking views from Arthur’s Seat, an 823-foot dormant volcano popular among students and tourists. Whether immersed in studies or enjoying the city's beauty, Edinburgh has offered an enriching experience since its establishment in 1583.
3. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford, the oldest English-speaking university dating back to 1096, is a collection of 38 distinctive colleges spread across the city. Its renowned Radcliffe Camera, part of the Bodleian Library, houses copies of every UK and Ireland printed book. With 800-year-old eye-catching buildings scattered across Oxford, including the iconic Radcliffe Camera, it symbolises academic excellence. Notably, Oxford boasts connections with an impressive 69 Nobel Prize winners, and its historic charm has made it a backdrop for films like Harry Potter, featuring scenes filmed at Christ Church College.
4. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge, the second-oldest English-speaking university after Oxford, is renowned for academic excellence and stunning beauty. Spanning eight museums, a botanical garden, and 31 colleges, its diverse architecture ranges from Tudor to medieval to contemporary. The King’s College Chapel, an epitome of Gothic architecture, and the Bridge of Sighs are iconic landmarks. The River Cam, winding through the city, adds charm, with students and tourists enjoying punting in picturesque scenes. Cambridge's historic appeal and academic prestige make it a captivating destination for students worldwide.
5. Keele University
Keele University offers a serene escape from city life, nestled across 625 acres of parkland. Home to Keele Hall, a 19th-century stately home, the campus includes lakes, a stream, and an arboretum with vibrant magnolias and cherry trees. Situated near Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire, it's a rustic haven almost twice the size of London’s Hyde Park. The campus's enormity provides a self-sufficient lifestyle, with shops, healthcare, accommodation, and sports facilities within reach, making it an ideal and picturesque living and learning environment.
6. University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow, Scotland's fourth-oldest academic institution, is a captivating blend of Gothic Revival and Brutalist architecture. Its sprawling campuses, adorned with pointed slate turrets and antique windows, create an Instagram-worthy landscape. The main Gilbert Scott building, the second-largest example of Gothic revival architecture in Britain, houses the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery. Glasgow, meaning "dear green place" in Gaelic, lives up to its name with 90 parks and gardens. Established in 1451, the university moved to its current site in 1870, boasting a stunning main building designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1886.
7. Queen’s University Belfast
Queen's University Belfast is the UK's ninth oldest, founded in 1849 and rooted in the earlier Royal Belfast Academical Institution from 1810. Its red-brick gothic centrepiece, the Lanyon Building, designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, showcases glossy marble floors, period statues, and ornate turrets. The historic campus, 15 minutes from the vibrant city centre, earned Belfast the title of the happiest place to live in the UK in 2016. The Lanyon Building, a highlight, is a testament to Lanyon's architectural legacy, including landmarks like Belfast Castle and the Customs House.
8. University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich stands in grandeur against the backdrop of Canary Wharf skyscrapers. With three historic campuses, the oldest being the Old Royal Naval College, it joined the university in the 1990s. This UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring baroque structures designed by Sir Christopher Wren, sits gracefully by the River Thames. A popular filming location, the campus has been featured in movies like Four Weddings and a Funeral and Les Misérables. Additional Avery Hill and Chatham Maritime campuses showcase the university's diverse and elegant settings.
9. University of Bristol
Established in 1876, the University of Bristol harmoniously blends contemporary and heritage architecture across its sprawling campus. From Georgian squares to modern blocks in Clifton, the university features landmark buildings by renowned architects. Bristol is celebrated for its Gothic architecture, exemplified in the Bristol Law Library's striking ceiling. The city, adorned with Banksy's murals, exudes a creative atmosphere. Amidst lush parks, gardens, and open spaces, the campus provides an inviting environment, complemented by stunning countryside walks featuring Brunel's famous suspension bridge as a picturesque backdrop.
10. Cardiff University
Despite being relatively young, Cardiff University earns its place with striking campus buildings. Overlooking Cathays Park in central Cardiff, the Main, Bute, and Glamorgan Building showcase listed architectural marvels. Each designed by different architects in distinct styles, the Glamorgan Building's statues symbolise navigation and coal mining, reflecting the region's wealth source. The neoclassical Bute Building, adorned with six Roman columns at the entrance, adds to Cardiff University's aesthetic appeal, proving that even in its youth, it stands out with architectural distinction.
Study in the UK
If you want to study at one of the above universities, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
FAQ
Which UK university has the most beautiful campus?
According to a Times Higher Education survey, Royal Holloway, University of London, is considered the most beautiful university in the UK, followed by Edinburgh, Oxford, and Cambridge.
Which university is the happiest in England?
King’s College London and the University of St Andrews are considered the happiest universities in the UK.
What are the two most famous universities in the UK?
The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are ranked very highly in various global rankings. They are also among the most ancient universities in the world.
Which university in the UK has the highest acceptance rate?
Aberystwyth University has one of the highest acceptance rates in the UK, at about 96%.
