Most Beautiful Colleges in the UK Worth Visiting

Introducing 8 of the most beautiful colleges in the UK that tourists (but especially students) should visit!

It’s a bit of a unique topic, I will admit that, but I got the inspiration for writing this blog post after wandering the beautiful grounds of University College Cork in my hometown of Cork City. The UK is known for being home to some of the most famous colleges in the world – the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are both located here.

And the grounds of both these world-famous universities as well as all the others on this list are breathtakingly beautiful. And in my opinion are a must-visit for photographers and students (it’s fun to see how other students live, ain’t it?)

In this blog post, I’ve not only included two of the best universities in the world (yep, that’s Oxford and Cambridge) but also some relatively unknown but historic colleges like the University of Durham and the Royal Holloway at the University of London.

Tips for students traveling to the UK –

If you’re also planning to visit the UK’s top attractions on your vacation, best sure to check if they offer a student discount before booking. For example, the Tower of London and the London Eye both offer discounted student rates.

Ensure you have any assignments due handed in before your vacation. I know many students order a human-written essay before they jet off because they are overloaded and feel big pressure to succeed. But, if you do this you may want to use an AI content detector to ensure the article is top-quality.

Train prices are expensive in the UK, so, if you’re on a student’s budget you may want to look into getting a coach from city to city, the National Express is a popular one. Alternatively, you could rent a car.

Keep in mind if you plan to rent a car for your time in the UK that many rental car agencies require you to be a minimum of 21 years old.

8 prettiest colleges in the UK that tourists should visit

1. University of Edinburgh

Up first is the mysterious University of Edinburgh, the sixth-oldest college in the English-speaking world. Did you know that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle studied medicine here and used his professor, Dr. Joseph Bell, as a prototype for his most famous character? Yep, you guessed right – Sherlock Holmes!

When visiting this city-based campus, don’t miss the Georgian Old College and its eye-catching dome! It’s on South Bridge and has a magnificent grass courtyard.

The classical architecture with massive columns is an impressive mixture of history and modernity. Just look at the School of Divinity at New College of the University of Edinburgh in Old Town!

Not interested in architecture? That’s okay head to the Talbot Rice Gallery to view the contemporary art on display. Or check out the McEwan Hall: If you come at the right time (usually in July), you might just get to watch a graduation ceremony.

2. University of Glasgow

Next up is another Scottish college – the University of Glasgow. This university is proud of its history as during the 18th century, it was the center of the Scottish Enlightenment.

But it’s not all about learning about its history on your visit!

Pay attention to the university’s pointed slate turrets and antique windows – the perfect spots for every photographer and Instagrammer! The main Gilbert Scott building is a must-visit for those admiring Gothic Revival and Brutalism architecture.

And, of course, you can’t miss the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery here. Would you believe, it’s the oldest museum in Scotland!

3. Durham University

When you’re exploring Durham University, you may feel like a medieval knight or king. Doesn’t its campus remind you of a castle or a fortress?

Well, Durham University is indeed a castle.

Its buildings are the fortifications of a Norman castle built in 1072 under William the Conqueror. Todays students are lucky to live inside and enjoy the views of River Wear from here.

What are the best things to see on the grounds here you may ask?

Okay, first of all, check out Durham Castle on the grounds! For bookworms like me, I loved exploring the Historic Libraries at Palace Green. The Oriental Museum and the Museum of Archaeology should also make your itinerary if you’re a fan of historical exhibits.

4. University of Oxford

Okay, it’s time for the first of the big-hitters on this list. I bet that Oxford and Cambridge are the first colleges most people have in mind when thinking about universities in England!

So, here it goes:

The English-speaking world’s oldest university, Oxford, is arguably the UK’s most beautiful. No surprise its walls, namely the Duke Humfrey’s Library, served as a location for the Harry Potter movies!

university of oxford bodleian library — Harry Potter vibes!

Actually, this library is part of the Bodleian Library complex (“The Bod”), as well as the Radcliffe Camera – a neoclassical library containing a copy of every book ever printed in the UK! It’s definitely worth visiting!

Also, don’t miss the chance to have a picnic (on a sunny day) or a well-needed break at Harcourt Arboretum or Christ Church Meadow. Or, go to the Bridge of Sighs, which joins two parts of Hertford College and remarkably resembles the bridge of the same name in Venice.

5. Royal Holloway, University of London

Do you recognize the image below? If you’re a movie buff I’m sure you do!

This is the main Founder’s Building of Royal Holloway, University of London in Egham. It often appears in films as a royal residence and is considered one of the most beautiful university buildings in the world.

Yep, this building has appeared in Basic Instinct 2 and Downton Abbey.

Inside you’ll find a massive gallery of Victorian paintings, a lecture theater, and a chapel. On the outside, its imposing pillars, turrets, and towers are the stars of the show.

Related Read: While you’re in London, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Brighton. It’s only an hour from the city and one of my favorite seaside cities in the UK.

6. University of Cambridge

I know you were waiting for it, and here it is…

The second-oldest university in the English-speaking world (the first was Oxford, remember?), Cambridge, was founded after Oxford students migrated there to escape disagreements with the townspeople.

Why visit the University of Cambridge?

Okay, first of all, it’s a must-see landmark for many tourists to England. Unique architecture, magnificent structures ranging from Tudor to contemporary, and eye-catching grounds – believe me, you won’t want to skip it.

The University has no less than 8 museums and an impressive botanical garden!

While here, take some time to visit the King’s College Chapel. It is a great example of Perpendicular Gothic English architecture, with 16th-century stained glass windows.

Like the University of Oxford, Cambridge also has the Bridge of Sighs. But, unlike in Oxford, this bridge is covered and was said to be Queen Victoria’s favorite bridge in the world!

7. Keele University

Keele University is the place for anyone who loves picturesque rural landscapes.

Located near Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire, this college is twice the size of London’s Hyde Park! Here, you’ll find a beautiful greenhouse that serves as home for the most extensive cherry tree collection in the UK. Witch hazels, redwoods, pagoda trees, and magnolias are also here, making it a heaven for nature lovers.

The university campus is proud of its rustic splendor and enormity. It’s almost self-sufficient: healthcare and sports facilities, shops, and accommodation are all here. It’s like a city within a city!

My top place to visit here is Keele Hall, a turreted, red-brick building that was the home of the Sneyd family in the 19th century.

8. Greenwich University

Another must-visit for movie lovers? This spot (and last on my list) is a must- visit when in London.

As I said, the main campus at Greenwich University is a popular filming location. You may have seen it in The King’s Speech, Pirates of the Caribbean, Les Misérables, and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.

Its campus is grand and striking. And it’s the Old Royal Naval College that was sold to the university in the 1990s. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is situated along the River Thames.

Visit this college to see beautiful baroque buildings and the National Maritime Museum. For those inspired by ships, you won’t want to miss the Cutty Sark (a restored 19th-century ship).

Related Read: The gorgeous, photogenic town of Rye is not too far from London. If you have time, I highly recommend spending a day in Rye if you can!

Thanks for reading!

lady walking on mermaid street rye — Thanks for reading!

I hope you enjoyed reading my guide to these most beautiful colleges in England and around the UK! Each one is much more than a building for students to learn, don’t you agree?

Have you visited any of these colleges as a tourist? What impressed you most?