Top 5 Most Beautiful UK College Campuses (Part II)

Britain is world-renowned for its historic and picturesque universities, often nestled within awe-inspiring architecture, manicured gardens, and centuries-old woodland. In this second part of our series on the most beautiful UK college campuses, we dive deeper into a selection of stunning academic institutions that blend tradition with modern elegance. Whether you're an architect seeking inspiration, a DIY enthusiast curious about historical interiors, or even a designer looking for your next mood board spark, these campuses offer something uniquely captivating.

From Gothic masterpieces to cutting-edge architectural innovations, let’s explore five more campuses where beauty meets brainpower.

1. Royal Holloway, University of London – Surrey

Built in the style of a French château by architect William Henry Crossland, Royal Holloway is easily one of the most visually striking campuses in the UK. Its Founder’s Building, completed in 1881, is an iconic example of Victorian-era Gothic architecture. Red brick towers, ornamental turrets and expansive quadrangles make walking around campus feel like stepping into a fairy tale.

Set within 135 acres of lush parkland near Windsor Great Park, the campus provides panoramic views paired with serene woodland backdrops. For those passionate about landscaping or outdoor design, Royal Holloway’s grounds are a dream. Varied garden layouts, heritage trees, and meticulously maintained lawns inspire everything from garden architecture to outdoor seating arrangements.

The combination of historic charm and rolling green spaces makes Royal Holloway a fantastic visit for anyone seeking inspiration in classic revivalist design fused with natural beauty. It’s no surprise the campus has often served as a filming location for historical dramas and period films.

2. University of St Andrews – Fife, Scotland

The University of St Andrews is not only the oldest university in Scotland but also one of the most breathtaking. Founded in 1413, its campus architecture is a mix of medieval, Renaissance, and modern influences, meandering through the coastal town of St Andrews. Cobbled alleyways, ivy-draped stone buildings, and charming courtyards are signature elements throughout the town and university areas.

This seamless integration of academic structures with the town's historical centre offers a unique aesthetic that appeals to heritage design lovers as well as town planning professionals. The blend of sandstone façades and manicured college greens reflects a deep appreciation for both built and natural environments.

Interior-wise, many of the older halls and libraries within the university offer rich wood-panelled rooms, antique mouldings and multi-light sash windows that design lovers can draw inspiration from when planning period-style interiors or restorations. The atmosphere of St Andrews encourages a serene and contemplative environment which can inspire calming home decor schemes based on neutral palettes and layered textures.

3. Durham University – Durham

Durham University’s setting is nothing short of magnificent. At the heart of the city, its main buildings are integrated with the Durham Castle and Cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched high above the River Wear and encircled by ancient woodland, the campus provides one of the most dramatic and spiritually powerful academic views in the UK.

The blend of Romanesque and Norman architectural elements here makes the location a definitive source of inspiration for those passionate about Gothic revival design and ecclesiastical architecture. For professionals involved in the restoration of period buildings, Durham’s campus offers a masterclass in masonry, vaulted ceilings, stained-glass detailing, and symmetrical stonework.

From an interior design perspective, the traditional college halls—with their vaulted dining spaces, arched windows and grand chandeliers—evoke possibilities for statement elements within modern homes or boutique refurbishments. The juxtaposition of function and form here is a masterstroke.

4. Aberystwyth University – Wales

Founded in 1872 and sitting proudly above Cardigan Bay, Aberystwyth University offers a rugged coastal splendour that differs from the verdant tranquility of other campuses. The Old College building, designed in the Gothic Revival style, holds dramatic crescent-like towers and steeply pitched roofs, casting silhouettes worthy of an arts movement painting.

What makes this campus stand out is its marriage to the coastal environment. With sea winds brushing through historic stonework and panoramic views of the Welsh bay, the exterior lends itself to embracing harsher, elemental aesthetics. Designers looking to incorporate coastal or industrial modern themes will find the textures and contrast here deeply inspiring.

Inside the Old College, you’ll find a mixture of stone, original timber flooring, vaulted entryways, and iron-spoked staircases that stand as testimony to the craftsmanship of the 19th century. For DIY aficionados, there’s a goldmine of ideas in terms of finishes, cushioning, and upcycled structural design.

Aberystwyth’s location appeals to those drawn to the wild side of British nature—making it perfect for anyone wanting to incorporate natural coastal elements and rustic tones into a design project.

5. Exeter University – Devon

Last but by no means least in this instalment is the University of Exeter. With its campuses situated on the warm southwestern coast of England, Exeter combines state-of-the-art design with botanical elegance. Its Streatham Campus is renowned for being one of the greenest college grounds in the UK.

An abundance of rare and exotic plant species grow here, originating from botanical gardens incorporated during the landscape architecture efforts in the mid-20th century. Students and visitors walk amongst magnolias, rhododendrons and acers, whose colours bring incredible seasonal shifts to the campus's overall atmosphere.

Architecturally, Exeter juxtaposes clean-cut contemporary lines with mid-century and traditional college buildings. For architects and interior designers, this creates a playful collision of ideas—a study in successful old-meets-new design principles. Think large glass atriums alongside 19th-century stone arches and clean metal balustrades against heritage brickwork.

Inspiration abounds for integrating natural light, indoor/outdoor transitions, and biophilic design into home or commercial interiors. It’s particularly valuable for anyone working on eco-conscious redevelopment or modern extension projects in period properties.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re redesigning a home, drawing up architectural drafts, or exploring Britain’s rich cultural heritage, these campuses offer more than just academic excellence—they’re real-life showrooms of style and history. Stay tuned for Part III, where we’ll explore more of the UK’s finest institutions combining intellect with pure visual poetry.

Have you visited a university that took your breath away? Share your favourite British campus in the comments below—we're always looking for architecture that inspires.