Lady’s 17 Best University Cities in the UK

Today I want to share my guide to the best university cities in the UK. From London to Oxford and Cambridge, they range from national capitals to county towns. Each of them has an academic institution with rich history and plenty of architectural heritage. Whether you’re looking to visit or study, I hope you enjoy this look at university cities in Britain. There’s a map, too.

Best University Cities in the UK

The cities on my list are some of the most popular places to visit in the UK. Their universities are often what draw visitors, but they have a lot more going for them than just their centers of higher education.

From cultural attractions to beautiful streets, entertainment venues to buzzing nightlife scenes, they have a range of things to do, see, and enjoy. I hope you get a chance to explore them and their universities now or in the future.

1. London

London is one of the most famous university cities in the UK. That’s not least because there are more universities in London than in any other city in the country.

From the London School of Economics to UCL and Imperial College London, there’s no shortage of academic institutions in the UK capital.

If you’re visiting, you can take in university buildings throughout Bloomsbury, South Kensington, and other parts of London. If you’re studying, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to where and what you can learn.

Beyond academic institutions, London is full of landmarks, attractions, restaurants, nightlife, and all kinds of other things to do and see.

2. Oxford

Oxford is another of my favorite university cities in England. Not only is it known for academics, but also architecture. From Christ Church to St John’s and Magdalen, there are a lot of famous college buildings within the University of Oxford.

But it doesn’t end there. The city is rife with historic pubs, museums, and markets. Oxford is also popular for its Harry Potter filming locations and Alice in Wonderland connections.

3. Cambridge

Oxford’s rival Cambridge is hard to beat for beauty when it comes to university cities in the UK. The heritage buildings and bucolic scenery around the University of Cambridge make this one of the best cities in England.

I love walking around Cambridge to see the Gothic chapel interiors, riverside pubs, eye-catching bridges, and historic colleges. Being in the city is like stepping into a painting.

4. St Andrews

Up in Scotland, St Andrews is another of the best university cities in Britain.

The oldest university in Scotland, the University of St Andrews was founded in 1413. A prestigious institution, it’s home to a campus full of beautiful historic buildings in seaside surroundings.

The town of St Andrews is famous for a number of other things, too. From golf to castle and cathedral ruins, St Andrews is a great place to visit whether you’re studying or traveling.

5. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is another university city in Britain that deserves a place on my list. The University of Edinburgh opened in 1683 and it’s one of Scotland’s four ancient universities.

It’s also the sixth-oldest university in continuous operation in the UK (and the English-speaking world, for that matter).

The historic buildings of the university are great to see on a trip to Scotland, but the city has an abundance of other attractions, too. From the castle to the palace and the views from the hills, there’s a lot to love about Edinburgh.

6. Durham

Next on my list of the best university cities in the UK is Durham. Durham University was founded in the 19th century, and it’s one of the UK’s leading academic institutions.

Durham itself is worth a trip for its famous cathedral, cobbled streets, historic castle, and riverside scenery. Bursting with heritage, the side streets around the university are ideal places to get a glimpse of Britain’s past.

7. Manchester

Manchester is another of the top university cities in Britain. Founded in 1824, the University of Manchester is the largest single-site university in the UK.

But the real reason the city is on my list is because Manchester is one of the UK’s great student cities. With fun restaurants, shops, and streets to explore, it has a lively atmosphere and a great nightlife scene.

8. Glasgow

Glasgow comes next on my list of the best university cities in the UK. This Scottish city is home to a number of academic institutions, the most famous of which is the University of Glasgow.

Opened in 1451 by papal charter as an addition to Glasgow Cathedral, it’s still one of the top British centers of higher education.

The University of Glasgow is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in the city, but there’s more to this place than that. From the stunning Necropolis to the great nightlife and cultural institutions, there’s a lot to love about Glasgow.

9. Aberystwyth

While technically a town, Aberystwyth still deserves a place on my list of the best university cities in the UK.

Aberystwyth University is on the west coast of Wales between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay. Not only is it one of the oldest universities in Britain, but also an important academic center in Wales.

There’s a lot to discover in Aberystwyth beyond the university as well. With lots of history and beaches, it offers a good mix of town and coastal charm in one place.

10. Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Newcastle is another of the best university cities in the UK. Home to both Newcastle University and Northumbria University, it’s a hub of academic research and learning in the north of England.

There’s more to Newcastle than just the universities, though. The city is known for its student population and vibrant nightlife scene.

There are also cultural institutions like the BALTIC contemporary art museum and architectural highlights like the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. But really, the nightlife.

11. Aberdeen

Next on my list of the best university cities in the UK is Aberdeen. Up in Scotland, this city is home to the University of Aberdeen.

With roots dating back to 1495, this historic institution has a top medical school and a beautiful campus modeled after universities in Paris.

There are a lot of great things to do in Aberdeen away from the university, too. From picture-pretty houses in historic Footdee to stunning granite buildings and nearby coastal castles, it’s worth a visit.

12. Leeds

In Yorkshire, Leeds is another of the most exciting university cities in Britain. It’s home to a number of institutions of higher education, from the University of Leeds to Leeds Arts University.

Beyond academics, Leeds has stunning Victorian shopping arcades, a Harvey Nichols, and art museums like the Henry Moore Institute and the Leeds Art Gallery.

13. Nottingham

Nottingham may be more famous for Robin Hood than academics, but it’s still one of my favorite university cities in the UK. Home of the likes of the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, it’s a great student city.

Beyond the universities, Nottingham is home to a stunning castle, one of the oldest pubs in England, lots of historic streets, great shopping, and a famous statue of Robin Hood.

14. Bristol

Bristol is another of the best university cities in the UK. Popular with students, this place is home to the University of Bristol.

Beyond the university, Bristol is famous for its independent culture. The Harbourside area features the contemporary M Shed museum, and Clifton is known for its Georgian townhouses, elegant crescents, and famous Clifton Suspension Bridge.

15. Belfast

Over in Northern Ireland, Belfast is one of the top university cities in the UK. Known for academic institutions like Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster, it’s a popular place with students and other visitors.

But there’s more to Belfast than places to learn, and the city is worth discovering. From the Titanic Quarter to the Peace Wall, there’s a lot to see and do here.

16. Brighton

Down on the south coast, Brighton is one of the best university cities in England. Home to the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex, the city not only has a big student population, but also a large number of international students.

Beyond studying, Brighton is famous for its beaches, royal connections, shopping, and nightlife. It’s a great place to have fun in the sun (or rain) by the sea.

17. Birmingham

Another of the best university cities in the UK is Birmingham. This city in the Midlands is home to a number of universities, including the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University. With a large student population, it’s a great place to live and learn.

Birmingham also has everything from historic pubs to creative districts and Victorian shopping arcades. Its contemporary library is stunning, and the Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery are worth a special trip.

Map of the Top University Cities in the United Kingdom

Best University Cities in the UK

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the best university cities in the UK and that you get a chance to visit each one someday. Whether you’re a prospective student or an enthusiastic visitor, I’m sure you’ll enjoy discovering them all.

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