Autumn is the beginning of a new university year, and last month, a new generation of freshers flocked into new cities and towns across the UK to begin their journey in higher education. The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, which attract students from across the globe – and if your offspring are some of them, then you might be wondering when is too soon to plan your first visit.
Often steeped in rich histories and offering vibrant cultural scenes, the best university cities are sought-after not just because of their esteemed academic institutions, but all they have to offer besides – and for families, seeing where your children will be spending the next three years is a great chance to tie in a mini city break with the trip.
Handpicked by the experts at admission essay writer platform PaperWriter.com, here are the top four university cities in the UK, including what to do and where to stay when you get there (because let’s face it, bunking down in student halls for a couple of nights simply isn’t going to cut it).
Edinburgh
The Scottish city of Edinburgh is one one of the prettiest university cities in the UK, and is awash with historic buildings, quaint and colourful streets, as well as offering a thriving cultural scene. In fact, it’s home to some of the world’s most famous cultural events, with Edinburgh Fringe – the biggest arts festival anywhere – taking place here each August and the Edinburgh International Festival also happening the same month.
The University of Edinburgh consistently ranks amongst the top in the world, which makes it a popular choice for affluent students seeking a superior education – but their families seem to love it just as much. Thanks to its stunning Georgian architecture, landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, and Arthur’s seat – an extinct volcano that can be climbed to enjoy spectacular vitas down over the city – it has plenty to fill a weekend with. The quaint cobbled streets of Stockbridge, and the weekly farmer’s market held here, are a must, and the colourful buildings of Victoria Street offer one of the most iconic photo opportunities.
Where to stay: Check in at the historic 100 Prince Street for five star luxury, or snag a room at Prestonfield House with views of Arthur’s Seat.
Cambridge
The University of Cambridge has long been synonymous with academic excellence, and the picturesque location on the banks of the serene River Cam makes it an even more appealing place to study. If you’re visiting for the weekend, then punting along the river should be at the top of your to-do list, allowing you to take in sights like the Bridge of Sighs and King’s College Chapel as you meander through the institution’s historic campuses.
Made up of 31 colleges founded between 1284 and 1977, the buildings themselves are worth a visit, but beyond that, there’s plenty to do besides.
In a celebration of learning, the city is home to many libraries, museums, and cultural venues – such as the Fitzwilliam Museum and the Cambridge Arts Theatre – and a mouth-watering foodie scene. Midsummer House and Restaurant Twenty Two, the city’s two Michelin-starred eateries, book up well in advance, so it’s wise to plan ahead if you’re keen to sample some of Cambridge’s finest fare.
Where to stay: Set in a Grade II Listed building, Hotel du Vin Cambridge offers luxurious boutique rooms in a convenient location. For something a little more novel, the academic-themed rooms of the Graduate Cambridge offer a fun way to embrace the city’s reputation for excellence in the field, and features furniture made from punts and mirrors shaped like college crests.
Oxford
Just like Cambridge, Oxford has a long history of academic prestige behind it, making it one of the most coveted places to gain a higher education. Places at the University of Oxford are like gold dust, and only the most gifted students succeed in securing one – but for those that do, Oxford serves as a spectacular backdrop for the years spent studying there. Once again, it’s a city with a storied history behind it, and it shows in each of the hallowed halls of its campuses and iconic buildings such as the Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera.
Beyond that, there’s plenty to explore. Like Cambridge, Oxford is also famous for punting – this time, on the River Thames – but on land, it’s best explored by bike. Walking down the high street, you’ll see numerous bicycles leaning idly against the walls, because here, they are the go-to way to get around and to make the most of the cosmopolitan lifestyle on offer here, which Oxford’s proximity to London can be thanked for in part.
Browns, on Woodstock Road opposite St Giles Church, is a great place to enjoy a spot of lunch, but there are a host of great and varied restaurants to choose from – and in the evening, head to Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a Belmond Hotel in Great Milton, for a fine dining feast. The Natural History Museum and the Pitt Rivers Museum are worth a visit for an extra dose of culture.
Where to stay: The Old Bank Hotel, in the heart of Oxford’s historic centre, is quite literally set in an old bank, and its opulent rooms feature marble bathrooms and modern art. The Store, located on what was once the upper floor of the Boswell’s department store, offers a similar level of five star luxury.
Nottingham
Thriving, dynamic and famed for the legend of Robin Hood, Nottingham boasts not one but two major universities: the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University. As you’d expect, this means it offers a bustling student scene and is a great place to study because of its balanced blend of academic, heritage and entertainment.
If you’re visiting for the weekend, then make the enchanting Sherwood Forest your first port of call, swiftly followed by Nottingham Castle, which will whisk you back in time to discover the city’s captivating past. Next up, there are a variety of theatres, museums and galleries to visit, including the Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery and the Theatre Royal. And come the evening, the city comes to life with live music venues and trendy bars, particularly in Hockley, in Nottingham’s Creative Quarter. But first, be sure to stop in at Restaurant Sat Bains or Alchemilla for a Michelin-starred meal to remember.
Where to stay: Try the St. James Hotel, a luxury boutique hideaway offering elegant accommodation in a quiet area of Nottingham’s City Centre.
