The 21 most beautiful university campuses in the UK

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21. This stunning tower, which is part of the Manchester Museum, stands out on the University of Manchester's Oxford Road campus.

21. This stunning tower, which is part of the Manchester Museum, stands out on the University of Manchester's Oxford Road campus.
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20. The unusual library building at the University of Sheffield is a striking piece of architecture. The university is also surrounded by the scenic Peak District National Park.

20. The unusual library building at the University of Sheffield is a striking piece of architecture. The university is also surrounded by the scenic Peak District National Park.
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19. The University of Stirling benefits from an idyllic location in the Scottish Highlands.

19. The University of Stirling benefits from an idyllic location in the Scottish Highlands.

18. One of the four great ancient Scottish universities, the University of Aberdeen was established in 1495. Its historic architecture survives to this day.

18. One of the four great ancient Scottish universities, the University of Aberdeen was established in 1495. Its historic architecture survives to this day.
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17. Cardiff University is slightly younger than some of the UK's better known institutions, but its Main Building rivals Cambridge and Oxford's ancient lecture colleges.

17. Cardiff University is slightly younger than some of the UK's better known institutions, but its Main Building rivals Cambridge and Oxford's ancient lecture colleges.

16. Royal Holloway's Gothic-style Founder's Building has been used in a number of TV and film productions including Downton Abbey.

16. Royal Holloway's Gothic-style Founder's Building has been used in a number of TV and film productions including Downton Abbey.
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15. In Devon, Exeter University is surrounded by old buildings, but its modern piazza built in 2011 stands out for all the right reasons.

15. In Devon, Exeter University is surrounded by old buildings, but its modern piazza built in 2011 stands out for all the right reasons.

14. Not all of the University of Bristol's buildings are beautiful, but its charming Botanical Gardens are an ideal place to study in the sun.

14. Not all of the University of Bristol's buildings are beautiful, but its charming Botanical Gardens are an ideal place to study in the sun.
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12. Built in 1965, the chapel at Keele University near Staffordshire is a modern take on the UK's traditional ivy-clad university buildings.

12. Built in 1965, the chapel at Keele University near Staffordshire is a modern take on the UK's traditional ivy-clad university buildings.

11. The ultra-modern Ravensbourne University in Greenwich specialises in media and design.

11. The ultra-modern Ravensbourne University in Greenwich specialises in media and design.
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10. In the heart of central London, University College London has one of the highest grade requirements for applicants. The Wilkins Building (pictured below) is arguably the most impressive building on campus.

10. In the heart of central London, University College London has one of the highest grade requirements for applicants. The Wilkins Building (pictured below) is arguably the most impressive building on campus.

9. With its stunning ancient buildings, dramatic coastline, and peaceful grounds, it's no wonder the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge fell in love at St Andrew's University in Scotland.

9. With its stunning ancient buildings, dramatic coastline, and peaceful grounds, it's no wonder the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge fell in love at St Andrew's University in Scotland.
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8. The University of Edinburgh is the sixth-oldest university in the world. The views from the Old College, which is home to its School of Law, are spectacular.

8. The University of Edinburgh is the sixth-oldest university in the world. The views from the Old College, which is home to its School of Law, are spectacular.

8. The Old University Building at Aberystwyth University in Wales is designed to look like a medieval castle, perfect for curling up with a history book.

8. The Old University Building at Aberystwyth University in Wales is designed to look like a medieval castle, perfect for curling up with a history book.
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7. In Northern Ireland, this intricate war memorial sits right at the front of The Queen's University Belfast.

7. In Northern Ireland, this intricate war memorial sits right at the front of The Queen's University Belfast.

6. Many of Durham University's gorgeous campus buildings date back to the 11th century.

6. Many of Durham University's gorgeous campus buildings date back to the 11th century.
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5. Founded in 1890, the University of Greenwich was founded on the grounds of London's Royal Naval College. Today, the university sits next to Canary Wharf's modern skyscrapers.

5. Founded in 1890, the University of Greenwich was founded on the grounds of London's Royal Naval College. Today, the university sits next to Canary Wharf's modern skyscrapers.

4. Sitting on the Strand, King's College London has been running since 1829.

4. Sitting on the Strand, King's College London has been running since 1829.
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3. Travel north to take in the sweeping archways at the University of Glasgow. The archways form the entrance to the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, the oldest museum in Scotland.

3. Travel north to take in the sweeping archways at the University of Glasgow. The archways form the entrance to the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, the oldest museum in Scotland.

2. Enrolling students as early as 1096, the University of Oxford is the oldest university in the world. Walking on the grass in the college courtyards is banned to keep them looking immaculate.

2. Enrolling students as early as 1096, the University of Oxford is the oldest university in the world. Walking on the grass in the college courtyards is banned to keep them looking immaculate.
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1. Many of the University of Cambridge colleges — like King's College (below) — overlook the River Cam, where students regularly take study breaks to go punting.

1. Many of the University of Cambridge colleges — like King's College (below) — overlook the River Cam, where students regularly take study breaks to go punting.