UK’s Best Universities for Outdoor Lovers

Going to University is a big step and possibly a life-changing decision. But that doesn’t mean you’ll have to change your ways or stop doing the things you love the most. If you’re an outdoor lover and if you’ve wondered if most university cities will be too urban, think again! There are plenty of stunning landscapes just a stone's throw away from most universities and their corresponding cities. That’s why we’ve put together this list of our top picks to help people like you who love the outdoors choose the perfect university for them. 

Keele University 

Known for having one of the most beautiful campuses in the UK, Keele University is at the top of our list. Located in the Staffordshire countryside, it has breathtaking views. The campus is positioned on a hill, which will allow you to overlook the nearby town of Newcastle-under-Lyme and take in the stunning scenery. Plus, if you want even more outdoor adventures, the Peak District National Park is less than an hour away by car or bus and has a whopping 200 square miles of land for you to explore. 

In the first year, you’ll more than likely stay on the university's self-contained campus. But when you’re ready to move further afield, you’ll find ideal student accommodation in the closely-located areas of Newcastle-under-Lyme and Silverdale. If you want to gain an idea of the types of houses available, take a look at the selection of all-inclusive student properties we showcase on our site. 

University of Exeter 

If you’re looking for a little more than the countryside for your outdoor fix, the University of Exeter could be the one for you. With stunning countryside nearby and miles of coastline to explore, you can’t go wrong! Exeter is a small, south-west city that is close to Dartmoor National Park and the East Devon Area of Natural Beauty (AONB), meaning you’ll have plenty of vast land to explore and stretch your legs when you’re not studying. 

When looking for student accommodation, you should check the popular areas of Newtown and Mount Pleasant, which are located outside of the city centre. However, if you want to be closer to the city, you’ll find an abundance of student homes there too! UniHomes lists a huge selection of student houses ideally located in these popular areas. Take a look at the properties on our site to kick-start your accommodation search.  

University of Bath 

The University of Bath is perfect for anyone who loves “old-timey” English villages and stunning rural sites. Located close to the City of Bath and brushing shoulders with the Cotswolds Area of Natural Beauty (AONB), you’ll be spoilt for choice by the quaint traditional villages and quintessential English countryside. The University of Bath is a picturesque location ideal for anyone looking to escape the typical hustle and bustle of a thriving city. 

For your first year of uni, you’ll likely stay on campus for ease as the University of Bath is a little secluded. However, once you’re ready to fly the nest and explore nearby areas, you can find charming student accommodation in places such as Oldfield Park and Odd Down if you’re looking to escape city life. Luckily, we have a collection of student houses in these areas and Twerton - all with bills included in the weekly price! Take a look at the selection of student homes we showcase on our site to get a feel for your next home away from home. 

University of Nottingham 

When you think of stunning countryside and rural locations, Nottingham might not be a place that crosses your mind. However, the University of Nottingham should definitely be on your list! Not only is it close to the renowned Sherwood Forest, where the legends of Robin Hood originated, but the University Park campus has won numerous awards for its environmentally friendly spaces and picturesque gardens. The University of Nottingham truly is its own little rural escape in the middle of the city! 

The top locations you’ll find University of Notts students living in are Dunkirk, Wollaton, and Beeston. These are ideally positioned close to the university (especially Dunkirk) and only a stone's throw away from the city for when you miss the urban lifestyle. Here at UniHomes, we showcase plenty of student homes in Nottingham on our site. To make things as easy as possible, all the student properties come with all bills included too! Take a look at the selection of student accommodation to help you discover your next student house in next to no time. 

The best cities for outdoor lovers 

If you love the outdoors, national parks, and green spaces but also don’t want to be too far away from the thriving city centre, then you need to find the perfect blend of the two! Below are our top picks for cities that also have a rural sparkle to them. 

🌿 Sheffield. This location has to be on our list! The Peak District is on its doorstep, and there are plenty of biking trails, hiking routes, and stunning outdoor views. Just step outside of the city in any direction, and you’ll be met with vast greenery and places to explore. 

🌿 Plymouth. This idyllic port city is definitely a must-visit. Not only does it have gorgeous green spaces it also has a breathtaking harbour too! It’s the perfect place for all types of outdoor adventures.  

🌿Swansea. A different type of outdoors, but one to mention nonetheless! Based on the coast of South-West Wales, it’s the ideal location for any coast lover. Take a stroll on the sand on a lovely summers day and bask in the views. 

🌿 Bournemouth. Voted the best seaside town in the UK, this location is the one for beach and outdoor lovers. It has seven miles of glorious coastline and stunning blue flag beaches that’ll help relieve any day-to-day stresses. 

How UniHomes can help 

UniHomes has a vast catalogue of student properties across the UK. This makes it super easy for you to choose the University of your dreams without panicking that you’ll struggle to find decent student accommodation. The best part? Not only do we have properties in cities that are well-renowned for their great outdoor areas, but each home you see listed on our site comes with all bills included! Now you can spend more time exploring and sightseeing in your new area and less time thinking about your bills and budget. 

It’s super easy to find a property you’re looking for on our site. You can filter by university, location, and even the number of bedrooms. Visit our directory of student accommodation and find your next student home today, or contact us with any questions you may have.