Britain’s most beautiful university towns

Britain boasts some of the most iconic university towns in the world. Quaint, charming and steeped in history, they offer atmospheric cobbled lanes, ancient churches, stunning cathedrals, and even Roman ruins. Now a new type of trip allows you to stay in university accommodation while the students are on holiday. It’s the perfect way to spend time in the heart of a university town, ideal for solo travellers and groups alike, with half board, included excursions covering the key sights and plenty of time to explore independently. Here is a round-up of what’s on offer in these lovely destinations.

Stay at: The International College, Kings School

Must-see sights: The stand-out in this compact, historic city in Kent is Canterbury Cathedral, especially the ancient crypt beneath the monastery. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it blends Romanesque and Early English Gothic architecture, featuring the 235-foot-tall central Bell Harry Tower and an intricately carved choir. Nearby, the Roman Museum reveals a range of artefacts and excavations, including a remarkably-preserved Roman town house complete with mosaics. Sections of the original Roman City Walls can be walked, especially by the award-winning Dane John Gardens, with its shaded avenue of lime trees. Don’t miss the Westgate, England’s largest surviving city gate, or see the city from a different angle on a leisurely punt along the River Stour.

Fascinating fact: The cathedral has drawn pilgrims for more than 800 years, inspiring Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales.

What to buy: Stained glass panels, Canterbury cross pendants and illuminated-manuscript prints from the cathedral’s gift shop; Kentish cheeses and charcuterie from The Goods Shed; antique books and maps from independent stores around the Buttermarket.

Bishops Palace Gardens, Chichester

Stay at: University of Chichester

Must-see sights: A former Roman settlement, Chichester still reveals its past through the remains of Roman baths, an amphitheatre and the ancient Stane Street road to London. At its heart stands imposing, 11th-century Chichester Cathedral, home to medieval stone carvings and a stained-glass window by artist Marc Chagall. Nearby, the Bishop’s Palace Gardens provide a peaceful city centre escape. The Novium Museum brings local history to life with more than 500,000 artefacts, while the ornate Chichester Cross stands at the intersection of four streets. Just outside town, the Fishbourne Roman Palace is the largest Roman residence north of the Alps.

Fascinating fact: Chichester Cathedral has a detached bell tower – one of only two medieval examples in England.

What to buy: Contemporary prints and secondhand art books from Pallant House; handcrafted homewares from East Street independent stores; antiques and collectibles from Peter Hancock.

Colchester’s medieval priory

Stay at: University of Essex

Must-see sights: Known as Britain’s First City, Colchester’s history stretches back more than 2,000 years. Colchester Castle, built on the foundations of a Roman temple, features Europe’s largest Norman keep and its museum houses many exhibits, including the Colchester Gladiator Vase and the Fenwick Hoard of Roman Treasure. The surrounding Castle Park contains sections of Roman wall, a boating lake, and Hollytrees Museum, which explores the city’s social history. Wander the Dutch Quarter, with its pastel-coloured cottages; visit the Natural History Museum; and get your camera ready for Layer Marney Tower, the tallest Tudor Gatehouse in the UK.

Fascinating fact: Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded town, dating back more than two millennia.

What to buy: Replicas of Roman artefacts and Fenwick Hoard-inspired jewellery from the Colchester Castle Museum shop; locally-made gifts including pottery, cards, art prints and more at the Hollytrees Museum.

Trebah Gardens near Falmouth

Stay at: Falmouth - Penryn's University Campus

Must-see sights: Once a key port, Falmouth has evolved into a vibrant, creative hub and is home to one of the UK’s leading arts universities. Learn the stories of the seas at the National Maritime Museum, with its interactive galleries spread across five floors. Coastal walks along the Fal Estuary are spectacular, while sandy beaches at Gyllyngvase and Swanpool lie close by. Striking Pendennis Castle, built on the orders of Henry VIII in 1542, offers panoramic views from the top of its Tudor keep. Falmouth Art Gallery showcases more than 2,000 artworks, while summer brings a range of regattas and festivals, including lively Falmouth Week in August.

Fascinating fact: Falmouth has one of the deepest natural harbours in the world.

What to buy: Everything from hampers to Cornish language books and chocolate pasties at The Cornish Store; local art, ceramics and jewellery at the Cornwall Art Galleries; sustainable, surf-inspired clothing at Finisterre.