The Most Beautiful College in Oxford, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the college you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on Apr 18, 2024 06:22

Strolling through the historic streets of Oxford, it's easy to be captivated by the architectural beauty of its colleges. Each one tells a unique story through its stunning design and meticulous details. For a prospective student, visitor, or architecture enthusiast, deciding which college stands out the most can be a delightful challenge. Here, you have the opportunity to cast your vote and help determine the most beautiful college in Oxford. Everyone's opinion matters and the rankings change with each new vote. Your participation brings fresh perspectives to the ongoing discussion of which college really resonates beauty among the iconic bastions of education and history in Oxford.

What Is the Most Beautiful College in Oxford?

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52
votes
soham pablo · CC BY 2.0

Christ Church College

Cardinal Thomas Wolsey

Christ Church College - the largest and most famous college, with its stunning architecture and historic connections to Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland."
Christ Church College is one of the most beautiful and prestigious colleges in the University of Oxford. It is located in the heart of the city, adjacent to Christ Church Meadow and the River Thames. The college is renowned for its stunning architecture, magnificent gardens, and rich history.

Foundation Year: 1525

Architectural Style: English Renaissance

Cloisters: One of the largest in Oxford

Great Hall: Inspiration for Hogwarts' dining hall in Harry Potter

Cathedral: One of the smallest cathedrals in England
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18
votes
Alexis O'Connor · CC BY 2.0

Magdalen College

William of Waynflete

Magdalen College - known for its expansive gardens, bell tower, and choir, as well as its association with notable alumni including C.S. Lewis and Oscar Wilde.
Magdalen College is one of the most beautiful colleges in Oxford, known for its stunning architecture and scenic surroundings. Situated beside the River Cherwell, the college provides a tranquil and picturesque environment for its students and visitors.

Founded: 1458

Architecture Style: Gothic

Main Tower: Great Tower

Library Size: 70,000 books

Famous Alumni: Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis
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13
votes
Simon Q from United Kingdom · CC BY 2.0

New College

William of Wykeham

New College is founded in the 14th century, with a picturesque quad and chapel, as well as a bell tower that offers stunning views of the city.
New College is one of the most beautiful colleges in Oxford, known for its stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings. It is located in the heart of the city, amidst tranquil gardens and close to several historic landmarks.

Foundation Year: 1379

Architectural Style: Gothic

Main Quad Name: Front Quad

Chapel Name: New College Chapel

Longest Continuously Serving Choir in Oxford: New College Chapel Choir
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11
votes
Tom Murphy VII · CC BY-SA 3.0

Merton College

Walter de Merton

Merton College is one of the oldest colleges in Oxford, with a beautiful chapel and library, as well as a lovely garden that is open to the public.
Merton College is one of the most beautiful colleges in Oxford. It was founded in 1264 and is located on Merton Street. The college combines stunning architecture with a serene and picturesque environment.

Architecture: Merton College showcases a mix of architectural styles including medieval, Gothic, and neoclassical.

Chapel: The college chapel features intricate stained glass windows and a beautiful wooden roof.

Library: Merton College library houses a collection of rare and valuable books dating back centuries.

Gardens: The college is surrounded by well-maintained gardens, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

Quadrangle: Merton College boasts a charming quadrangle with meticulously maintained lawns and historic buildings.
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19
votes
Andrew Dunn · CC BY-SA 2.0

Trinity College

Sir Thomas Pope

Trinity College is a small but picturesque college, with a tranquil garden and chapel that dates back to the 17th century.
Trinity College is one of the most beautiful colleges in Oxford. It offers an idyllic and picturesque setting for its students and visitors. Its stunning architecture, immaculate gardens, and rich history make it a must-visit destination. The college is famous for its grandeur and tranquil surroundings, providing an atmosphere conducive to learning and reflection.

Foundation Year: 1555

Architectural Style: Gothic

Main Buildings: Neville Court, Great Quadrangle, Chapel

Master: Sir Ivor Roberts

Number of Students: Around 300
Trinity College in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular college at Cambridge
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7
votes
St. John's College

Sir Thomas White

St. John's College - known for its impressive gardens, including the 15-acre "St. Giles' Garden," as well as its historic buildings and chapel.
St. John's College is one of the most beautiful and prestigious colleges in the University of Oxford. Founded in 1555, it has a rich history and stunning architecture. The college is located on St. Giles' Street in central Oxford, providing a picturesque setting for learning and living.

Architecture: Stunning mix of Gothic and Tudor styles

Chapel: Impressive with exquisite stained glass windows

Library: Contains a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts

Bridge of Sighs: Iconic landmark connecting two parts of the college

Great Hall: Features beautiful woodwork and historic portraits
7

10
votes
Godot13 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Brasenose College

William Smyth

Brasenose College is a beautiful college with a historic quad and chapel, as well as a library that is home to many notable works and manuscripts.
Brasenose College is one of the most beautiful colleges in Oxford, known for its stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings. It is located in the heart of the city, near Radcliffe Square. The college retains its historic charm, with its immaculately manicured gardens and magnificent buildings.

Year of Foundation: 1509

Architectural Style: Gothic and Neoclassical

Number of Students: Approximately 400

Famous Alumni: David Cameron, Michael Palin, William Webb Ellis

Chapels: Old and New Chapels
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14
votes
Toby Ord · CC BY-SA 2.5

Balliol College

John de Balliol

Balliol College is founded in the 13th century, with a stunning chapel and hall, as well as a library that houses many rare and valuable books.
Balliol College is one of the most beautiful and prestigious colleges in Oxford. It is situated in the heart of the city and is known for its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings. Founded in 1263 by John de Balliol, it is one of the oldest colleges at the University of Oxford. With its rich history and academic excellence, Balliol College continues to attract students from all over the world.

Foundation Year: 1263

Location: Oxford, England

Architectural Style: Gothic

Campus Size: 8 acres

Famous Alumni: Adam Smith, Aldous Huxley, Boris Johnson
9

7
votes
MKung · Public domain

Worcester College

Sir George Clark

Worcester College is a picturesque college with a tranquil lake and gardens, as well as a modern library and dining hall.
Worcester College is a stunning college located in Oxford, England. It is renowned for its exceptional beauty and rich history. Founded in 1714, the college has a charming mix of traditional and modern architectural styles.

Location: Oxford, England

Year of foundation: 1714

Architectural style: Traditional and modern

Main buildings: Esher Quad, Liddell Quad, Chapel

Gardens: Extensive and well-maintained
10

8
votes
Monsarc · CC BY 3.0

Pembroke College

Pembroke College - known for its beautiful gardens and historic chapel, as well as its association with notable alumni including Samuel Johnson and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Pembroke College is one of the most beautiful colleges in Oxford, situated in the heart of the city. It is known for its stunning architecture, serene courtyards, and picturesque gardens, offering a peaceful and inspiring environment for studying and living.

Foundation Year: 1624

Architectural Style: Jacobean

Location: Oxford, England

Chapel: Pembroke Chapel

Library: The JCR Library
Pembroke College in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular college at Cambridge

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Ranking factors for beautiful college

Architectural Style

The overall design and architectural style of the buildings and structures within the college play a crucial role in its beauty. This includes the materials used, the time period they were built in, and any notable architects involved.
Gardens and Grounds

Pay attention to the landscaping, layout, and maintenance of the gardens and outdoor spaces within the college. Well-manicured lawns, attractive flowerbeds, and mature trees add to the aesthetic appeal.
Historical Significance

The college's history and its role in the development of Oxford University can add to its beauty. Heritage buildings and historic artifacts within the college contribute to its charm and appeal.
Atmosphere

Consider the overall ambiance and atmosphere within the college. This is subjective, but can be influenced by factors such as the community, student life, and the college's reputation.
Hidden Gems

Some colleges may have unique features that set them apart from others, such as a stunning dining hall, cozy corners, or striking art and sculptures. These can be intriguing points of interest that enhance the overall beauty of the college.
Personal Preference

Beauty is subjective, and what one person finds appealing may not be the same for another. Personal preference for a particular college's architectural style, history, or location, could influence one's view of its beauty.
Location

The college's location within Oxford can contribute to its beauty. A college situated near the river, parks, or prominent landmarks may have more picturesque surroundings than one located in a more urban setting.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful college in Oxford. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or college is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1353 views
157 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each college once every 24 hours. The rank of each college is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful college in oxford

Oxford, a city in central southern England, is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities. Among these is the University of Oxford, one of the oldest and most renowned institutions of higher education in the world. The university comprises a number of colleges, each with its own unique history, architecture, and traditions. The colleges of Oxford University are not just centers of learning; they are also some of the most beautiful and historic buildings in England. From the spires of Christ Church to the Gothic grandeur of Keble College, the colleges of Oxford are a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore some of the most beautiful colleges in Oxford and what makes them so special.