This discussion is now closed.

Check out other Related discussions

Best looking? Oxford or Cambridge?

inequality

7

Which city do you think is the nicest from an aesthetic point of view?

Reply 1

homoterror

Cambridge, the backs are gorgeous. You don't get that same intensity of dreaminess in Oxford, there's always roads or shops or pollution to remind you otherwise.

Reply 2

MadNatSci

12

I know I'll be accused of bias but I still think Cambridge is the prettiest city. However in terms of individual colleges, I think Oxford possibly has the edge - but the city as a whole is still not as nice...

Reply 3

homoterror

MadNatSci

I know I'll be accused of bias but I still think Cambridge is the prettiest city. However in terms of individual colleges, I think Oxford possibly has the edge - but the city as a whole is still not as nice...

I strongly disagree =o Sure Cambridge has its Robinsons and Churchills, but the beautiful Oxford colleges have their sisters in Cambridge which are just as impressive, e.g. Trinity/ChristChurch.

Reply 4

fleur-de-lis

1

Obviously, my loyalty made me vote for Oxford with its far more beautiful & quaint colleges & rich history. Here are some differences that I see:-
The Oxon city centre has Cowley, Abingdon, Botley etc which are full of middle class and lower homes and a general population explosion, all concentrated within 5 km radius. In Cambridge, the city is quite widespread and we don't see such diverse population (or explosion). The streets are all quite well kept and orderly.
Cambridge is more greener with the backs, and well maintained river. However, Oxford does have the beautiful Port Meadow!
On the whole, Oxford gets my vote.

Reply 5

MadNatSci

12

homoterror

I strongly disagree =o Sure Cambridge has its Robinsons and Churchills, but the beautiful Oxford colleges have their sisters in Cambridge which are just as impressive, e.g. Trinity/ChristChurch.

Personally I thought ChristChurch was prettier; Trinity's impressive but, grandeur aside, not that beautiful in my view. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder... Anyway Cambridge does have some real beauties, I just think overall the Oxford colleges I saw seemed more consistently lovely.

I can't believe I'm arguing Oxford's case. Excuse me while I book an appointment with a psychiatrist.

Reply 6

$Avatar for sTe\/o$

sTe\/o

16

MadNatSci

Personally I thought ChristChurch was prettier; Trinity's impressive but, grandeur aside, not that beautiful in my view. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder... Anyway Cambridge does have some real beauties, I just think overall the Oxford colleges I saw seemed more consistently lovely.

I can't believe I'm arguing Oxford's case. Excuse me while I book an appointment with a psychiatrist.

I've stayed in Oxford with a friend for a few days and I see where you're coming from. Christchurch is really beautiful. It might not be as impressively big as Trinity or St Johns, but in my opinion it looks nicer. Also, the true size of the Cambridge colleges seems hidden somehow - does that make sense? Christ Church looks massive from outside. The bit where you can walk along the river on Christ Church's grounds is amazing too.

I would give Cambridge the edge over all - the place just has an enchanted feel about it. But that's my personal opinion and not in the least objective.

Reply 7

homoterror

sbailey

The bit where you can walk along the river on Christ Church's grounds is amazing too.

That's true

Reply 8

$Avatar for sTe\/o$

sTe\/o

16

Looking at who has voted for which, I think I have noticed a pattern... :p:

Reply 9

KuinKra

1

Oxford is far prettier. Nothing in cam can compare to the beauty of the ivory towers, for one thing...

Reply 10

fleur-de-lis

1

However there are some places I love in Cambridge: the grounds of Kings College, Clare, St John's and the lovely area of Newnham. However, I feel that the Judge Institute is quite a sore sight.

Reply 11

$Avatar for sTe\/o$

sTe\/o

16

fleur-de-lis

However there are some places I love in Cambridge: the grounds of Kings College, Clare, St John's and the lovely area of Newnham. However, I feel that the Judge Institute is quite a sore sight.

"The Judge Institute of Management building is a refurbishment and extension of Addenbrooke's Hospital, which was first established on this site in 1766."

It's the paintjob that's the problem. I've just looked at some pics on the net and it is pretty cool on the inside, but still pretty wacky.
http://www.jims.cam.ac.uk/judge/visual_tour/visual_tour_f.html

Fortunately the Judge Institute is not on the tourist trail anyway. :p:

Reply 12

fleur-de-lis

1

sbailey

"The Judge Institute of Management building is a refurbishment and extension of Addenbrooke's Hospital, which was first established on this site in 1766."

It's the paintjob that's the problem. I've just looked at some pics on the net and it is pretty cool on the inside, but still pretty wacky.
http://www.jims.cam.ac.uk/judge/visual_tour/visual_tour_f.html

Fortunately the Judge Institute is not on the tourist trail anyway. :p:

Yup, you are right... but it looks really ugly (imho). It is opposite to Fitzwilliam Museum, so it's possible that people might stray to there :biggrin: