Our top 20 Instagrammable spots on campus
Whether you’re new to the University or you’ve spent many a year here, there’s always a new perspective to find. Here’s our guide to the top twenty most photographic spots on campus to share with your friends, family and Insta-pals.
Parkinson Building
Without doubt the most photographed building on campus. Whether you’re taking the shot from over the road or on the newly refurbished steps, the majestic white tower of Parkinson will always look impressive. Double tap.
The Great Hall
The Great Hall — check,
Parkinson Tower — check,
Blue skies — check.
Instagram Gold. Right there.
Brotherton Library
How could we not include the Brotherton Library in our most Instagrammable spots on campus? It’s a genuine wow moment, and the breath-taking chandelier, cool pillars and silent reading room will definitely pull in the big Likes on your feed. Did you know it’s been featured in TV and movies too?
Hugo’s Cafe
Bonjour! We love Hugo — our little French Citroen van dispensing that perfect Instagram coffee snap outside the Union.
Clothworkers Court
Clothworkers Court — home of Quentin Bell’s The Dreamer, a lady who’s been levitating since October 1982. It’s an intimate and peaceful spot to sit and relax, and at this time of year the rich red leaves of the Virginia Creeper which climbs up the ancient brick of the Great Hall are definitely worth a snap.
We love the precinct outside the union. Those fluttering flags are perfect for that portrait Boomerang Insta-story!
Living Wall
We love the Living Wall in the Union. It’s a great backdrop for your pics, and you’ll want one of these at home one day!
Sign for Art
Often mistaken for some “wobbly bacon” this iconic sculpture has much more meaning. Professor Keith Wilson, the artist said: “Immediately after leaving the Slade in the late 1980s, I worked for a year with deaf-blind adults as an art instructor. Drawing two spaced fingertips in a wave motion across the forehead of the student — a tactile ‘brainwave’ sign — announced the arrival of the artist, the subject of art, and the imminent activity of making art.” Pop that in your caption why don’t you?
Baines Wing Cafe
Imagine if Hogwarts had a coffee shop. One of the uni’s real hidden gems and many students and staff have never been. The Baines Wing Café is perfect for those steaming coffee mug pics with the Great Hall in the background. Ten points to Gryffindor!
St George’s Field
Hidden right in the heart of campus is St George’s field, a peaceful place for quiet contemplation, walking and getting the perfect Insta shot. Pop by in spring for bundles of daffodils to brighten your day.
Dual Form sculpture & Stage@Leeds building
Stage@Leeds is a brilliant, almost Lego-like place that can be found behind the Union. The grey walls of the building and Barbara Hepworth’s Dual Form sculpture in front make it a place which is Instagram-worthy in all types of weather. Why not grab a selfie whilst you’re at it?
University Car Park
Down on the other side of EC Stoner is the distinct multi-storey car park. It’s lit up with different colours every night and looks like a giant cheese grater. It’s one of the most popular spots for Instagrammers across Leeds to capture, with its unusual metal panels.
Business School & Charles Thackrah Building
Our western campus is definitely a place to explore. From the gothic towers of Business School, through the space-age Charles Thackrah building, to the warm reflections of the mirrored Marks and Spencer Archive, it’s a win every time!
Sustainable Garden
Down next to the Roger Stevens building is this tiny little garden, full of wildflowers, vegetables and fruit to pick. It’s always changing, so whether you’re looking for some great close-ups of fruit, or wide landscape shots of the flying walkways and brutal concrete architecture, you’ll get on well here.
Waterside Cafe
This time we’re in the concrete and glass majesty of the Waterside café, hidden underneath Roger Stevens. Whether you’re snapping your steaming coffee, the crazy angles or the serene waters of the pond outside, you’ll love this place. (And if you love a hot beverage, why not check out some of our other cafes on campus?)
Parkinson Building (again!)
We told you Parky was popular! Here’s another view with the Emmanuel centre and Laidlaw in the distance. Head up here over the next couple of months and you’ll get some amazing sunsets with beautiful skies from this view.
Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building
How can you not take a shot of the Ziff building, with its wavy lines and glass boxes which reflect the neighbouring buildings and sky. Oh and don’t forget, it’s got big lettering saying University Of Leeds!
Loma Café
Hidden amongst the rabbit warren of Level 9 Worsley Building is Loma Café, with it’s cool furnishings, great food and drink, and through those windows on the left, two striking sculptures that are definitely worth a pic!
Roger Stevens Building
Love it or hate, the Roger Stevens is a crazy, brutalist concrete building down past the Edward Boyle library. Surrounded by the pond and peaceful grassy areas to sit, you can guarantee your friends and family back at home won’t have seen anything like this before. (Dogs not provided, sorry)
We love to see your pics, so be sure to follow us on Instagram and get tagging.
