Cities of the British Isles
The United Kingdom is home to a diverse range of cities, each with its own unique history, culture, and character. From bustling metropolises to charming towns, the UK is filled with exciting destinations to explore.
The cities in England are a vital part of the country’s rich history and culture, offering a unique blend of old and new, tradition and innovation. With a plethora of cities to explore, from bustling metropolises to charming towns, cities in England are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and entertainment.
How Many Cities Are There in Britain?
The number of cities in Britain is often debated, with some sources suggesting that there are over 60 cities in the United Kingdom. However, the exact number is difficult to determine, as some cities may be recognized by different authorities or have different levels of autonomy. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on the most well-known and widely recognized cities in Britain.
In this article, we will list every city in England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland.
England
- Bath
- Birmingham
- Bradford
- Brighton and Hove
- Bristol
- Cambridge
- Canterbury
- Carlisle
- Chester
- Chelmsford
- Chichester
- Coventry
- Derby
- Durham
- Ely
- Exeter
- Gloucester
- Hereford
- Hull
- Lancaster
- Leeds
- Leicester
- Lichfield
- Lincoln
- Liverpool
- London
- Manchester
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Norwich
- Nottingham
- Oxford
- Peterborough
- Plymouth
- Portsmouth
- Preston
- Ripon
- Salford
- Salisbury
- Sheffield
- Southampton
- St Albans
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Sunderland
- Swansea (note: Swansea is a city in Wales, but is also commonly associated with England)
- Truro (note: Truro is a city in Cornwall, which is part of England)
- Wakefield
- Wells
- Westminster (note: Westminster is a city in London, but is also the name of the district where the Houses of Parliament are located)
- Winchester
- Wolverhampton
In 2000, the UK government introduced a new system for recognizing cities, which allowed for the creation of new cities. Since then, 11 cities have been officially recognized as such:
- Bath
- Birmingham
- Bradford
- Brighton and Hove
- Bristol
- Cambridge
- Canterbury
- Carlisle
- Chester
- Chelmsford
- Derby
Wales
- Bangor
- Cardiff (capital city)
- Carmarthen (note: Carmarthen is a city in West Wales, also known as Carmarthen)
- Newport (note: Newport is a city in South Wales, also known as Casnewydd)
- Pontypridd (note: Pontypridd is a city in South Wales)
- St Asaph (note: St Asaph is a city in North Wales)
- St Davids (note: St Davids is a city in West Wales)
- Swansea
Ireland
- Armagh (note: Armagh is a city in Northern Ireland)
- Belfast (capital city)
- Cork (note: Cork is a city in Southern Ireland)
- Dublin (capital city)
- Derry (note: Derry is a city in Northern Ireland)
- Limerick (note: Limerick is a city in Southern Ireland)
- Newry (note: Newry is a city in Northern Ireland)
- Waterford (note: Waterford is a city in Southern Ireland)
Scotland
1 Aberdeen (note: Aberdeen is a city in Northeast Scotland) 2 Arbroath (note: Arbroath is a city on the east coast of Scotland) 3 Ayr (note: Ayr is a city on the west coast of Scotland) 4 Dundee (note: Dundee is a city on the east coast of Scotland) 5 Dunfermline (note: Dunfermline is a city in Fife, Scotland) 6 Edinburgh (capital city) 7 Glasgow (note: Glasgow is a city in West Central Scotland) 8 Hamilton (note: Hamilton is a city in South Lanarkshire, Scotland) 9 Inverness (note: Inverness is a city in the Highlands, Scotland) 10 Kirkcaldy (note: Kirkcaldy is a city on the east coast of Scotland) 11 Livingston (note: Livingston is a city in West Lothian, Scotland) 12 Perth (note: Perth is a city in Tayside, Scotland) 13 Stirling (note: Stirling is a city in Central Scotland)
Note that this list only includes cities that are officially recognized by the UK government or local authorities as cities or royal burghs.
Please note that this list may not be exhaustive or up-to-date, as there may be other cities or towns that are not officially recognized as cities or are not well-known outside of their region.
Also, please note that some cities may have been listed under different names or regions, as some places have multiple names or associations.
Britain’s 8 New Cities
In recent years, eight new cities have been officially recognized by the UK government:
- Newport (Wales)
- St Asaph (Wales)
- St Davids (Wales)
- Lisburn (Northern Ireland)
- Newry (Northern Ireland)
- Colchester (England)
- Preston (England)
- Perth (Scotland)
Cities in England: A Closer Look
With a rich history dating back to the Roman era, cities in England offer a unique blend of old and new, tradition and innovation. From the bustling streets of London to the charming countryside of the Lake District, there is something for everyone in England.
Cities in England: Culture and Entertainment
Cities in England are renowned for their vibrant cultural scenes, with world-class museums, galleries, and theaters. From the British Museum to the National Gallery, there are countless opportunities to explore and learn about art, history, and culture.
Cities in England: Food and Drink
Cities in England are also famous for their delicious cuisine, from traditional pub fare to modern fusion restaurants. From fish and chips to Sunday roasts, there is something for every taste bud.
Cities in England: Outdoor Activities
Cities in England offer a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to cycling and sailing. From the picturesque countryside of Somerset to the rugged coastline of Cornwall, there are endless opportunities to explore and enjoy nature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cities in England are a vital part of British history and culture, offering a unique blend of old and new, tradition and innovation. From bustling metropolises to charming towns, there is something for everyone in England.
Author Profile

-
Business And Features Writer
Email https://markmeets.com/contact-form/
Latest entries
SkillsThursday, 9 October 2025, 15:00The importance of a good cover letter
TechMonday, 6 October 2025, 14:00How To Remove Apple ID Completely
WestendFriday, 3 October 2025, 12:00London’s West End Shows – all the latest theatre news and reviews!
CultureFriday, 3 October 2025, 9:00What is Lorem Ipsum Meaning?