By Whether you’re a traveler planning a UK tour, a student studying British geography, or simply curious about the country’s urban landscape, a map of cities in England offers a valuable snapshot of the nation’s culture, history, and regional diversity.
From global hubs like London to charming cathedral cities like York and Canterbury, England’s cities reflect centuries of architecture, innovation, and regional identity. In this guide, we’ll break down the major cities in England, provide a visual overview, and highlight must-see locations.
Interactive Cities in England Map
To explore an interactive version:
View Cities in England on Google Maps (Insert your own custom map for detailed navigation)
The map includes:
- Capital cities and regional hubs
- Cathedral cities
- Transport links (train lines, motorways)
- Tourist destinations and coastal towns
List of Major Cities in England by Region
London (Capital City)
- Region: Greater London
- Highlights: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, West End, Thames River
- Population: ~9 million
- Transport Hub: 6 major airports + extensive train/tube network
Manchester
- Region: North West England
- Known for: Music, football (Manchester United & City), industrial history
- Key Areas: Northern Quarter, Salford Quays, MediaCityUK
Birmingham
- Region: West Midlands
- UK’s second-largest city
- Cultural Scene: Symphony Hall, museums, shopping at Bullring
York
- Region: Yorkshire and the Humber
- Famous for: York Minster, medieval walls, Viking heritage
- Ideal for: Weekend city breaks & historic tours
Liverpool
- Region: North West England
- Highlights: The Beatles, Albert Dock, Mersey River, football clubs
- UNESCO status: Maritime Mercantile City (until 2021)
Oxford
- Region: South East England
- Home to: The University of Oxford
- Known for: Architecture, museums, boat punting on the Thames
Cambridge
- Region: East of England
- Rival city to Oxford
- Famous for: University buildings, rowing, and green spaces
Brighton & Hove
- Region: South East England
- Highlights: Seaside pier, Royal Pavilion, LGBTQ+ scene
- Perfect for: Day trips from London
Newcastle upon Tyne
- Region: North East England
- Iconic for: Tyne Bridge, nightlife, and the Angel of the North
Bristol
- Region: South West England
- Known for: Banksy, Clifton Suspension Bridge, creative arts
- Close to: Bath and the Cotswolds
Full List of Official Cities in England
There are 55 official cities in England (as of 2024), including:
- Canterbury
- Durham
- Leeds
- Sheffield
- Nottingham
- Southampton
- Plymouth
- Norwich
- Lancaster
- St Albans
- Wolverhampton
- Peterborough
- Truro
- Wakefield
- Chelmsford
- Coventry
- Derby
- Exeter
- …and more.
You can filter cities on a Google My Maps version by region or population for easy planning.
Getting Around England’s Cities
- Train travel is efficient and scenic (National Rail, LNER, Avanti West Coast)
- Driving allows access to rural and lesser-known cities
- Coaches (e.g., National Express) offer budget-friendly city-to-city options
- London airports connect internationally, while Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol offer domestic hubs
Best Cities in England for Tourists
| City | Best For |
| London | History, nightlife, iconic landmarks |
| York | Heritage, medieval streets |
| Liverpool | Music & maritime history |
| Bath | Roman spas, Georgian architecture |
| Brighton | Seaside fun, boutique shopping |
| Oxford | University charm and architecture |
| Newcastle | Vibrant nightlife and culture |
Regional Map of Cities in England (By Area)
South East England
- London, Oxford, Brighton, Winchester, Canterbury
South West England
- Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Truro, Salisbury
East of England
- Cambridge, Norwich, Chelmsford, Peterborough
Midlands
- Birmingham, Leicester, Coventry, Derby, Nottingham
North West England
- Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Preston, Carlisle
North East England
- Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland
Yorkshire & the Humber
- Leeds, York, Sheffield, Bradford, Hull
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip, exploring university cities, or studying British geography, a map of cities in England is your key to discovering the UK’s diverse urban heart.
Each city offers its own unique personality, from London’s global buzz to York’s medieval charm. So grab a map, plan your route, and uncover the best England has to offer—one city at a time.
FAQs
Q 1: How many official cities are there in England?
As of 2024, there are 55 official cities in England. City status is granted by royal charter and not based solely on population size.
Q 2: What is the biggest city in England?
London is the largest city by population and area. Outside of London, Birmingham is the largest metropolitan city in England.
Q 3: What are the best cities to visit in England for tourists?
Must-visit cities include London, York, Oxford, Liverpool, Bath, and Brighton for their mix of culture, history, and attractions.
Q 4: Where can I find printable cities in the English map?
Printable maps can be downloaded from sites like VisitBritain, Ordnance Survey, or custom-made using Google My Maps with pins and labels.
Q 5: Is there a difference between towns and cities in England?
Yes. In the UK, city status is granted by the monarch, not just based on population. Some towns are larger than cities but lack official city designation.
Also read: Things to See in Dundee: Top Attractions, Museums, Landmarks & Hidden Gems
