A Helpful Guide About How Many Cities Are There In The UK

The United Kingdom is a fascinating destination, rich in history, culture, exciting attractions, and stunning architecture. It’s composed of four distinct countries: Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. If you're planning a trip this holiday season, getting familiar with their cities is a great start. Each city offers unique charm, attractions, and cultural significance. But before you go, you might be wondering exactly how many cities are there in the UK.

It’s a common belief that cities are defined by their population size—but did you know St David’s, with fewer than 2,000 residents, is officially a city? This is because city status in the UK is not based on size, but on a Royal Charter. City designation here is granted by the monarch, and towns often compete for this status. Let’s explore how many cities are in the UK, what makes them cities, and what makes each one worth visiting.

What Defines A City In The UK?

In many parts of the world, cities are classified based on population size. But in the UK, tradition plays a bigger role. Here, city status is granted by the monarch through a Royal Charter. This means a town can be designated a city regardless of how many people live there. Wondering what sets a city apart from a town?

Typically, cities have a larger population and more extensive infrastructure. However, in the UK, it's not that simple. The title of “city” is more about tradition and recognition than population or size.

What Is The Criteria For A City Status In The UK?

The process for granting city status has evolved over the years. While there's no strict set of rules, certain factors often influence the decision:

Historically, having a Cathedral was essential for city status.

Larger towns with strong economies are more likely to be chosen.

Historical significance and administrative roles also increase the chances.

Sometimes, competitions are held during national celebrations (like the Queen’s Jubilee) for towns to apply for city status.

These are some of the common factors considered when a town is granted city status in the UK.

How Many Cities Are There In The UK?

Currently, the United Kingdom has a total of 76 officially recognized cities, distributed among its four countries:

• England: 55 cities
• Northern Ireland: 6 cities
• Wales: 7 cities
• Scotland: 8 cities

Below is a breakdown of these cities across each country.

List of Cities in England

England holds the majority of UK cities. Notable ones include:

1. London,
2. Birmingham
3. Manchester
4. Liverpool
5. Leeds
6. Sheffield
7. Bristol
8. Nottingham
9. Newcastle
10. Leicester
11. Coventry
12. Sunderland
13. Bradford
14. Wolverhampton
15. Bath
16. Cambridge
17. Carlisle
18. Chester
19. Chichester
20. Derby
21. Doncaster
22. Durham
23. Ely
24. Exeter
25. Gloucester
26. Hereford
27. Kingston upon Thames
28. Hull
29. Lancaster
30. Lichfield
31. Lincoln
32. Milton Keynes
33. Norwich
34. Oxford
35. Salisbury
36. Southend-on-Sea
37. Southampton
38. Southwell
39. Stoke-on-Trent
40. Truro
41. Wakefield
42. Wells
43. Westminster
44. Winchester
45. Worcester
46. York

List of Cities in Wales

Wales is home to 7 cities, with Cardiff as the most prominent.

• Cardiff – Capital and largest city
• Swansea – Major coastal destination
• Newport – A key economic hub
• St Asaph – One of the smallest cities
• St Davids – The smallest city by population
• Wrexham – Gained city status in 2022
• Bangor – Known as the oldest city in Wales

List of Cities in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has six recognized cities:

• Belfast – Capital and largest city
• Londonderry – Famous for its historic walls
• Bangor – Became a city in 2022
• Lisburn – One of the smallest cities
• Newry – Known as the ecclesiastical capital
• Armagh – Granted city status in 2022

List of Cities in Scotland

Scotland is home to 8 vibrant cities:

• Edinburgh – Capital city, known for the Royal Mile
• Glasgow – Largest city, cultural and industrial hub
• Aberdeen – Famous for the oil and gas industry
• Dundee – Known for gaming and innovation
• Inverness – Gateway to the Highlands
• Stirling – Rich in medieval history
• Perth – Former capital
• Dunfermline – Became a city in 2022

Recent Additions to UK Cities

In 2022, as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, four new cities were named:

• Dunfermline (Scotland)
• Wrexham (Wales)
• Bangor (Northern Ireland)
• Milton Keynes (England)

Cities, Attractions & Activities In England

England is full of cultural and historical treasures. Here are a few highlights:

• London – Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, British Museum, Thames River cruises
• Birmingham – Cadbury World, shopping centres, Symphony Hall
• Manchester – Famous football clubs, vibrant nightlife, museums
• Liverpool – Beatles history, Albert Dock, maritime museums
• York – A medieval city with a stunning cathedral and historical landmarks

Unique Gems in England

Some lesser-known gems include:

• Bath – Roman heritage and Georgian architecture
• Durham – UNESCO-listed castle and cathedral
• Canterbury – A spiritual hub with deep historical roots

Festivals & Food in England

• Notting Hill Carnival in London
• Glastonbury Music Festival

Famous foods: Fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, Cornish pasty

Cities, Attractions & Activities in Scotland

Highlights of Scottish cities include:

• Edinburgh – Edinburgh Castle, festivals, historic sites
• Glasgow – Riverside Museum, Kelvingrove Gallery
• Aberdeen – Granite architecture, oil history
• Inverness – Entry point to the Highlands

Festivals & Culture in Scotland

Hogmanay – New Year celebration

Edinburgh Fringe Festival – World’s largest arts festival

Quirky facts: Loch Ness Monster, Stone of Destiny

Culinary Delights in Scotland

• Haggis – Traditional dish
• Shortbread – Famous Scottish biscuit
• Whisky tasting – A must for enthusiasts

Cities, Attractions & Activities in Wales

Wales has many exciting cities and natural beauty:

• Cardiff – Cardiff Castle, stadiums, Cardiff Bay
• Swansea – Coastal beauty and cultural heritage
• St Davids – Cathedral and scenic coastal walks

Other attractions include Chepstow Castle, Tintern Abbey, and Forest of Dean.

Adventures & Food in Wales

• Zip World in Snowdonia – World’s fastest zip line
• Surf Snowdonia – Artificial surfing lagoon

Foods to try: Welsh rarebit, Laverbread

Cities, Attractions & Activities in Northern Ireland

Some key highlights:

• Belfast – Titanic museum, vibrant nightlife
• Londonderry – Historical city walls and culture
• Bangor – Marina and Victorian Pier

Legend has it that the Giant’s Causeway was created by the giant Finn McCool.

Festivals & Events in Northern Ireland

Some Key highlight:

• St. Patrick’s Day – Nationwide celebrations with parades and festivities

Visit The Best UK Cities!

Whether lively, historic, or coastal, each city in the UK brings something special. From architectural landmarks and castles to modern attractions, the UK has it all. Many travelers ask the same question: how many cities are there in the UK? The answer—76 cities, each with its own identity, culture, and charm.

FAQs

Which cities are the smallest and largest in the UK?

St Davids is the smallest by population, while London is the largest.

How many garden cities are there in the UK?

There are around 30, including Letchworth, Welwyn, Bournville, and others.

Which city is the largest in the UK by population?

London holds the title as the most populous.

How many British towns and cities are there?

There are 76 cities, with many more towns across the UK.