Discover the top metropolitan areas in England, ranked by resident count. From London’s iconic landmarks to Birmingham’s thriving cultural scene, explore the diverse cities that make up England’s vibrant landscape.
England is the largest country in the United Kingdom, with a total population of about 57.7 million. The country is home to cities rich in history and diverse cultures.
Ranking the Largest Cities in England
To determine the largest cities in England, we have used population figures from City Population and national statistics from the 2021 Census.
Top 15 Largest Cities in England
Here are the top 15 largest cities in England, ranked by population:
- London (8.8 million)
London’s population of 8.8 million makes it the biggest city in England. It is also the most densely populated in the U.K. The primary urban area is home to iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the British Museum, which attract millions of visitors annually.
London, a global city with a rich history dating back to Roman times, is the capital and largest city of England.
With over 8.9 million inhabitants, it is one of the most populous cities in Europe.
The city is a hub for finance, commerce, culture, and entertainment, featuring iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the 'Tower of London' , and 'Big Ben' .
London hosts numerous museums, galleries, and theaters, including the 'British Museum' and the 'National Gallery' .
- Birmingham (1.1 million)
Located in the West Midlands, Birmingham is the second-largest city in England. It has an industrial heritage and a thriving cultural scene. The city features landmarks like the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the Bullring shopping center and its historic canal network.
- Leeds (536,000)
Leeds has an estimated population of 536,000. Located in West Yorkshire, it is a thriving economic and cultural hub with famous shopping districts, architecture and nightlife. The city is home to landmarks like the Royal Armouries Museum and the Leeds Art Gallery.
- Liverpool (506,000)
Famous as the birthplace of The Beatles, Liverpool is a city of music, culture and maritime history. The city’s waterfront, a former UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes attractions like the Royal Albert Dock and the Museum of Liverpool. Like other cities on this list, Liverpool takes enormous pride in its football culture.
Liverpool is a city located in the northwest of England, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and contributions to music, art, and literature.
Founded in the 13th century, Liverpool played a significant role in the British Empire's maritime trade.
The city's port was one of the busiest in the world during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, Liverpool is famous for its football club, 'The Beatles' , and its UNESCO World Heritage designation.
- Sheffield (500,000)
Nestled in South Yorkshire, Sheffield is known as the Outdoor City, with stunning green spaces. It is the U.K.’s greenest city, a title the local government takes pride in. The city’s museums, including the Millennium Gallery, celebrate its history in steel production.
- Manchester (470,000)
Manchester has a notable music and arts scene. It is also home to two world-famous football clubs: Manchester United and Manchester City. The city also boasts cultural landmarks like Science and Industry Museum and The Lowry arts center.
- Bristol (425,000)
Located in the southwest of England, Bristol’s landmarks like the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain highlight the city’s engineering heritage. Its street art, including works by Banksy, adds to its cultural charm.
- Leicester (406,000)
Leicester is a diverse and historic city in the East Midlands. Famous for the discovery of King Richard III’s remains, the city is home to landmarks like the King Richard III Visitor Centre and Leicester Cathedral.
- Coventry (344,000)
Coventry, known as the ‘City of Peace and Reconciliation,’ is famous for its medieval history and its role in the automotive industry. Some attractions include the Coventry Cathedral and the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.
- Bradford (333,000)
Bradford is home to the National Science and Media Museum, where visitors can explore exhibits on photography, film and television. The city’s stunning Saltaire Village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Nottingham (299,000)
Nottingham is best known for its association with the legendary Robin Hood. The city features attractions like Nottingham Castle, Wollaton Hall and Sherwood Forest. It is also a hub for shopping and nightlife in the East Midlands.
- Newcastle upon Tyne (286,000)
Commonly referred to as Newcastle, this city is in northeast England. Its cultural attractions include the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the Sage Gateshead music venue.
- Brighton and Hove (277,000)
Brighton and Hove are not two cities but two towns that merged into one. Located on England’s south coast, Brighton and Hove is a seaside city. It is a hub for creativity and LGBTQ+ pride.
Located on the southeastern coast of England, Brighton and Hove is a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and stunning beaches.
With a population of over 273,000, it's a popular tourist destination and a hub for arts, culture, and entertainment.
The city boasts an impressive Royal Pavilion, a historic pier, and numerous museums showcasing its maritime heritage.
Brighton is also famous for its LGBTQ+ community and hosts the annual Pride parade.
- Derby (275,000)
Located in the East Midlands, Derby’s rail and manufacturing history is notable. The Derby Museum and Art Gallery is one attraction worth visiting.
- Kingston Upon Hull (270,000)
Kingston upon Hull, commonly known as Hull, offers the award-winning attraction The Deep, a spectacular aquarium showcasing marine life from around the world. Visitors can also explore the historic Hull Old Town, with its cobbled streets and charming pubs.
This list of the 15 largest cities in England is based on population figures from City Population and national statistics from the 2021 Census.
- howstuffworks.com | 15 Largest Cities in England, Ranked by Population
