How Many Official Cities Are There in the UK? List by Country & Year
Welcome to your colourful guide to the List of Cities and Towns in the United Kingdom! Have you ever wondered why London is called a city, but places like Bath or Stratford-upon-Avon are towns? Or why in quizzes and exams, you’re asked about British cities and capitals? Let’s travel across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—and discover what makes their cities and towns so special.
Meet the United Kingdom’s Cities and Towns
What Makes a Place a City or a Town?
In the UK, a city is not just a big place with many people! It’s a place given special city status by the king or queen. This sometimes means a city has a big church called a cathedral, or it’s very important for the country’s rules and government. A town can be just as busy and famous, but doesn’t have a royal city title.
Why Is This List Useful?
Understanding the cities in the UK (and its many towns!) helps in school, for travel fun, and even in competitive exams like UPSC, CBSE, and SSC. Many quiz questions ask about UK capitals or to spot cities on maps. So, learning these names can really come in handy!
Famous Features of UK Cities and Towns
Buzzing Capitals, Historic Cities, and Pretty Towns
- London is the capital and the biggest city in the UK. It’s famous for its double-decker buses, the Queen’s residence, and red telephone boxes!
- Edinburgh (Scotland), Belfast (Northern Ireland), and Cardiff (Wales) are capital cities too.
- England has the most cities, but Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have their own special ones.
- Cities like York, Bath, and Oxford are known for their history and beautiful buildings.
- Towns such as St Ives, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Tenby are small but loved by tourists for their charm.
Why Are Some Places Called Cities?
A long time ago, a town usually became a city if it had a big church (cathedral). These days, the king or queen gives city status, even if there’s no cathedral. Recently, some new cities like Bangor and Chelmsford were made to celebrate special events, like the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee!
How City and Town Status Came to Be
A Tiny Timeline of UK Cities and Towns
- Medieval Times: Only places with cathedrals could be cities.
- 19th Century: More cities were created as towns grew bigger and more important.
- 1900s: City status became a special honour given by the monarch, not only about size.
- 2022: New city titles, like Milton Keynes and Wrexham, were granted for jubilee celebrations.
Why Do People Love to Learn About These Places?
Cultural Importance and Exam Value
- They help you answer MCQs about capitals and geography in exams.
- Many UK cities and towns are World Heritage sites, making them great for travel and stories.
- Fun festivals, famous foods (like Bakewell pudding!), and historic markets all began in these towns.
- Every year, new facts or city titles may be added—so staying updated counts for exams and fun quizzes.
What’s the Difference? City vs Town in the UK
City and Town: Are They Really Different?
| Feature | City | Town |
|---|---|---|
| Given by Monarch? | Yes, officially granted | No, not by royal grant |
| Has Cathedral? | Usually, in history | Rare |
| Size | Big or Small | Usually small or medium |
| Importance | More for admin, economy | Often historic or touristy |
Top UK Cities and Towns by Country
Spotlight: Key Cities
| Country | City | Year Granted City Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | London | Ancient | UK Capital |
| Scotland | Edinburgh | 1329 | Scottish Capital |
| Wales | Cardiff | 1905 | Welsh Capital |
| N. Ireland | Belfast | 1888 | NI Capital |
| England | Manchester | 1853 | Famous for football! |
| Scotland | Glasgow | 1451 | Largest in Scotland |
How Many Cities Are There in the UK?
| UK Country | Number of Cities | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| England | 55 | London, Liverpool, Leeds |
| Scotland | 7 | Glasgow, Aberdeen |
| Wales | 7 | Cardiff, Swansea |
| N. Ireland | 7 | Belfast, Londonderry |
| Total | 76 | - |
Quick Capitals Table
| Part of UK | Capital City |
|---|---|
| England | London |
| Scotland | Edinburgh |
| Wales | Cardiff |
| Northern Ireland | Belfast |
UK’s Quaint and Famous Towns
| Town | Location | What’s Special? |
|---|---|---|
| St Ives | Cornwall | Beaches & Art |
| Stratford-upon-Avon | Warwickshire | Shakespeare’s Birthplace |
| St Andrews | Fife, Scotland | Golf, University |
| Tenby | Pembrokeshire, Wales | Colourful seaside |
| Bakewell | Derbyshire | Cakes and history |
Why Are UK Cities Different From Each Other?
Are Scottish and English Cities the Same?
No, every part of the UK has its own rules and history! Scotland’s cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh are centuries old. In Wales, the city of St Davids is the smallest city by population. Belfast and Derry are the main cities of Northern Ireland, packed with stories. England, on the other hand, has both old and modern cities, some granted just a few years back.
Fun Example Q&A: How Well Do You Know UK Cities?
Question: What’s the difference between a city and a town in the UK?
Answer: A city is chosen by the monarch, sometimes because it has a big church or is very important. A town can be large, but it’s not officially called a city!
Try Some Fun UK Cities and Towns Practice Questions!
- What’s the capital city of Wales?
- Is Cambridge a city or a town?
- Which sleepy Welsh city is the world’s smallest by population?
- Name one historic town famous for Shakespeare.
- Which English city is known for Big Ben and Buckingham Palace?
Common Mix-Ups: UK or Great Britain or England?
Many students muddle up UK (United Kingdom), Great Britain, and England. Here’s a quick trick: The UK = England + Scotland + Wales + Northern Ireland! England is just one part. Want to learn more? Discover the difference between UK, Great Britain, and England here.
Quick Facts Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of cities in the UK | 76 |
| Country with the most cities | England |
| Smallest UK city by population | St Davids, Wales |
| Newest cities (2022) | Wrexham, Bangor, Dunfermline, Milton Keynes, and more |
| Oldest cities | London, York, Canterbury |
Wrap-up and Super Exam Tips!
- When you spot a map or an MCQ, think of this page for your UK city and town answers.
- Remember the capitals: London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast.
- Town or city status might come up for short notes or essay questions.
- Keep this list updated and learn a few fun facts for extra marks!
With this handy list, your UK geography basics are sorted—whether you’re aiming for UPSC, CBSE, SSC, or just want to impress your friends. For more clear explanations, Vedantu is always here to help!
References for nerdy explorers:
- Britannica – Cities and Towns of the UK
- Office for National Statistics (ONS)
- UK Government Announcements
- NCERT, ICSE Geography Textbooks (Latest Syllabus)
Don’t forget: Knowing your UK cities and towns gets you a step closer to full marks in geography and culture questions. Bookmark this Vedantu GK page for your next quiz or exam!
FAQs on List of United Kingdom Cities and Towns for Students
1. How many cities are there in the UK?
There are 76 official cities in the UK as of 2024, spread across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Country-wise breakdown:
- England: 55 cities
- Scotland: 7 cities
- Wales: 7 cities
- Northern Ireland: 7 cities
2. What is the difference between a city and a town in the UK?
Cities in the UK are given official status by the monarch, while towns have no formal city recognition.
Key differences:
- City status is granted by the monarch (not by population size).
- Cities are often major administrative or historic centres.
- Towns can be large or historic, but lack formal city designation.
- Historic cities often have cathedrals; towns rarely do.
3. Which are the capital cities of the UK and its parts?
The UK has four capital cities, each representing a major region:
- England: London
- Scotland: Edinburgh
- Wales: Cardiff
- Northern Ireland: Belfast
4. What is the smallest city in the UK by population?
St Davids in Wales is considered the smallest city by population in the UK.
- It achieved city status due to its cathedral, not its size.
- It highlights how UK city status depends on history and royal grants, not population alone.
5. How are cities granted city status in the UK?
In the UK, city status is granted by the monarch, usually through a formal charter.
Process involves:
- Submission of application or recommendation
- Assessment of historic, administrative, or symbolic importance
- Recent grants include occasions like the Platinum Jubilee 2022
6. Why is knowing the difference between a town and a city in the UK important for exams?
Understanding the city vs. town distinction is crucial because it:
- Helps you correctly answer MCQs and fill-in-the-blanks in CBSE and SSC exams
- Supports map-labelling and GK sections
- Clarifies administrative and historical structure, which appears in essay questions
7. Can a town become a city in the UK? Give an example.
Yes, a town can become a city if granted city status by the monarch.
Example:
- Southend-on-Sea was granted city status in 2022 as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
- Such changes are announced officially and are tested in static GK.
8. What are some famous historic towns in the UK?
Prominent historic towns in the UK include:
- Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare's birthplace)
- Bakewell (famous for Bakewell tart)
- St Ives (known for art and beaches)
- St Andrews (historic Scottish university town)
- Tenby (Welsh coastal beauty)
9. How can I memorize UK cities and their locations for competitive exams?
To remember UK cities and their locations for exams:
- Use maps to visualize capital and major cities
- Make short city-country lists for revision
- Practise with mock MCQs and map labelling exercises
- Note peculiar small or historic cities (like St Davids)
10. Are there cities in Scotland and Wales, or only in England?
Yes, both Scotland and Wales have official cities.
- Scotland: 7 cities (e.g., Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen)
- Wales: 7 cities (e.g., Cardiff, Swansea, St Davids)
11. What is the nicest town in the UK?
The title of nicest town in the UK is subjective, but popular choices for students and tourists include:
- St Ives (Cornwall) – famous for art and beaches
- Tenby (Wales) – coastal charm
- Bakewell (Derbyshire) – historic market atmosphere
12. What is a market town in the UK?
A market town in the UK is a town that historically held markets and was a local hub for trade.
- Many towns gained fame due to their weekly or special markets.
- Some, like Bakewell, are now known for both history and unique products.
13. Where are UK cities mainly located geographically?
UK cities are densely distributed in England (especially the south-east), with clusters in Scotland's central belt (Glasgow, Edinburgh), Wales's coast (Cardiff, Swansea), and Belfast dominating Northern Ireland. This urban geography is frequently illustrated in exam maps and visual-based questions.
