England has long been at the very centre of all that goes on in the United Kingdom. It is the home of governance, the royal family, and some of the most prestigious and powerful institutions in the country. In England you will find some of the most beautiful, interesting and livable cities in the world.
Below, we have listed ten of the best cities in which to live in England, owing to the lifestyle and the key attractions that they have to offer.
London
No list about cities in England would be complete without London. The city is famous the world over for its beauty, its incredible and rich history, fantastic business opportunities, and its vibrant arts, theatre, and music scenes. London is truly one of the most exciting cities in the world. It blends monumental tourist attractions with fast paced, top-tier city living. The city itself may be huge, but it is quite easy to get around with outstanding public transport both above and below ground. Newcomers can hop in an iconic black cab or jump onto a bright red double decker bus to get a sense of the place before descending into the tube to get from point A to point B in absolutely no time. As you go about your business you might even pass by the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, or Buckingham Palace.
Manchester
The city of Manchester is the home of the industrial revolution. Many years ago, the city was home to the textiles industry in the United Kingdom, and this has shaped its reputation. However, its history does not paint an accurate picture of Manchester today. The city is a thriving, creative, and exciting place to live, with a redeveloped city centre taking advantage of the large mills left empty after the decline of the textiles industry. The city centre boasts many excellent bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes, museums and galleries, and prestigious universities. Further out, the city is well appointed with leafy suburbs with charming high streets and outstanding schools.
Bath
Bath is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. For lovers of literature and Roman history this is, without a doubt, the place to be. Famous for its Roman baths, its astonishing Royal Crescent (a curved row of 18th century terraced houses), its depiction in Jane Austen novels, and its breathtaking landscapes, Bath is now a centre of modern living. The city is only an hour and a half away from London by train, making it the ideal spot for people working in London who crave a quieter place to call home. The city is very walkable, and has many fantastic cafes, restaurants and bars, as well as a surplus of historic attractions. Its excellent connections to surrounding areas, urban beauty, and amenities make it worth the cost.
Oxford
Oxford is another of England's historic gems. This stunning city is best known for its prestigious university. It is a seat of research, study, and learning carried out in breathtakingly ornate mediaeval buildings and structures, like Carfax Tower and the Bridge of Sighs. The campus can be toured by those visiting the city, however, the city is also incredibly walkable and many of those who live there walk or cycle everywhere. There are many fantastic museums, and as the city is a student city there is a vibrant arts community and nightlife, with plenty of cosy pubs and exciting events organised throughout the year.
Liverpool
Liverpool has historically been one of the most important ports in the United Kingdom; it supplied Manchester with cotton during the textiles boom and the industrial revolution, and it is home to a long and rich maritime history. Nowadays, the city's docks have had something of a face lift. On the waterfront you'll find the Tate Gallery, the Museum of Liverpool, and the Maritime Museum, as well as apartments and dining and drinking establishments. Home to The Beatles, Liverpool is also a must-visit for music lovers.
Brighton
This fun and vibrant city is the perfect seaside resort town. It boasts beautiful views over the English Channel, and has plenty of hotels and many fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, Brighton are the experts in holiday hospitality, as it has been a seaside resort since the eighteenth century. This is a beautiful city with many architectural and cultural attractions.
Nottingham
Home in many people's minds to Robin Hood, Nottingham is a lovely green city with a vibrant market square and a fabulous historic castle. Those with a passion for Robin Hood can find and explore Sherwood Forest, which is just outside the city. The city centre is stylish and walkable and features many great cafes and restaurants.
Birmingham
Like Manchester, Birmingham has an industrial past. Nowadays, the city takes advantage of its many canals to host pleasure trips on barges that move alongside canal side cafes, shops, and inns. The city itself is large, the second largest in the country, and it is known particularly for its excellent shopping offerings.
Cambridge
Although it shares many qualities with its competitor, Oxford, Cambridge makes its own individual mark on the world. The city is very close to London, making it readily commutable or an excellent day trip. Cambridge is also blessed with a beautiful university campus and the stunning River Cam, perfect for long, languorous afternoons punting with friends.
York
This gorgeous city in the North of England is like something out of a fairytale with its mediaeval buildings, winding streets, and grand cathedral. The city is also known for its Roman and Viking history and has many excellent museums and historic attractions.
The modern English City will cater for all tastes and welcome all styles of life. Our guide will present you with the perfect start to your planning, but nothing beats setting foot on these famous streets for yourself to see which captures your heart the most.
