England has long been at the epicentre of the best the United Kingdom has to offer. The home of the government, the Royal Family, and some of the most prestigious and powerful institutions in the country, England also boasts some of the most beautiful, interesting and livable cities in the world. Of course, the biggest hitters feature, but there may also be one or two surprises waiting to be discovered; places significant for their lifestyle and attractions, among other things. Read on to discover which places have made our list of the top ten cities in England.
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 of cities in England would be complete without the capital city. Famous the world over for its beauty, incredibly rich history, fantastic business opportunities, and vibrant arts, theatre, and music scenes, London is truly one of the most exciting cities in the world.
It blends monumental tourist attractions – such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace – with fast-paced, top-tier city living. The city itself may be huge, but it is easy to get around with outstanding public transport, both above and below ground. Newcomers can hop in one of the city’s iconic black cabs 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. As you go about your business, you might even pass by further attractions like the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, or the London Eye.
Manchester
The city of Manchester is known as the home of the Industrial Revolution. Many years ago, the northwest was home to the UK’s textiles industry, and this has shaped its reputation. However, the history of the city does not paint an accurate picture of Manchester today.
A thriving, creative, and exciting place to live, Manchester boasts a redeveloped city centre which takes advantage of the large mills left empty after the decline of the textiles industry. The city centre provides many excellent bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes, museums and galleries, in addition to two of the UK’s top 50 universities. The city also boasts two Premier League football teams, while further out, Manchester presents leafy suburbs with charming high streets and outstanding schools.
Bath
Bath is truly one of the most beautiful cities in England, if not 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 and just a 45-minute drive from the conurbation of Bristol, making Bath the ideal spot for people working in larger cities who crave a quieter place to call home. The city is very walkable considering its status as one of England’s smallest cities, 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 first-class amenities make it one of the most charming towns in the UK.
Oxford
Oxford is another of England's historic gems. This stunning city is best known for its prestigious university and has positioned itself as a seat of research, study, and learning. With academic life carried out in breathtakingly ornate medieval buildings and structures like Carfax Tower and the Bridge of Sighs, Oxford retains its old-world charm.
The campus can be toured by those visiting the city; however, just like Bath, it is also incredibly walkable, and many of those who live there choose to walk or cycle, given its size. There are many fantastic museums, and as the city is a student hotbed, a vibrant arts community takes pride of place. With plenty of cosy pubs and exciting events organised throughout the year, nightlife in Oxford is some of the best in the south of England.
Liverpool
Liverpool has historically been one of the most important cities in the United Kingdom; it supplied Manchester with cotton during the textiles boom and the Industrial Revolution, and is home to a long and rich maritime history thanks to its iconic docklands.
Nowadays, the city's docks have had something of a facelift. On the waterfront, you can find cultural landmarks such as the Tate Gallery, the Museum of Liverpool, and the Maritime Museum, as well as apartments and entertainment establishments.
The city is also the birthplace of the Beatles and stands as a pilgrimage destination for music lovers the world over. Strawberry Fields, Penny Lane, The Cavern and the childhood homes of both Paul McCartney and John Lennon are often packed with tourists, all hoping for that perfect Instagram-worthy shot.
Liverpool is home to England’s most successful football team, so matchdays in the city are an atmospheric experience. If you are lucky enough to find a ticket and experience the joys of Anfield firsthand, then even better.
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 fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.
A seaside resort since the eighteenth century, Brighton is a holiday hotspot for Brits who want to stay in the country during the summer. It also boasts a diverse culture and a lively arts scene, with iconic sites such as the Brighton Palace Pier and the Royal Pavilion providing excellent venues.
Brighton is a beautiful city with many architectural and cultural attractions, and also hosts one of the best annual LGBTQ+ festivals in the British Isles.
Nottingham
Home to the iconic Robin Hood, Nottingham is a captivating city with a vibrant market square and a well-preserved historic castle. Those with a passion for the outlaw who robbed from the rich to give to the poor can explore Sherwood Forest, located just outside the city.
With a stylish and walkable city centre, Nottingham also features many great cafes and restaurants. It is home to Trent Bridge cricket stadium, in addition to the City Ground, the stadium which Nottingham Forest call home, so top-class sport is never too far from the agenda in this charming East Midlands city.
Furthermore, the city is known for its historic old pubs and bustling nightlife, making it one of the best-equipped cities in England for a modern lifestyle.
Birmingham
Like Manchester, Birmingham has a rich industrial past. Nowadays, the city takes advantage of its many canals to host pleasure trips on barges which stop off at canal-side cafes, shops, and inns.
The city itself is huge – the second largest in the country – and is particularly known for its excellent shopping offerings. Broad Street is a vibrant hub replete with old pubs, restaurants and a bustling nightlife scene, making it one of the most visited areas of the city for tourists. Known for its large Asian population, Birmingham boasts some of the best Balti cuisine in the UK.
A hotspot for green spaces with over 8,000 acres of dedicated parkland, the city also hosts the largest park outside a capital city in Europe.
Cambridge
Although it shares many qualities with its competitor, Oxford, Cambridge makes its own mark on the world.
The city is very close to London, making it readily commutable or an excellent day trip, while also being blessed with a beautiful university campus and the stunning River Cam, perfect for long, languorous afternoons with friends.
While primarily known as a university city, Cambridge offers much more. The city is a hub of technology and is often referred to as “Silicon Fen” due to its thriving tech sector. The urban centre also presents a vibrant cultural scene, with annual events such as the Cambridge Beer Festival one of the highlights.
Having marked its 800th anniversary in 2009, Cambridge boasts a wealth of heritage and history, and as such, is safely one of the top ten cities in England.
York
This handsome 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 historic attractions.
A perennial target for Scottish tribal invaders during the reign of Edward Longshanks, the city was a highly strategic urban dwelling and as such, presents some of the most well-preserved historical houses in the country. So important was York, in fact, that New York City is actually named after the quaint Yorkshire city.
These days, the city offers a wealth of museums which showcase the city’s historical importance. Lying between Fossgate and The Shambles, Whip Ma Whop Ma Gate also stands as the UK’s shortest street. Blink and you will miss it.
The modern English city caters for all tastes and welcomes all lifestyles. This guide to the top ten cities in England 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.
