The United Kingdom is famed for its abundance of cities, each with its own unique charm and history. While many are known for their bustling populations and busy streets, others remain relatively small in size and population.
In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 smallest cities in the UK, from hidden gems to historic towns that might surprise you with their city status.
St. David's, Wales
As the smallest city in Wales, St. David's may be tiny, but its impact on Welsh heritage is anything but small. A place of pilgrimage for centuries, the city is nestled in the Pembrokeshire National Park and home to only 1,600 residents, which is as small as many rural towns.
The city's main draw is the stunning St. David's Cathedral, which is the reason for its impressive city status despite its small size. Constructed from dusky purple sandstone on the site of what is believed to be St David's original 6th-century monastery and church, it's one of Wales's most iconic religious sites and sits tucked away in a sheltered vale beside the River Alun. Directly opposite the Cathedral in the river valley is the ruins of the Bishop's Palace, the former home of the Bishop of St. David. At the height of its power, this impressive building would have competed with its neighbour for sheer splendour a as two of the most important buildings in mediaeval Wales.
Armagh, Northern Ireland
Situated in the northeast of Northern Ireland, Armagh's small size belies its significance, being home to not one but two cathedrals and a wealth of historical landmarks. Known as the "City of Saints and Scholars," the city is synonymous with Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick and its connection to the Church of Ireland and Catholicism. It is widely believed that St. Patrick founded a church in Armagh in the 5th century, which led to the city becoming a centre of Christianity in Northern Ireland.
The ecclesiastical city is famed for its stunning Georgian architecture, including the Shambles Market and Armagh Robinson Library, a testament to the opulence of the Protestant clergy and nobles in the 18th century. Both the Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland archbishoprics are located in modern-day Armagh, which also serves as the marketplace for the surrounding region.
Ely, Cambridgeshire
Ely may not have the hustle and bustle of major cities, but it boasts a wealth of history that dates back centuries. Located in Cambridgeshire, the city is best known for its magnificent Cathedral, the "Ship of the Fens", due to its towering spire. The Cathedral is one of the most spectacular examples of Norman architecture in the UK, alongside two other significant buildings in the city, Oliver Cromwell's House and Bishops' Place, the latter dating back to the 15th century.
With a population of over 20,000, Ely is known for its range of independent shops, restaurants and bars, as well as a cinema and golf course. The city is well-connected to the south of England, with convenient transport links to Cambridge, London, and other parts of the UK.
Wells, England
With its ancient Cathedral and quaint cobbled streets, Wells invites visitors to step back in time. Whilst classed as England's smallest city in terms of population, the Somerset city more than makes up for its size with its beautiful mediaeval architecture, including the famous Wells Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace.
The city was once a Roman settlement before being the location of a minster church erected by Anglo-Saxon King Ine in 704. In 909, it became the Bath and Wells bishopric seat, established in 1245. The Cathedral was completed in the early 13th century and displays remarkable carved stone figures and arches.
The Wells Market Place hosts vibrant markets twice a week, with narrow streets and a unique mix of architectural styles that show the town's ongoing evolution over time.
Ripon, North Yorkshire
Ripon in North Yorkshire maintains a strong sense of tradition and is known for its stunning Cathedral and regular markets. Here, visitors can find a trio of award-winning museums and a Gothic Cathedral that dates back to the 7th century. This city's history is inextricably linked with the church, thanks to the Cathedral in the heart of the city and its proximity to Fountains Abbey. The city's rise through trade and manufacture necessitated the construction of a canal connecting it to the navigable areas of the River Ure. Despite being small in population, Ripon's bustling market square and history make it a vibrant and welcoming attraction for those looking to explore the North of England.
Truro, Cornwall
As the only city in Cornwall, Truro serves as the cultural and administrative heart of the region. Thriving as a port for many years, Truro's spectacular gothic revival Cathedral, which stands tall above the town, takes centre stage. However, the prosperity of the late 18th and early 19th centuries may still be observed in the city's Georgian townhouses. With paved streets, the city is truly a standout of Cornwall and its proximity to beautiful coastlines make it an attractive destination for visitors looking to explore the Cornish countryside.
Inverness, Scotland
Inverness may not be the smallest city in the UK, but it retains a small-town feel with its scenic location and role as the gateway to the Highlands. While larger than the others on this list, Inverness is still considered a small city compared to others in the UK. As the capital of the Scottish Highlands, it's the perfect base for exploring this rugged and beautiful region with iconic castles, majestic mountains and unique wildlife, including the mythical Loch Ness monster.
Chichester, West Sussex
Chichester, located in West Sussex, is the only city in the country famed for its Roman heritage, historic Cathedral and the nearby Chichester Harbour. It combines centuries of history with a modern feel, from its origins as a Roman and Anglo-Saxon community to its current status as a major market town.
It includes numerous grade II listed buildings, and other sites of interest include the Chichester City Cross, a form of butter market located in the heart of North, East, South and West Streets. Bishop Edward Storey built the City Cross in 1500 to provide cover for vendors on market day. Today, the city is still primarily for those visiting and walking, with the heart of it featuring very large pedestrianised streets.
Lichfield, Staffordshire
Located in Staffordshire, Lichfield has an approximate population of 33,000 and is rich in literary and architectural history, most notably with the stunning Lichfield Cathedral, which boasts three spires and intricate Gothic architecture. This city exudes history with its cobbled streets and Georgian buildings and is the birthplace of Dr. Samuel Johnson, the creator of the first English dictionary. It's also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, surrounded by beautiful parks and countryside.
Bath, England
Bath may be the largest city on this list, but its historic beauty and small-town feel make it a quintessential destination for discovering British culture. Famous for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture, Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful small cities in the UK. The hot springs that can be found here produce a million litres of water every day at a temperature of 46 degrees celsius and have long been the subject of interest for supposed healing properties too.
Although small in size, these cities prove that the most memorable experiences can come from places where life moves a little slower. Though they may be small in population, these cities each provide memorable experiences for visitors, showcasing the rich tapestry of the UK's heritage and diversity.
