The United Kingdom is a diverse and dynamic country with many cities that offer different attractions, cultures, and lifestyles. But which cities are the largest in terms of area? And how do they compare to each other and to the rest of the world?
Top 10 Largest Cities in the UK by Area in 2024
In this article, we will explore the top 10 largest cities in the UK by area in 2024, based on the latest data from the Office for National Statistics. We will also look at some of the features and facts that make these cities unique and interesting.
10. Bristol
Bristol is the tenth largest city in the UK by area, with a total area of 110 square kilometers. It is also the largest city in the South West of England and the most populous city in the region, with an estimated population of 463,400 in 2020. Bristol is known for its rich maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and its innovative industries. It is home to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the SS Great Britain, the Bristol Zoo, and the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
9. Leicester
Leicester is the ninth largest city in the UK by area, with a total area of 113 square kilometers. It is also the largest city in the East Midlands and the tenth most populous city in the UK, with an estimated population of 355,218 in 2021. Leicester is one of the oldest cities in the UK, dating back to the Roman times. It is also one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the UK, with over 50% of its residents belonging to ethnic minority groups. Leicester is famous for its football team, Leicester City, which won the Premier League title in 2016, and for its association with King Richard III, whose remains were discovered and buried in the city in 2015.
8. Nottingham
Nottingham is the eighth largest city in the UK by area, with a total area of 120 square kilometers. It is also the second largest city in the East Midlands and the ninth most populous city in the UK, with an estimated population of 331,069 in 2020. Nottingham is renowned for its legend of Robin Hood, who supposedly lived in the nearby Sherwood Forest and fought against the Sheriff of Nottingham. It is also known for its lace industry, its universities, and its nightlife.
7. Sheffield
Sheffield is the seventh largest city in the UK by area, with a total area of 142 square kilometers. It is also the largest city in Yorkshire and the Humber and the eighth most populous city in the UK, with an estimated population of 584,853 in 2020. Sheffield is nicknamed the Steel City, as it was once a major centre of steel production and innovation. It is also famous for its music scene, its sports teams, and its green spaces. It has more trees per person than any other city in Europe and is located within the Peak District National Park.
6. Leeds
Leeds is the sixth largest city in the UK by area, with a total area of 156 square kilometers. It is also the second largest city in Yorkshire and the Humber and the fourth most populous city in the UK, with an estimated population of 789,194 in 2020. Leeds is a major financial and commercial hub, with the third largest economy in the UK. It is also a cultural and educational centre, with several museums, theatres, galleries, and universities. Leeds is famous for its shopping, its festivals, and its rugby league team, Leeds Rhinos.
5. Glasgow
Glasgow is the fifth largest city in the UK by area, with a total area of 175 square kilometers. It is also the largest city in Scotland and the third most populous city in the UK, with an estimated population of 633,120 in 2020. Glasgow is a former industrial powerhouse, known for its shipbuilding, engineering, and trade. It is now a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a rich cultural and artistic heritage. It is home to the Scottish Opera, the Scottish Ballet, the Glasgow School of Art, and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
4. Birmingham
Birmingham is the fourth largest city in the UK by area, with a total area of 231 square kilometers. It is also the largest city in the West Midlands and the second most populous city in the UK, with an estimated population of 1,153,615 in 2020. Birmingham is a major economic and transport hub, with the second largest metropolitan economy in the UK. It is also a diverse and multicultural city, with over 40% of its residents belonging to ethnic minority groups. Birmingham is famous for its curry, its jewellery, its canals, and its music.
3. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the third largest city in the UK by area, with a total area of 264 square kilometers. It is also the capital and the second largest city of Scotland, with an estimated population of 524,930 in 2020. Edinburgh is a historic and cultural city, with a medieval Old Town and a Georgian New Town. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a leading tourist destination. It is home to the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Scottish Parliament, and the Edinburgh Festival.
2. Manchester
Manchester is the second largest city in the UK by area, with a total area of 269 square kilometers. It is also the largest city in the North West of England and the seventh most populous city in the UK, with an estimated population of 547,627 in 2020. Manchester is a modern and dynamic city, with a strong industrial and social heritage. It is also a global city, with a diverse and multicultural population. Manchester is famous for its football, its music, its science, and its media.
1. London
London is the largest city in the UK by area, with a total area of 1,572 square kilometers. It is also the capital and the most populous city of the UK, with an estimated population of 9,304,016 in 2020. London is a global city, with a leading role in finance, politics, culture, and entertainment. It is also a historic and diverse city, with a mix of ancient and modern landmarks. It is home to the Buckingham Palace, the Big Ben, the Tower of London, and the London Eye.
Conclusion
The UK has many large and impressive cities, each with its own character and charm. Whether you are looking for history, culture, nature, or nightlife, there is a city for you. In this article, we have ranked the top 10 largest cities in the UK by area in 2023, based on the latest data from the Office for National Statistics. We have also highlighted some of the features and facts that make these cities stand out. We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about the UK’s cities.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most asked questions and answers about the UK’s cities:
- Q: Which is the oldest city in the UK?
- A: The oldest city in the UK is generally considered to be Colchester, which was founded by the Romans in the first century AD.
- Q: Which is the smallest city in the UK?
- A: The smallest city in the UK by area is St Davids, which has a total area of 4.48 square kilometers. The smallest city by population is the City of London, which has a population of 8,706 in 2020.
- Q: Which is the fastest growing city in the UK?
- A: The fastest growing city in the UK by population is Coventry, which had a growth rate of 1.8% between 2019 and 2020.
- Q: Which is the most visited city in the UK?
- A: The most visited city in the UK by international tourists is London, which received 21.7 million visitors in 2019.
- Q: Which is the most expensive city in the UK?
- A: The most expensive city in the UK by average house price is London, which had an average price of £496,269 in December 2020.
- Q: Which is the greenest city in the UK?
- A: The greenest city in the UK by percentage of green space is Edinburgh, which has 49.2% of its area covered by parks, gardens, and woodlands.
- Q: Which is the happiest city in the UK?
- A: The happiest city in the UK by average life satisfaction score is Belfast, which had a score of 8.08 out of 10 in 2019/20.
- Q: Which is the most diverse city in the UK?
- A: The most diverse city in the UK by percentage of ethnic minority population is London, which has 40.2% of its residents belonging to ethnic minority groups in 2011.
- Q: Which is the most musical city in the UK?
- A: The most musical city in the UK by number of live music venues per capita is Liverpool, which has 29.8 venues per 100,000 people in 2019.
- Q: Which