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15 of the Most Beautiful Cities in England

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Bridge of sighs with the Sheldonian theatre background and street lamp foreground during twilight in Oxford. stone bridge running between two buildings on the second floor above a road. Most beautiful cities in England.

Dazzling architecture, historic streets, and postcard-worthy sights… these are some of the most beautiful cities in England.

England is full of stunning locations. From the iconic buildings of the capital to hidden gems like the country’s smallest city… there are a lot of bewitching beauty spots to explore!

Some of these cities are special for their historic architecture: from ancient Roman walls to regal Georgian cityscapes. Discover Medieval castles, half-timbered Tudor buildings, and dramatic Norman cathedrals dotted around these enchanting city centres.

Others are built on the banks of magnificent rivers, or surrounded by picturesque countryside. But all of them are exceptionally beautiful and filled with incredible photo ops!

Whether you’re looking for a dreamy city break destination or a simple day trip, these picture-perfect English cities could provide the perfect setting. Enjoy…

15 Most Beautiful Cities in England

Don’t have time to read the whole post? There’s a quick version of the list, and a map, at the end of the page!

1. Bath, Somerset

wide river in Bath England with a three-layered semi-circular weir across it in front of a walled stone bridge built from beige stone. Pulteney Bridge in Bath

With its dazzling, UNESCO World Heritage city centre filled with honey-coloured Georgian architecture, the spa city of Bath is truly one of the most beautiful places in England.

The city’s protected centre is home to some 5,000 listed buildings, so looks-wise, Bath has changed very little since the Georgians were here “taking the waters”. Those historic, 18th-century streets have been the setting for dozens of period movies and TV shows – most recently the hit Netflix show Bridgerton.

As well as stunning architecture, Bath is famed for its natural thermal springs, which have been used for their restorative and supposed healing properties for centuries. The ancient Romans founded a spa town here in the 1st century AD, and you can still visit their brilliantly preserved bath house today.

exterior of a three storey georgian townhouse in Bath Englamnd built from beige coloured stone with stone collonades on the upper two floors. there are two small green bushes outside the entrance gate.
Townhouses on the Royal Crescent

Beautiful sights in Bath

  • The Royal Crescent – a crescent-shaped row of 18th-century terraced townhouses.
  • Roman Baths – some of the best-preserved ancient Roman architecture in the world.
  • Pulteney Bridge – an attractive Palladian-style bridge overlooking a horseshoe-shaped weir in the River Avon.
  • Bath Abbey – a medieval abbey with a striking tower and gorgeous fan-vaulted ceilings.
  • RECOMMENDED TOUR: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (from £22.50pp)
  • READ MORE: Plan the Perfect Weekend in Bath

2. City of Westminster, London

Big Ben and the houses of Parliament in London with the River Thames in front at sunset, the sky behind is yellowy-gold and the flat river is reflecting the sunset light. most beautiful cities in england.

It was tempting to include London as a whole on this list of the most beautiful English cities. The capital is, after all, our most famous city, and is filled with elegant buildings – from the glittering skyscrapers of the city centre to the tranquil parklands in further-out boroughs like Greenwich and Richmond.

But many of London’s most iconic and magnificent buildings are found within the City of Westminster. Right at the heart of London, Westminster is actually a city in its own right – as well as being a London borough.

Although it’s a fairly small borough, Westminster is filled with dazzling historic architecture and instantly recognisable sights. So you could easily spend a few days exploring.

Beautiful sights in Westminster

  • Buckingham Palace – the Royal residence. Click here to check ticket prices for visiting the State Rooms.
  • The Palace of Westminster – the Houses of Parliament – and the famous clock Big Ben alongside them.
  • Westminster Abbey – where royal coronations and weddings are held.
  • READ MORE: Things to do in Westminster

3. York, Yorkshire

narrow conbbled street in York lined with medieval buildings all different shapes and sizes
The Shambles

A small, quirky city in the north of England, York is full of history and culture. It’s also a vibrant, lively city with two universities, regular festivals, and an estimated 365 pubs – one for every day of the year!

Surrounded by Medieval city walls – the longest in England – the compact and leafy city centre is filled with historic buildings. There are Roman ruins, Medieval halls, and Norman castles – as well as many fantastic examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture.

historic city wall built from grey stone with a low circular turret in the distance. a couple are walking along the wall holding hands in the distance, the man is wearing a white t shirt and the woman a denim jacket.
York City Walls

Beautiful sights in York

  • York Minster – a Gothic cathedral built between the 12th and 15th centuries.
  • The Shambles – a narrow, flagstone street lined with tiny, unique shops.
  • Museum Gardens – a pretty city centre park home to the evocative ruins of St Mary’s Abbey.
  • River Ouse City Cruise – from £14pp.
  • READ MORE: Top Things to do in York (a local’s guide)

4. Oxford, Oxfordshire

Radcliffe camera building in Oxford, a cicular three storey building bult from beige stone with a grey domed roof, with a row of terraced beige stone buildings alongside and the city skyline of oxford visible behind on a sunny day with blue sky above
Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library

A historic town known for its world-famous colleges, Oxford feels like the quintessential British city. Nicknamed the “city of dreaming spires” by Victorian poet Matthew Arnold, Oxford is a peaceful city of honey-coloured architecture, picturesque streets, and gently flowing rivers.

Classes began at Oxford University in 1096 – with the college officially forming in 1200 – making it the second-oldest university in the world. Discover the city’s historic college buildings and iconic libraries, explore the river on a traditional punt (a gondola-like, flat-bottomed boat) or take a Harry Potter walking tour (click here for prices) to see locations used in the movies.

With its blend of stunning architecture, rich history, and contemporary town centre filled with some fantastic bars and eateries, Oxford makes for a fantastic English city break.

Beautiful sights in Oxford

  • Colleges of the University of Oxford – the oldest of these historic college buildings dates back to the 14th century. Guided tours start from £19.95 – click here for prices.
  • Oxford Botanic Gardens and Arboretum – pretty, peaceful gardens.
  • River Cherwell – hire a traditional punt to explore this tranquil waterway.
  • Bodleian Library – one of the oldest libraries in Europe, opened in 1602.
  • READ MORE: Best Things to do in Oxford

5. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

view of the River Cam in Cambridge with a single wooden punting boat on the still river water. there is a large beige coloured stone building on the other side of the river and its towers are reflected in the water.

With its wonky laneways, handsome Gothic architecture, and serene river dotted with wooden punts, the gorgeous university town of Cambridge is easily one of the most beautiful cities in England.

Founded in 1209 by scholars who left Oxford for political reasons, the University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and best in the world. Both universities share many traditions – including their famous annual Boat Race – and the two cities share a number of traditions.

The most spellbinding part of Cambridge is The Backs – a large swathe of green, cut by the River Cam. Punting on this tranquil waterway affords sublime views of the iconic buildings that make up the historic colleges.

Beautiful sights in Cambridge

  • King’s College – the most famous college building, known for its striking Gothic tower.
  • The Backs and the River Cam – a lovely green area behind the university buildings.
  • Bridge of Sighs – a covered stone bridge over the river at St John’s College.
  • RECOMMENDED TOUR: Walking & Punting Tour, from £60pp

6. Canterbury, Kent

river stour in canterbury with very calm slow moving water in the river. the bank nearest the camera is covered in grass and red and yellow flowers. the far bank has some historic houses on with a red brick building close to the river.

The picturesque streets of Canterbury are steeped in history dating as far back as the Roman times. Divided in two by the tranquil River Stour – one of England’s most historic waterways – Canterbury is known for its beautifully preserved Medieval architecture and Roman city walls.

This is a city of quaint cobbled streets lined with timber-framed buildings, quirky independent shops, and historic pubs. Like Oxford and Cambridge, Canterbury is also famous for punting on the river. These flat-bottomed wooden boats offer a unique way to explore the city centre.

Beautiful sights in Canterbury

  • River Stour – take a river cruise or go punting on this tranquil city centre waterway.
  • Canterbury Cathedral – one of the most famous cathedrals in the world and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
  • Old Weaver’s House – a half-timbered 16th-century building overlooking the river.
  • Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury – from £15pp
  • READ MORE: Things to do in Canterbury (a Local’s Guide)

7. Chester, Cheshire

Chester Cross junction of grey flagstone streets with a large white and timber-clad Tudor building in the middle with three storeys and red tiled roofing.

First founded as a Roman fortress in Northwest England, near the border with northern Wales, Chester is a pretty, lively city with a very historic centre. It’s also a fairly small English city, affording easy access to the surrounding Cheshire countryside.

Many traces of the 1st-century Roman city remain, such as the extensive city walls built from local red sandstone. The city centre is also home to the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain.

Beautiful sights in Chester

  • The Rows: a 700-year-old shopping district filled with Tudor half-timbered buildings and covered arcades.
  • Chester Cathedral – home to Europe’s finest example of medieval carvings.
  • RECOMMENDED TOUR: Half-Hour City Cruise – from £8.50pp

8. Durham, County Durham

View of Durham city skyline from the top of the Cathedral tower, the city centre is small with the light brown stone castle in front and a church tower rising in the middle, and beyond the city are grassy fields and hills and typical english countryside. Most beautiful cities in England.

A small, pretty city in the North East of England, Durham is surrounded by rolling English countryside. The Cathedral here is said to be one of the best in England, overlooking the scenic River Wear which flows through the city centre on its way from the Pennines to the North Sea.

In the 19th century, County Durham was a hub of coal mining activity, and that industry left a strong mark on the city. The historic Durham Miners’ Gala is still held every year on the second Saturday of July, celebrating the area’s proud mining heritage.

Beautiful sights in Durham

cloisters inside a cathedral with a row of tall arched windows carved into a yellow-brown stone wall, each window is casing a patch of light onto the stone floor.
The Cloisters featured in the first two Harry Potter films
  • Durham Cathedral – gorgeous Norman cathedral which was used as a filming location in the first two Harry Potter films.
  • Durham Castle – you can actually spend a night in this historic castle, which is part of Durham University.
  • READ MORE: Things to do in Durham

9. Ely, Cambridgeshire

countryside scene at sunset with a few sheep grazing in a field in front of a small wood with the skyline of a city and the top of a cathedral visible behind under a cloudy sky with golden sunset light. Wells, one of the most beautiful cities in England.

Lying just northeast of Cambridge, Ely is much lesser known but equally as pretty. This small, quiet city on the banks of the River Great Ouse is ideal for a relaxing getaway.

Take a riverside stroll to spot traditional narrowboats sailing past, explore the historic architecture of the city centre, and discover a vibrant independent food scene.

It’s not just the city which is beautiful: Ely is also known for the peaceful countryside which surrounds it. The city sits on a clay “island” at the heart of The Fens: a flat, marshy region in Eastern England known for its rich wildlife. There’s also an extensive river network – perfect for canoeing and sailing trips.

Beautiful sights in Ely

  • Ely Cathedral – a wonder of medieval engineering completed in 1342.
  • Oliver Cromwell’s House – the oldest part of this half-timbered historic home dates from around 1215.
  • Wicken Fen Nature Reserve – a large wetland area just south of Ely with rich birdlife.

10. Exeter, Devon

Grey stone statue of Richard Hooker in front of Exeter Cathedral, a large beige coloured stone building with a square shaped tower with four small spires on the top. there is a grassy lawn in front of the cathedral and a large leafy tree.

While many of the cities on this list were founded by the Romans, Exeter pre-dates their arrival. But it was the Romans who truly shaped this ancient city on the banks of the River Exe.

Surrounded by Roman City Walls, the capital of Devon is a tranquil riverside city with a thriving independent scene and a charming, leafy centre.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the waterways while in Exeter. Take a scenic cruise along Exeter Canal, or kayak down to the popular Double Locks Pub. Alternatively, cycle the Exe Estuary Trail through countryside and riverside towns as far as Dawlish Warren.

Beautiful sights in Exeter

  • Exeter Cathedral – eclectic Norman and Gothic-style cathedral. Don’t miss the carved image screen on the facade, dating from the 1340s – or the world’s longest medieval stone vaulted ceiling inside.
  • The Quayside – redeveloped waterside area on the canal, where independent shops are tucked into historic warehouse cellars.
  • Gandy Street – a narrow, cobbled shopping street known for its independent boutiques and eateries.

11. Worcester, Worcestershire 

aerial view of Worcester city and a wide river at sunset with pink sky. Most beautiful cities in England.

The home of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce, composer Edward Elgar, and the iconic Royal Worcester Porcelain, Worcester is a vibrant and proudly independent city on the River Severn.

There are many wonderful heritage sights and historic buildings to explore – including several historic pubs, such as the 14-century Cardinal’s Hat! As well as fascinating architecture abounding with British history, there’s a rich programme of events and festivals showcasing Worcester’s thriving cultural scene.

Beautiful sights in Worcester

  • Worcester Cathedral – an attractive 11th-century cathedral on the banks of the River Severn.
  • Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum – a free museum housed in an elegant Victorian building.
  • Medieval and Tudor timbered buildings – such as The Commandery, Greyfriars House, and the Tudor House Museum.

12. Norwich, Norfolk

looking down a calm, grey river in Norwich with a row of stone buildings with grey tiled roofs each one painted a different colour, the scene is framed by green leafy trees on either side and its a grey cloudy day

An ancient city with roots going back to the Iron Age, Norwich is filled with history. Discover Norman, Medieval, Georgian, and Victorian architecture in this quirky, culture-rich city.

Due to its literary background, and the high number of graduates from the local University of East Anglia’s creative writing courses, Norwich was listed as England’s first UNESCO City of Literature in 2012. 

Not only is Norfolk one of the most beautiful cities in England, it’s also the only city in a National Park. The Broads National Park is a water-filled area of rivers, broads, and lakes – as well as ancient monuments and more than a quarter of Britain’s rarest wildlife.

Beautiful sights in Norwich

  • Norwich Castle – built by the Normans as a royal palace over 900 years ago.
  • Norwich Cathedral – a magnificent, Romanesque cathedral set within attractive grounds.
  • The Lanes – a maze of narrow alleys and cobbled pedestrian streets filled with independent eateries, coffee shops, and bars.

13. Salisbury, Wiltshire

Aerial view of Salisbury Cathedral and the surrounding town centre on summer day. the cathedral is stood on a grassy lawn surrounded by small leafy trees. Most beautiful cities in England.

A medieval city with a stunning 13th-century cathedral, Salisbury is a peaceful place that feels more like a countryside village than it does a city! Don’t miss the charming, historic high street lined with boutique shops and independent eateries.

Salisbury is surrounded by incredible historic sights. The most famous landmark in England, Stonehenge, is a short drive away and a must-visit while you’re in the city. But there’s also Old Sarum, the ruins of the original city of Salisbury, which was built on top of an Iron Age hillfort.

Most beautiful sights in Salisbury

  • Stonehenge – the iconic, 5,000-year-old stone circle shrouded in mystery. Click here to check admission prices.
  • Salisbury Cathedral – home to Britain’s tallest spire.
  • Mompesson House – an attractive 18th-century townhouse which featured in the film Sense and Sensibility.

14. Winchester, Hampshire

Tudor timber framed building with yellow painted facade and two skinny red brick chimneys next to The Priory Gate in Winchester with a large purple flowering wisteria bush along one side

About an hour south of London, Winchester is a small and charming city on the edge of the picturesque South Downs National Park.

The High Street in Winchester is one of the oldest – and prettiest – in the country, lined with beautifully preserved Medieval and Tudor half-timbered buildings. The medieval Chesil Rectory dates back to 1425 and is the oldest commercial building in the city.

Winchester’s town centre is also known for its independent businesses. Spend time browsing boutique shops, or stop for coffee in one of the many independent cafes.

Beautiful sights in Winchester

  • Winchester Cathedral – this imposing Norman cathedral is surrounded by historic sights, such as the 15th-century timber-framed Cheyney Court.
  • The Great Hall – all that remains of a stone castle constructed for William the Conqueror in 1067. It’s also home to a replica of King Arthur’s Round Table.
  • Winchester City Mill – a restored water mill on the River Itchen.
  • RECOMMENDED TOUR: Historic Castles and Cathedrals Walking Tour – from £12pp

15. Wells, Somerset

grey stone cobbled street lined with matching terraced brownish-grey stone cottages with dark grey tiled roofs running on either side of the street with a blue sky overhead.
Vicar’s Close

Tucked away in scenic Somerset, Wells is England’s smallest city. With its cobbled streets lined with tearooms, pubs, and antique shops, this feels more like a countryside town than it does a city!

Sitting right on the edge of the stunning Mendip Hills AONB, this is another city that’s well-positioned for countryside explorations. Be sure to get out into the Hills to explore the rolling countryside and peaceful woodlands – as well as dramatic gorges and caves like the ones at Cheddar and Wookey Hole.

Beautiful sights in Wells

  • Wells Cathedral – part of an important British Pilgrimage route.
  • The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens – 800-year-old Medieval palace surrounded by 14 acres of charming gardens.
  • Cheddar – a cute village in a dramatic rocky gorge dotted with caves, just northwest of Wells.

Map of England’s Beautiful Cities

Most beautiful cities in England: the Quick Version

  1. Bath
  2. City of Westminster
  3. York
  4. Oxford
  5. Cambridge
  6. Canterbury
  7. Chester
  8. Durham
  9. Ely
  10. Exeter
  11. Worcester
  12. Norwich
  13. Salisbury
  14. Winchester
  15. Wells

Visiting England’s Most Beautiful Cities

So, there you have it: your guide to the most beautiful cities to visit in England. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a romantic UK getaway, or a quick city break, any of these glorious English cities would be the perfect setting!

Most have train stations, so can easily be reached by public transport. If you’re coming by car, look for Park and Ride carparks instead of parking in the city centre. These are usually found on the edge of the city and provide free car parking if you take the bus into the centre. This will save you money and help you avoid congested city centres – as well as helping alleviate pollution problems.

If you’re coming from overseas, you can use RailAir to get from Heathrow Airport to Woking or Reading train station – and from there it’s easy to reach these beautiful English cities by public transport. Check out my review for more info.

I also strongly recommend you to explore as many independent businesses as you can. Not only will supporting local businesses help real people in the cities you visit, but it will also make your trip MUCH more interesting. There are always unique shops, fabulous eateries, and quirky coffee shops to discover!

Have I missed one of the most beautiful cities in England off this list? Scroll down to share your favourites in the comments!

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