The smallest cities in the UK | A homebuyer’s guide

Published Jul 3, 2024

5 mins read

The smallest cities in the UK can sometimes be overlooked in favour of their larger counterparts, especially when it comes to finding a place to live, but they offer a unique charm and character that can’t be found elsewhere.

In fact, these small cities can make idyllic places to live, offering the amenities of larger urban locations whilst having close-knit communities.

St Davids, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Britain’s smallest city, St Davids in the Pembrokeshire region of Wales has a population of just 1,600.

Not only is St Davids the smallest city it is also one of the most picturesque being located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park it is surrounded by truly beautiful coastal scenery.

The city’s most notable landmark is St Davids Cathedral which is frequented by visitors year-round. One of the highlights of the city’s event calendar is the Cathedral Festival. There is also a vibrant arts scene with several galleries and studios that showcase the work of local artists.

One of the top reasons to move to St Davids is the immediate access to the incredibly Welsh coastline, for those who enjoy being outdoors, with a balance of having good amenities nearby, this tiny city delivers.

The coastal walks boast wild cliffs and steep hills to climb, together with pretty little coves to explore.

Despite its small size, St Davids has several good schools making it an idyllic place for families to reside.

St Davids is a remote city and does not have its own train station so those who live there do rely on their cars to travel in and out, and around the locality.

Wells, Somerset, England

Wells is a picturesque cathedral city nestled in the West Country County of Somerset. With a population of just 12,000 it is easily one of the smallest cities in the country.

Positioned on the edge of the Mendip Hills it is surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Many who choose to move to Wells are drawn in by the stunning architecture. At the heart of the city is Wells Cathedral, which dates to the 12th century and is one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in the UK.

Despite its small size, Wells has a strong and vibrant community, especially since it acts as a central hub for many of the surrounding villages and hamlets.

From high street chains to smaller boutiques, Wells has a great selection of shops, restaurants and cafes. The city has a buzzing nightlife too with bars, pubs and a nightclub too.

There are several parks dotted around Wells but the largest open spaces within the city are found near the cathedral itself and include the beautiful Bishop’s Palace Gardens.

Wells has several excellent schools, but it is independently run Wells Cathedral School, one of the oldest schools in the UK, that the city is well known for.

Those seeking a small city to call home that is steeped in history offers top education and is surrounded by beautiful countryside might wish to consider Wells in Somerset as a place to live.

Ripon, North Yorkshire, England

Ripon, known for its rich history and stunning architecture is the third-smallest city in England. With a population of just 17,000, it is the smallest city in Yorkshire and one of the smallest cities in the UK.

Home to a variety of stunning architectural landmarks, the Grade I-listed Ripon Cathedral, is one of the oldest in England, dating back to the 7th century.

Ripon, hosts a range of community events throughout the year, including the annual Ripon Races and the Ripon International Festival.

There are several parks dotted around Ripon, including the beautiful Studley Royal Park.

Ripon also offers boutique and independent shops, cafes and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. For sport enthusiasts, the Ripon City Golf Club and Ripon Cricket Club are on the doorstep too.

Ripon offers a range of primary and secondary schools, including the Ripon Grammar School, which is ranked as one of the top schools in the country, offering excellent educational opportunities for residents.

Those seeking a small city in Yorkshire to call home that is surrounded by stunning countryside may wish to consider Ripon as a place to settle.

Ripon, one of the Smallest Cities in the UK

Truro, Cornwall, England

Truro, the administrative centre and sole city of Cornwall is home to a population of around 20,000.

The city has a variety of Georgian and Victorian buildings and is home to many historic buildings, including the Gothic Revival Truro Cathedral which is wonderfully situated in the city centre.

Many who choose to move to Truro, are drawn in by the friendly and welcoming community it has. With a strong sense of local pride, the city hosts the annual Truro festival celebrating the city’s culture and heritage.

Lemon Street is a popular shopping destination, home to a variety of independent and high street stores. The city has a cinema and theatre too.

There are also several parks and green spaces to explore and to take in the fresh air.

Schools in Truro are impressive, there are several state schools available as well as Truro School, the leading independent school in Cornwall for boys and girls aged 3-18.

Those searching for a slightly buzzier city, and one of the bigger of the smallest cities in the UK that offers a friendly community, top education and surrounded by beautiful landmarks may wish to consider Truro.

Brechin, Angus, Scotland

Situated in the county of Angus, Brechin is located roughly 30 miles from Dundee and has a population of 7,000, making it one of the smallest cities in the UK.

The city of Brechin is famous for the Brechin Cathedral, which dates back to the 13^th Century and is a huge tourist attraction for those visiting.

With a small population, Brechin is home to a range of individuals and families who get involved with local events and activities that take place throughout the year.

The centre boasts many amenities, including shops, restaurants, a post office, library and a community centre. The beautiful River South Esk is also worth exploring, as well as many other parks and green spaces the city offers.

Schools in Brechin are highly rated and well regarded, with many primary and secondary schools being based around the city centre.

Those seeking a small city, with a range of schools and close-knit community may wish to explore Brechin in Scotland.

Ely, Cambridgeshire, England

Ely, home to the historic Ely Cathedral is one of the smallest cities in the UK located in Cambridgeshire.

The cathedral is one of the most impressive and stunning examples of Norman architecture in the UK, along with two other notable buildings in the city, Oliver Cromwell’s House and Bishops’ Place, which the latter date to the 15^th century

Known, for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, Ely has a population of around 20,000 and offers a broad selection of shops, restaurants and pubs, as well as a cinema and golf course for those to enjoy.

The city is well-connected, with good transport links to Cambridge and London, as well as other parts of the UK.

Ely has several primary and secondary schools, including Ely St Mary’s C of E Junior School and Ely College. The independent school, Kings Ely is highly rated and was founded in 970 AD, making it one of the oldest schools in the world.