Rated Cities in England

Although it never saw the numbers of migrants passing through it that Liverpool experienced, largely due to the smaller size of its port, the city of Bristol was once an important embarkation point for those heading westward.

With a well-deserved reputation as one of England's top seaside resort towns, Brighton makes for a fun and easy trip from London for those wanting to experience a fun getaway.

Long one of England's most important ports, the city of Liverpool has done a remarkable job of preserving and commemorating its rich maritime history.

Salisbury is another cathedral city that should be included in your England travel itinerary. While Salisbury Cathedral's attractive exterior is itself spectacular and dominates the city's historic skyline, it's what's inside that draws the crowds.

Considered one of the most attractive small cities in England by virtue of its cathedral, the benchmark by which a place is deemed a city, Durham is a delightful place to explore. It also boasts one of the highest densities of UNESCO-designated buildings anywhere in the world, with over 600 protected structures at last count.

Just a short train ride north from London is the university city of Oxford. As the home of the world's oldest university, Oxford has plenty of history to explore, much of it accessible on foot without interference from traffic. Along the way, you'll see plenty of finely preserved medieval-era buildings, along with many that were added centuries later.

Like York, Canterbury has long been an important religious center in England. While evidence of the original Roman settlement can still be seen in the city's great Roman Museum, it's Canterbury Cathedral that is the big draw for tourists.

Located at the top end of the country in North Yorkshire is another charming old city to explore that was also founded by the Romans: York. While there are only a few signs of the early Roman settlement here, it's the amazingly well-preserved medieval architecture that you'll find most impressive.

Just an hour and a half from London by train, Bath has gained a reputation as one of the most romantic of England's cities. For starters, this lovely, livable city in Somerset was where the Romans constructed the famous Roman Baths. This remarkably well-preserved edifice was built around a hot spring that continues to draw visitors from across the world.

It's pretty much impossible (and certainly not recommended) to visit England without spending time in its capital, London. One of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan cities, this sprawling metropolis is, despite its vast size, surprisingly easy to get around thanks to its first-rate (though sometimes crowded) public transit system.