Places in England Beginning with A (Cities and Towns)

The following is the list of cities and towns in England whose name begins with the letter A. Below, you will also find some quick facts and general information about each.

City/TownRegionCountyPopulation
AbingdonSouth EastOxfordshire38,000
AccringtonNorth WestLancashire35,000
AlnwickNorth EastNorthumberland8,000
AndoverSouth EastHampshire42,000
AshbourneEast MidlandsDerbyshire8,000
AshfordSouth EastKent75,000
Ashton-under-LyneNorth WestGreater Manchester45,000
AylesburySouth EastBuckinghamshire60,000
AylshamEast of EnglandNorfolk7,000

Abingdon

Abingdon is a historic market town in Oxfordshire, located on the River Thames. It is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in England. The town’s name comes from the Old English “Æbban dūn,” meaning “hill of a man named Æbba.” It is known for the annual Abingdon Air & Country Show and the ruins of Abingdon Abbey.

Accrington

Accrington is a town in Lancashire, known historically for its role in the cotton and textile industries during the Industrial Revolution. Its name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, believed to derive from “Akerenton,” meaning a settlement of oak trees. Today, the town is known for Accrington Stanley Football Club and its distinctive red brick called Accrington NORI.

Alnwick

Alnwick is a small market town in Northumberland, famous for its castle, which has been used in various films, including the “Harry Potter” series. The name comes from Old English, meaning “farmstead or settlement on the River Aln.” Alnwick Castle is one of the town’s major tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world.

Andover

Andover is a town in Hampshire, situated on the River Anton. Its history dates back to Roman times, and it later became a significant market town. The name likely originates from the Old English “Andeafara,” meaning “ford of a man named Anda.” Andover is known for its rich military history, with several military camps in the vicinity.

Ashbourne

Ashbourne is a small market town in Derbyshire, located at the edge of the Peak District. It is famous for its annual Royal Shrovetide Football match, a centuries-old tradition. The town’s name means “stream where ash trees grow” in Old English. Ashbourne is also known for its Georgian architecture and historic charm.

Ashford

Ashford is a large town in Kent, well known for its international railway station, which connects to Europe via the Eurostar. The town’s name comes from Old English, meaning “a ford near ash trees.” Ashford has seen rapid growth in recent years and is an important hub for transportation and logistics.

Ashton-under-Lyne

Ashton-under-Lyne is a town in Greater Manchester, with a history rooted in the coal mining and textile industries. The town’s name combines Old English and Celtic roots, meaning “farmstead or settlement by the ash tree” under the River Tame. Ashton-under-Lyne is known for its Victorian market and Tameside Hippodrome theatre.

Aylesbury

Aylesbury is the county town of Buckinghamshire and a key historical market town. The name originates from Old English “Æglesburh,” meaning “Fort of Aegel.” Aylesbury is famous for its role in the English Civil War and for Aylesbury ducks, a breed traditionally farmed in the area.

Aylsham

Aylsham is a small market town in Norfolk, located near the River Bure. Its name likely originates from Old English, meaning “homestead of Ægel.” The town is known for its agricultural market and the nearby Blickling Hall, a stately home that is part of the National Trust.

Click on a letter below to go to the list of cities.

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