Places in England Beginning with P (Cities and Towns)

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

City/TownRegionCountyPopulation
Paddock WoodSouth EastKent9,000
PakefieldEast of EnglandSuffolk7,000
PenrithNorth WestCumbria16,000
PenzanceSouth WestCornwall21,000
PeterboroughEast of EnglandCambridgeshire204,000
PetersfieldSouth EastHampshire15,000
PlymouthSouth WestDevon262,000
PooleSouth WestDorset151,000
PortisheadSouth WestSomerset25,000
PortsmouthSouth EastHampshire238,000
PoyntonNorth WestCheshire15,000
PrestwichNorth WestGreater Manchester31,000
PudseyYorkshire and the HumberWest Yorkshire23,000

Paddock Wood

Paddock Wood is a small town in Kent, located in the South East of England. It grew significantly in the 19th century due to its position on the railway, serving as a hub for the local agricultural community. The name derives from its origins as a wooded area, and it is known for its hop-growing industry.

Pakefield

Pakefield is a coastal village in Suffolk, East of England. Known for its beautiful beach and ancient church, it has a quiet, rural charm. The village’s name comes from “Paeca’s field,” referring to the Anglo-Saxon period, and it is a popular spot for fossil hunting along the shore.

Penrith

Penrith is a market town in Cumbria, North West England, close to the Lake District National Park. Its history dates back to Roman times, and the name is thought to be of Celtic origin, meaning “chief ford.” Penrith is known for its historic buildings, including Penrith Castle, and its proximity to beautiful countryside.

Penzance

Penzance is a historic coastal town in Cornwall, South West England, famous for its subtropical climate and beautiful beaches. The name Penzance comes from the Cornish “Penn Sans,” meaning “holy headland.” It is known for the nearby St Michael’s Mount and as the setting of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta “The Pirates of Penzance.”

Peterborough

Peterborough is a large city in Cambridgeshire, East of England. It is known for its medieval cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, and its rapid growth in the 20th century as a “New Town.” The city’s name is derived from St. Peter, to whom the cathedral is dedicated. Today, Peterborough is a major economic hub for the region.

Petersfield

Petersfield is a market town in Hampshire, South East England, nestled in the South Downs National Park. Founded in the 12th century, its name comes from St Peter’s Church. The town is known for its outdoor markets and for Petersfield Heath, a popular park with a pond.

Plymouth

Plymouth is a coastal city in Devon, South West England, known for its maritime history, including the famous voyage of the Pilgrim Fathers aboard the Mayflower in 1620. The city’s name comes from its location at the mouth of the River Plym. Today, Plymouth is a vibrant city with a strong naval presence and a bustling waterfront.

Poole

Poole is a coastal town in Dorset, South West England, renowned for its large natural harbor, which is the second largest in the world. The town has a rich history as a center for maritime trade and has evolved into a popular tourist destination. Poole’s name is derived from the Old English word “pol,” meaning a place near a pool or stream.

Portishead

Portishead is a coastal town in Somerset, South West England, located on the Severn Estuary. It was originally a fishing port, and the name comes from “Port at the head of the river.” In recent years, Portishead has grown into a commuter town for nearby Bristol, with a marina and modern housing developments.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a historic naval city in Hampshire, South East England, known for being the home of the Royal Navy. The city’s name comes from “Port’s mouth,” referring to the harbor’s entrance. Portsmouth is rich in maritime history, with attractions such as the historic dockyard, home to HMS Victory and the Mary Rose.

Poynton

Poynton is a small town in Cheshire, North West England, located close to Manchester. Historically a coal mining town, Poynton is now primarily residential, with a mix of modern amenities and open countryside nearby. The name Poynton likely derives from the Old English words “poy” (enclosure) and “ton” (town or settlement).

Prestwich

Prestwich is a suburban town in Greater Manchester, North West England, known for its extensive parks and green spaces. The name comes from the Old English “preosta wic,” meaning “priest’s farm.” Prestwich is popular with commuters due to its proximity to Manchester city center and its excellent transport links.

Pudsey

Pudsey is a market town in West Yorkshire, Yorkshire and the Humber. Historically known for its wool and cloth industry, Pudsey is now part of the Leeds metropolitan area. The town is perhaps best known today for its association with the BBC’s annual charity event, “Children in Need,” which uses a bear mascot named Pudsey Bear.

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