Places in England Beginning with S (Cities and Towns)

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

City/TownRegionCountyPopulation
SalfordNorth WestGreater Manchester270,000
SalisburySouth WestWiltshire45,000
SandbachNorth WestCheshire18,000
ScarboroughYorkshire and the HumberNorth Yorkshire61,000
ScunthorpeYorkshire and the HumberLincolnshire83,000
SheffieldYorkshire and the HumberSouth Yorkshire584,000
ShrewsburyWest MidlandsShropshire72,000
SloughSouth EastBerkshire164,000
SouthamptonSouth EastHampshire254,000
SouthportNorth WestMerseyside91,000
St AlbansEast of EnglandHertfordshire58,000
St HelensNorth WestMerseyside102,000
StaffordWest MidlandsStaffordshire68,000
StevenageEast of EnglandHertfordshire88,000
StockportNorth WestGreater Manchester292,000
Stoke-on-TrentWest MidlandsStaffordshire256,000
SunderlandNorth EastTyne and Wear277,000
Sutton ColdfieldWest MidlandsWest Midlands109,000
SwanseaWalesWales246,000

Salford

Salford is a city in Greater Manchester, North West England. It lies on the River Irwell, which forms a boundary with the city of Manchester. The name “Salford” is derived from Old English, meaning “willow ford.” The city is known for its MediaCityUK, a major hub for media companies like the BBC and ITV.

Salisbury

Salisbury, located in Wiltshire in South West England, is best known for its stunning cathedral, which boasts the tallest spire in the UK. The town’s name originates from the Roman settlement of Sorviodunum, evolving into “Sarisberie” and finally “Salisbury.” It serves as a gateway to the ancient site of Stonehenge.

Sandbach

Sandbach is a market town in Cheshire, North West England. Its name means “sandy stream” in Old English. Sandbach is known for its Anglo-Saxon crosses, which are thought to date back to the 9th century. These Grade I-listed monuments are located in the town’s historic market square.

Scarborough

Scarborough is a coastal town in North Yorkshire, famous for its beaches, cliffs, and historic castle. Its name is thought to derive from Old Norse “Skarthaborg,” meaning “Scar’s fortress.” Scarborough has long been a popular seaside resort and remains a key destination for tourists today.

Scunthorpe

Scunthorpe is an industrial town in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and the Humber. Known as the “Industrial Garden Town,” it is home to one of the largest steel production facilities in the UK. The town’s name originates from Old Norse, meaning “Skuma’s outlying farmstead.”

Sheffield

Sheffield, located in South Yorkshire, is one of the largest cities in the UK. Historically known for its steel production, it was dubbed “Steel City” during the Industrial Revolution. The name “Sheffield” comes from the River Sheaf, which runs through the city. Today, it is also known for its green spaces and the Peak District National Park nearby.

Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury is a historic market town in Shropshire, West Midlands, located on the River Severn. Its name comes from “Scrobbesburh,” meaning a fortified settlement. Shrewsbury is famed for its medieval architecture, with over 660 listed buildings, and for being the birthplace of Charles Darwin.

Slough

Slough is a large town in Berkshire, South East England, located to the west of London. Its name is derived from an Old English term meaning “wet land” or “bog.” Slough is known for its industrial estates and proximity to Heathrow Airport, making it a key commercial center.

Southampton

Southampton, located in Hampshire, South East England, is a major port city. It is known for being the departure point of the Titanic in 1912. The name “Southampton” is derived from Old English, meaning “southern homestead.” The city has a rich maritime history and is a gateway to the Isle of Wight.

Southport

Southport is a coastal town in Merseyside, North West England, known for its Victorian architecture and expansive beaches. The town is also home to one of the UK’s oldest and longest piers. The name Southport refers to its location south of the nearby port town of Liverpool.

St Albans

St Albans, in Hertfordshire, East of England, is famous for its Roman history and medieval cathedral. Named after the first British Christian martyr, Saint Alban, it was once a key Roman city known as Verulamium. Today, St Albans is known for its historic architecture and charming markets.

St Helens

St Helens is a large town in Merseyside, North West England, historically associated with the glassmaking industry. Its name is derived from a small chapel dedicated to Saint Elyn, later evolving into St Helens. Today, it is known for the nearby Dream sculpture, one of the most iconic public art pieces in the region.

Stafford

Stafford is the county town of Staffordshire in the West Midlands. The town’s name originates from “Stæth-ford,” meaning “ford by a landing place.” Stafford Castle, a Norman motte-and-bailey structure, is a key historical attraction, and the town remains an important administrative center.

Stevenage

Stevenage is a large town in Hertfordshire, East of England. It was the first “New Town” built after World War II under the New Towns Act of 1946. The name “Stevenage” is thought to mean “place of the strong oak.” Today, it is known for its modernist architecture and excellent transport links to London.

Stockport

Stockport is a large town in Greater Manchester, North West England. It grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, becoming a center for hat-making and textiles. The name “Stockport” likely means “market town near a stockaded place.” It is now a major part of Greater Manchester’s urban sprawl.

Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent, located in Staffordshire in the West Midlands, is famously known as “The Potteries” due to its historic ceramics industry. The town’s name comes from “stoc,” meaning a settlement. Stoke-on-Trent is globally recognized for its pottery and ceramic production, with names like Wedgwood and Spode associated with the area.

Sunderland

Sunderland, a city in Tyne and Wear, North East England, is known for its shipbuilding heritage and beautiful coastline. Its name is thought to mean “separated land” or “land set apart,” referring to the River Wear. Sunderland now has a diverse economy but remains linked to its maritime roots.

Sutton Coldfield

Sutton Coldfield is a suburban town within the city of Birmingham in the West Midlands. Its name is derived from “Sutone,” meaning “south town” and “Coldfield,” referring to its location on the cold, open heathland. The town is known for Sutton Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe.

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

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