Places in England Beginning with W (Cities and Towns)

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

City/TownRegionCountyPopulation
WakefieldYorkshire and the HumberWest Yorkshire100,000
WallingfordSouth EastOxfordshire11,000
WalsallWest MidlandsWest Midlands68,000
WantageSouth EastOxfordshire12,000
WarminsterSouth WestWiltshire17,000
WarringtonNorth WestCheshire165,000
WarwickWest MidlandsWarwickshire32,000
WatfordEast of EnglandHertfordshire96,000
WellingboroughEast MidlandsNorthamptonshire52,000
WellsSouth WestSomerset12,000
Weston-super-MareSouth WestSomerset82,000
WeymouthSouth WestDorset53,000
WhitbyYorkshire and the HumberNorth Yorkshire14,000
Whitley BayNorth EastTyne and Wear36,000
WinchesterSouth EastHampshire46,000
WokingSouth EastSurrey105,000
WolverhamptonWest MidlandsWest Midlands254,000
WorcesterWest MidlandsWorcestershire103,000
WorthingSouth EastWest Sussex110,000

Wakefield

Wakefield is a city in West Yorkshire, part of the Yorkshire and the Humber region. The name is believed to originate from “Waca’s field,” an Old English personal name. Wakefield is known for its history in the textile industry and as a cultural hub, home to the Hepworth Wakefield art gallery.

Wallingford

Wallingford is a historic market town in Oxfordshire, South East England. Its name comes from “Wealh’s ford,” referring to a ford over the River Thames. Wallingford is known for its medieval castle ruins and historic architecture.

Walsall

Walsall is an industrial town in the West Midlands. The town’s name likely derives from the Old English “Wælh’s h(e)all,” meaning a building belonging to someone named Wælh. Walsall is historically famous for its leather industry, which dates back to the 14th century.

Wantage

Wantage, located in Oxfordshire in the South East, is a market town with historical roots. The name comes from “Waneting,” referring to a tribal settlement. It is famously the birthplace of King Alfred the Great, and today it retains its charm with period architecture and historic sites.

Warminster

Warminster is a market town in Wiltshire, South West England. Its name is thought to derive from “The Minster on the River Were.” The town is known for its proximity to ancient sites such as Stonehenge and its historic churches.

Warrington

Warrington is a large town in Cheshire, North West England. The name originates from “Wæringtun,” meaning the settlement of Wæring’s people. Warrington is known for its industrial heritage, particularly in shipbuilding, steel, and textiles. It also serves as a major transportation hub in the region.

Warwick

Warwick is a historic town in Warwickshire, West Midlands. Its name means “dwellings by the weir.” The town is famous for Warwick Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the country, and for its role in British history.

Watford

Watford is a large town in Hertfordshire, East of England. The name is believed to originate from “Wat’s Ford,” a ford over the River Colne. Watford is known for its vibrant shopping areas, the Warner Bros. Studios, and its proximity to London.

Wellingborough

Wellingborough is a market town in Northamptonshire, East Midlands. The town’s name comes from “Waendel’s people’s fort.” It is known for its shoe-making history and the annual Waendel Walk, an international walking event.

Wells

Wells is a small cathedral city in Somerset, South West England. The name derives from the three wells dedicated to Saint Andrew. Wells is known for its medieval cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace, which are both major tourist attractions.

Weston-super-Mare

Weston-super-Mare is a seaside town in Somerset, South West England. The name means “West settlement on sea.” Known for its sandy beaches, the Grand Pier, and holiday resorts, it is a popular tourist destination on the Bristol Channel coast.

Weymouth

Weymouth is a coastal town in Dorset, South West England. Its name is thought to originate from “mouth of the River Wey.” Weymouth is famous for its harbor, Georgian seafront, and its role as a tourist destination, particularly for water sports and beach activities.

Whitby

Whitby is a historic seaside town in North Yorkshire, Yorkshire and the Humber. Its name derives from Old Norse “Hvítabýr,” meaning “white farm.” Whitby is known for its abbey ruins, Dracula connections, and as the birthplace of Captain James Cook.

Whitley Bay

Whitley Bay is a coastal town in Tyne and Wear, North East England. The town’s name likely comes from “Whitley,” meaning “white clearing.” It is famous for its golden beaches, the St. Mary’s Lighthouse, and as a traditional seaside holiday destination.

Winchester

Winchester, located in Hampshire, South East England, is one of England’s ancient cities. The name is derived from the Roman “Venta Belgarum.” Known for Winchester Cathedral and its history as the ancient capital of England, Winchester is a hub of historical significance.

Woking

Woking is a large town in Surrey, South East England. The name comes from the Saxon “Woccings,” meaning the people of Wocca. Woking is known for its modern architecture, including the WWF-UK’s Living Planet Centre, and is a major commuter town for London.

Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton is a city in the West Midlands. The name comes from Lady Wulfrun, who founded the town in 985. Wolverhampton grew as an industrial center, particularly known for its production of steel, cars, and engineering. It is now a city with a rich industrial heritage.

Worcester

Worcester is a cathedral city in Worcestershire, West Midlands. The name is derived from the Roman “Wigoraceaster.” It is famous for Worcester Cathedral, its role in the English Civil War, and as the home of Worcester sauce.

Worthing

Worthing is a seaside town in West Sussex, South East England. The name means “Worō’s people.” It is known for its extensive Georgian and Victorian architecture, beaches, and for being one of the largest towns in West Sussex.

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

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