The following is the list of cities and towns in England whose name begins with the letter O. Below, you will also find some quick facts and general information about each.
| City/Town | Region | County | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oakham | East Midlands | Rutland | 11,000 |
| Oldham | North West | Greater Manchester | 96,000 |
| Olney | South East | Buckinghamshire | 7,000 |
| Ormskirk | North West | Lancashire | 25,000 |
| Orpington | London | Greater London | 15,000 |
| Ossett | Yorkshire and the Humber | West Yorkshire | 21,000 |
| Oundle | East Midlands | Northamptonshire | 6,000 |
| Oxford | South East | Oxfordshire | 154,000 |
| Oxted | South East | Surrey | 12,000 |
Oakham
Oakham is a small market town located in the county of Rutland, East Midlands. It is known for its historic castle, Oakham Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. The town’s name is derived from the Old English words “ac” meaning oak and “ham” meaning village or homestead. Oakham is also famous for its tradition of hanging horseshoes in the castle for visiting nobility.
Oldham
Oldham is a large town in Greater Manchester, North West England, historically known for its role in the cotton industry during the Industrial Revolution. The town’s name is believed to come from the Old English “ald” meaning old and “ham” meaning settlement. Today, Oldham has a diverse population and is known for its cultural contributions, including the Oldham Coliseum Theatre.
Olney
Olney is a small town in Buckinghamshire, South East England, situated on the River Great Ouse. It is famous for being the home of poet William Cowper and for the annual Olney Pancake Race, a tradition that dates back over 500 years. The name “Olney” likely derives from the Old English “ana’s leah,” meaning “Ana’s meadow.”
Ormskirk
Ormskirk is a market town in Lancashire, North West England, known for its distinctive parish church with both a tower and a spire. The town’s name is thought to come from Orm, a Viking settler, combined with “kirk,” meaning church in Old Norse. Ormskirk was historically a center for gingerbread making and is now a popular residential area with links to nearby Liverpool.
Orpington
Orpington is a suburban town in Greater London, known for its proximity to green spaces and its connection to the famous “Orpington chicken” breed. The town’s name likely comes from the Old English “Orpedinga tun,” meaning the farm of Orped’s people. Orpington has grown rapidly in recent years and is a popular commuter town for those working in central London.
Ossett
Ossett is a market town in West Yorkshire, Yorkshire and the Humber, with a history rooted in the woollen cloth industry. The town’s name is of Old English origin, meaning “Osla’s seat” or “settlement.” Ossett is now a residential town, known for its community events and independent breweries. It also has a strong rugby league tradition.
Oundle
Oundle is a historic market town in Northamptonshire, East Midlands, best known for Oundle School, one of the oldest and most prestigious independent schools in the UK. The town’s name comes from the Old English “Andle,” a river that flows through the town. Oundle is also known for its well-preserved Georgian architecture and its traditional markets.
Oxford
Oxford is a world-famous city in Oxfordshire, South East England, known for being the home of the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The city’s name comes from “Oxenaforda,” meaning “Ford of the Oxen,” referring to a crossing of the River Thames. Oxford is renowned for its historic architecture, academic institutions, and its role in British literature and culture.
Oxted
Oxted is a town in Surrey, South East England, located at the foot of the North Downs. The name Oxted comes from the Old English “ac” (oak) and “stede” (place), meaning “place of the oak.” It is known for its picturesque village feel, proximity to London, and the nearby Titsey Place, a historic manor house and estate.
Click on a letter below to go to the list of cities.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z