Places in England Beginning with R (Cities and Towns)

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

City/TownRegionCountyPopulation
RadcliffeNorth WestGreater Manchester34,000
RamsgateSouth EastKent39,000
ReadingSouth EastBerkshire231,000
RedcarNorth EastNorth Yorkshire36,000
RedditchWest MidlandsWorcestershire84,000
RichmondLondonGreater London22,000
RochdaleNorth WestGreater Manchester111,000
RochesterSouth EastKent63,000
RomfordLondonGreater London172,000
RugbyWest MidlandsWarwickshire78,000
RuncornNorth WestCheshire62,000
RydeSouth EastIsle of Wight24,000

Radcliffe

Radcliffe is a town located in Greater Manchester, North West England. Originally a mill town during the Industrial Revolution, it lies on the banks of the River Irwell. The town’s name is derived from Old English, meaning “red cliff,” likely referring to the red sandstone cliffs found along the riverbank. Today, Radcliffe is a suburban town with a mix of residential and industrial areas.

Ramsgate

Ramsgate is a seaside town in Kent, located in the South East of England. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and historic marina, Ramsgate is a popular destination for tourists. The name “Ramsgate” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon “Hræm’s gate,” meaning “Raven’s gate.” The town has a rich maritime history and is home to the only royal harbor in the UK, designated by King George IV in 1821.

Reading

Reading is a large town in Berkshire, South East England, and is one of the largest urban centers in the region. Situated on the River Thames, it is known for its historic abbey and the annual Reading Festival, one of the UK’s biggest music festivals. Reading’s name comes from the Old English “Readingas,” meaning “people of Reada,” an Anglo-Saxon leader.

Redcar

Redcar is a coastal town in North Yorkshire, North East England, known for its sandy beaches and historical association with steelmaking. The town grew rapidly during the 19th century as a seaside resort. Redcar’s name is believed to come from “Reed Carr,” meaning a marshland covered with reeds, a reference to its coastal geography.

Redditch

Redditch, located in Worcestershire, West Midlands, was once a hub for the needle and fishing tackle industries. Today, it is a modern town with significant shopping and commercial developments. The town’s name comes from the Old English “reade dic,” meaning “red ditch,” possibly referring to the red clay in the area.

Richmond

Richmond, located in Greater London, is a picturesque town known for its green spaces, including the famous Richmond Park, one of the largest royal parks in London. The name Richmond was originally “Shene,” but it was changed in 1501 by Henry VII, who named it after his ancestral home in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

Rochdale

Rochdale is a town in Greater Manchester, North West England, historically known for its textile industry during the Industrial Revolution. The town’s name is derived from “Roch,” which means rock in Old English, referring to the River Roch that runs through it. Today, Rochdale is a center for retail and services, with landmarks like the Rochdale Town Hall.

Rochester

Rochester, located in Kent, South East England, is known for its medieval cathedral and castle, making it a popular tourist destination. The town’s name is derived from the Roman name “Durobrivae,” meaning “fort by the bridge.” Rochester’s history spans back to Roman times, and it remains an important cultural and historical site in the region.

Romford

Romford is a large town in Greater London, known for its vibrant shopping centers and historic market. The town’s origins date back to the medieval period, and its name comes from “Romfort,” meaning “wide ford,” referring to a crossing over the River Rom. Romford is now a major suburban town and commercial hub within the London metropolitan area.

Rugby

Rugby is a market town in Warwickshire, West Midlands, famous for being the birthplace of the sport of rugby football. The town’s name comes from the Anglo-Saxon “Hroca’s by,” meaning “Hroca’s farmstead.” Rugby is home to Rugby School, where the sport was first played in the early 19th century, making it an iconic town for sports history enthusiasts.

Runcorn

Runcorn, located in Cheshire, North West England, is known for its industrial heritage and its strategic position along the River Mersey. The town grew as a major port and industrial center during the 19th century. Its name is believed to mean “wide bay” or “broad inlet,” referring to its location by the river.

Ryde

Ryde is a coastal town on the Isle of Wight, known for its long, sandy beaches and Victorian architecture. It is a popular destination for tourists and day-trippers. The town’s name is thought to come from Old English, meaning “a clearing or open place.” Ryde’s pier is one of the oldest in the UK and a key attraction in the town.

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