Conurbations and Metropolises

A conurbation is an urban area which encompasses a number of cities or towns. There are numerous examples of conurbations throughout the United Kingdom due to urban sprawl.

A metropolis can encompass one or more cities but also includes peripheral zones such as suburban districts, towns and villages which are not necessarily urban in nature, yet which are dependent on the city or cities, for example commuter belts. Often an urban area is a conurbation and a metropolis, as the larger it becomes, the more cities become encompased and amalgamate.

London, Birmingham, Manchester, Merseyside (including Liverpool), Leicester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh and Glasgow are some of the largest conurbations and metropolitan areas.