The 2 UK cities that look close to merging and are only separated by a few miles

The UK is quite densely populated compared to other countries across the world. This means that, as have grown larger over the centuries, some are close to merging. In the , Nottingham and are very close to each other, so much so that they are almost touching. A chain of villages that are separated by tiny patches of greenery ensures that, to those unfamiliar with the area's geography, the two places are more or less connected.

According to Google, Nottingham's border lies just past Grangewood Road in the west of the city. But there are houses in the same estate that stretch beyond, with other villages and towns like Bramcote, Beeston, Stapleford, Sandiacre, Toton and Long Eaton further afield. These are all technically in the county. But, to the unfamiliar eye, they might as well just be suburban parts of Nottingham. The M1 then cuts down the centre, marking the border between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

To the west of the motorway is a field, before the large village of Breaston begins.

This is immediately connected to the neighbouring village of Draycott.

Next, one has to pass through four fields before they arrive in Borrowash, which is technically in the county district of Erewash.

A solitary field then separates this village from the city of Derby.

The two cities' borders are separated by approximately 8 miles, according to Google Maps.

The idea of Nottingham and Derby joining together into one city is contentious, as the two share a rivalry.

This presents itself potently when the football clubs Nottingham Forest and Derby County face each other.

The two places also have their own distinct cultures, histories and character.

One person took to Reddit to denounce the prospect of the two cities merging.

They said: "Nottingham and Derby would never join up to create one singular city, period.

"This is an absurd question with no suitable answer that all would be happy with, even if somehow you convinced both halves of the rivalrous combination you suggest to agree to merge in the first place."

A different person suggested a solution to differentiate which places belonged in which county.

They said: "Replace all Nottingham village/town names with a starting letter of D and all Derby ones with an N. E.g. Deeston, the Deadows, Nickleover, Nelper etc."

Politically, however, the two regions are working together in the newly created East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Labour's Claire Ward is the first Mayor of the East Midlands, having been elected in 2024.

The body focuses on economic development, regeneration, skills and training, housing and transport in the region, working together with county and district councils.