A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Belfast for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Belfast can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming, historic, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for food and theater.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and shopping.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Belfast. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Belfast are popular destinations, Belfast has more sights and attractions for tourists. Belfast is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Stratford-upon-Avon attracts visitors for its museums, theatre productions, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Belfast is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". It is also well known for Belfast Castle. Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Belfast and Stratford-upon-Avon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Belfast

Stratford-upon-Avon is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Belfast

Stratford-upon-Avon is an unbeatable place for theatre. However, Belfast is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Belfast is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Belfast

Stratford-upon-Avon is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Belfast

Belfast is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast Better for its Old Town?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Belfast

Stratford-upon-Avon is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Stratford-upon-Avon to see the historical old town. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Belfast

Belfast is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast Better for Families?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Belfast

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Belfast. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.


Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast Better for Couples?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Belfast

Stratford-upon-Avon is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a nice destination for couples. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast Better for Students?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Belfast

Belfast is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Belfast

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Belfast.

Public transit is mostly limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Public transit is generally limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.


Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast a more walkable city?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Belfast

Stratford-upon-Avon and Belfast are nice when it comes to walkability.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable place. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable town.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Belfast Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Belfast than in Stratford-upon-Avon. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Stratford-upon-Avon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

Families should spend more time in Stratford-upon-Avon than Belfast. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Stratford-upon-Avon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Stratford-upon-Avon than Belfast. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Stratford-upon-Avon that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Belfast than Stratford-upon-Avon if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Belfast.


  • How many days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast? Ideal Length of Stay
    Stratford-upon-Avon 1-2 
    Belfast 1-3

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town with plenty to do. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Belfast, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this destination offers. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stratford-upon-Avon has to offer.

Many people visit Belfast for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Belfast, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The destination of Belfast offers nightlife and shopping. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Since Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Belfast. This city offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 3-Day Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Stratford-upon-Avon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Stratford-upon-Avon is £144, while the average daily cost in Belfast is £133. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Stratford-upon-Avon and Belfast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stratford-upon-Avon £87
    Belfast £68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stratford-upon-Avon £174
    Belfast £136
Compare Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon and Belfast

Looking for a hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon


Hotels in Belfast


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Stratford-upon-Avon Hotel Prices and Belfast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stratford-upon-Avon £13
    Belfast £14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stratford-upon-Avon

Also for Stratford-upon-Avon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Stratford-upon-Avon To London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $272

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Private Transfer from Dundonald to Belfast Airport (BFS): $94
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City to Belfast Airport (BFS): $84
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tynan: $147
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tempo: $241
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tandragee: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Sixmilecross : $193
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rosslea: $214
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rathfriland : $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Poyntzpass: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Portavogie: $96
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Portadown: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Newtownstewart: $172

Is it cheaper to fly into Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast?

Prices for flights to both Belfast and Stratford-upon-Avon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Stratford-upon-Avon £39
    Belfast £51
Typical Food Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Cheese & Crackers
    £7.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Shakespearean Cooking Experience in Stratford-upon-Avon: $163
  • Pasta Making Experience - Cooking Class: $176

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stratford-upon-Avon £21
    Belfast £18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Stratford-upon-Avon's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Warwick Castle (2)
    £59
  • Lunch
    £12
  • Lunch for 2
    £17

Tours and Activities in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Coventry’s Cathedral Quarter: $6.99
  • Warwick Self-Guided Immersive Audio Walking Tour: $8.88
  • Stratford-Upon-Avon Audio Walking Tour: Shakespeare's Life: $8.89
  • Shakespeare’s A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • City Exploration Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Tudor World Museum Entrance Ticket: $9.99
  • Shakespeare & Hathaway TV Sites Tour: $11
  • Shakespeare and Hathaway 2-Hour Self Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Historical Walking Tour: $12
  • The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour: $12
  • The WalkTalkShow.co.uk - Guided Tour of Stratford upon Avon: $13
  • The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour: $13

Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
  • Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
  • Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $76
  • 2 Hour Fungi Experience in Belfast: $62
  • 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
  • 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $92
  • 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $101
  • A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
  • Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $437
  • Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $158
  • Belfast Black Taxi Tour of Murals and Peace Walls 2 hours: $114
  • Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stratford-upon-Avon £13
    Belfast £7.86
Typical Alcohol Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Stratford-upon-Avon from other travelers:


  • Beers
    £8.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Stratford-upon-Avon

Also in Stratford-upon-Avon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Shakespeare Gin Distillery Tour & Taste: $24
  • Shakespeare Distillery Tour - 11am Ticket: $25
  • Shakespeare Distillery Tour - 1pm Ticket: $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119


When comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Belfast, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Belfast Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Belfast, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Belfast. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally a little warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 17°C (63°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in July than Belfast. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stratford-upon-Avon 17°C (63°F) 
    Belfast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a little warmer than Belfast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during autumn. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Belfast. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stratford-upon-Avon 11°C (52°F) 
    Belfast 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast in the Winter?

Both Belfast and Stratford-upon-Avon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Belfast can be very cold during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Belfast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Belfast averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Belfast. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than Belfast. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stratford-upon-Avon 3°C (38°F) 
    Belfast 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Belfast. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Belfast. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 9°C (48°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Belfast during spring. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Belfast. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stratford-upon-Avon 9°C (48°F) 
    Belfast 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Belfast and Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon Belfast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)