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

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Birmingham?

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 Birmingham can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a idyllic, peaceful, and park-filled town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food and theater.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a historic, vibrant, and fun-filled city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Birmingham. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham are popular destinations, Birmingham has more sights and attractions for tourists. Birmingham is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Stratford-upon-Avon attracts visitors for its theatre productions, historical sights, and small town charm. Birmingham is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also well known for Victoria Square. Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Birmingham 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 Birmingham?

Birmingham is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Birmingham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

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.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is an amazing town to visit for theatre. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its theatre productions.

The theater scene in Stratford-upon-Avon is world-class. 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.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham can be an enjoyable experience.

Stratford-upon-Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Birmingham area. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

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

Birmingham is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Birmingham has a large number of nightlife venues. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.

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

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Birmingham Better for Music?

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Birmingham. The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a live music destination.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is very good for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

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

Birmingham is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Birmingham is well-known for its shopping. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

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

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

Birmingham is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Birmingham is very family-friendly. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon. 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.

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

Birmingham is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Birmingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. 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.

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

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Birmingham. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

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

Birmingham is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Birmingham has some public transit options. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

Public transit is generally 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.

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

Birmingham is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Birmingham is a very walkable city. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. 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.

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

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

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Birmingham?

In either Stratford-upon-Avon or Birmingham, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Birmingham than Stratford-upon-Avon because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Stratford-upon-Avon, and 1-5 days is enough time in Birmingham.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Birmingham 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 Birmingham.

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Birmingham?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the theater. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Stratford-upon-Avon, one day is sufficent for most.

In Birmingham, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. 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 Birmingham?

Even though Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the theater. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Birmingham?

Stratford-upon-Avon, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Birmingham, many people enjoy the museums and theater that this destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Birmingham, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Birmingham?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the theater. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Birmingham. 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham, 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 Birmingham Expensive?.

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

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham, 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 Birmingham?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham. The summer months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 17°C (63°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Birmingham during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Birmingham. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Birmingham. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Birmingham for the shopping scene and the music scene.

Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Birmingham in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Birmingham. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets more rain in October than Birmingham. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Birmingham in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Birmingham can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Stratford-upon-Avon. In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Birmingham. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Birmingham averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Birmingham during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Birmingham. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the spring for the small town charm.

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

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets more sunshine than Birmingham. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Birmingham. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon