A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Caen for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Caen?

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

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a idyllic, peaceful, and park-filled town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food and theater.

Caen

Caen is a park-filled, important, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Caen: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Caen. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Caen are popular destinations, Caen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Caen is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Stratford-upon-Avon attracts visitors for its theatre productions, historical sights, and small town charm. Caen is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. It is also well known for Pegasus Bridge. Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Caen 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 Caen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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 Caen Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is renowned for theatre. However, Caen is not a theatre destination.

Stratford-upon-Avon is considered to be a world-class theater destination. 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.

Caen is not a theatre destination.

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

Caen is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Caen has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

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

Caen 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 Caen. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

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

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Caen 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.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

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

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

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 Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

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

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Caen are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Caen is a good town for couples to visit. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Caen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

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

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

The public transit in Caen can get you around easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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 Caen a more walkable city?

Stratford-upon-Avon and Caen 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.

Caen is a somewhat walkable town. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

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

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Caen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Caen?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town where visitors enjoy the theater and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Caen, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this destination offers. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Caen?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the theater. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people visit Caen 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 Caen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Caen?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The destination of Caen offers food and museums. 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 Caen?

Because Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Caen. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stratford-upon-Avon and Caen, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon is more expensive. And not only is Caen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Caen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Caen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Stratford-upon-Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stratford-upon-Avon than you might in Caen.

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 Caen Expensive?.

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

Caen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Caen, 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 Caen?

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 Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Caen. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 17°C (63°F), and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Caen. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Caen during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Caen and Stratford-upon-Avon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions.

Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Caen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Caen. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in October than Caen. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Caen. The winter months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. The weather in Stratford-upon-Avon can be very cold. In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Caen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Caen averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Caen during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

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

The spring brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Caen. The small town charm are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Caen. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 9°C (48°F), and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Caen. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Caen. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Caen and Stratford-upon-Avon