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

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Cardiff?

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

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a peaceful, park-filled, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the food and theater.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cardiff than Stratford-upon-Avon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cardiff is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon is more popular for its theatre productions, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Cardiff is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Also, Cardiff is famous for The Cardiff Castle. Stratford-upon-Avon is well known for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cardiff is very good for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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 Cardiff Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Cardiff is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Stratford-upon-Avon draw crowds from around the world. 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.

Cardiff is not a theatre destination.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Stratford-upon-Avon. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

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

Cardiff 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 Cardiff. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

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

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular place for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

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

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

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

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cardiff. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

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

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

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Cardiff.

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 Cardiff. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

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

Plenty of students visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Cardiff.

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 Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon and Cardiff are notable 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.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable town. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

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

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cardiff?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Cardiff. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cardiff 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 Cardiff.

Families should spend more time in Stratford-upon-Avon than Cardiff. 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 Cardiff. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon than Cardiff 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 Stratford-upon-Avon.

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cardiff?

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 Cardiff, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife 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 Cardiff?

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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cardiff?

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 Cardiff offers shopping 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 Cardiff?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting Cardiff. 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 Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive?.

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

Cardiff 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 Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?

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 Cardiff in the Summer?

Both Cardiff and Stratford-upon-Avon during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Cardiff in the summer. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in July than Cardiff. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Cardiff. The autumn months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Cardiff. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Cardiff averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during autumn. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Cardiff. The museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. It's quite cold in Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter. In January, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 3°C (38°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than Cardiff. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Cardiff and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Cardiff in the spring. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during spring. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cardiff. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Stratford-upon-Avon