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

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Chartres?

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

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a historic, quaint, and idyllic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food and theater.

Chartres

Chartres is a grand, spectacular, and historic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Chartres: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Stratford-upon-Avon is better known for its theatre productions, historical sights, and small town charm, while Chartres is more popular for its museums. Chartres is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history. Stratford-upon-Avon is well known for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for Shakespeare's Birthplace.

Shakespeare's Birthplace

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chartres offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

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 Chartres Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres is not a theatre destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Chartres 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 Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

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

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Stratford-upon-Avon. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers lots of family activities. 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.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

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

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Chartres are notable 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.

Chartres is a good town for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

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

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

Chartres is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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 Chartres Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chartres 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 Chartres can get you around easily. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

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 Chartres a more walkable city?

Chartres 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.

Chartres is a very walkable town. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

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 Chartres Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Chartres to fill your time. In our opinion, Chartres has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Chartres than Stratford-upon-Avon. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Chartres?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town where visitors enjoy the theater and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Chartres, many people enjoy the food and museums 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 Chartres?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Stratford-upon-Avon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Chartres?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that theater is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The destination of Chartres 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 Chartres?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that theater is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Chartres. This town 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stratford-upon-Avon and Chartres, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon is more expensive. And not only is Chartres much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chartres would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chartres 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 Chartres.

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 Chartres Expensive?.

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

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Chartres, 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 Chartres?

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 Chartres in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Chartres. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chartres this time of the year. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Chartres. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Chartres. The autumn months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town atmosphere. Also, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Chartres and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chartres. It's quite cold in Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter. In January, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 3°C (38°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chartres. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Chartres and Stratford-upon-Avon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chartres in the spring for the small town charm.

Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Chartres. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Stratford-upon-Avon