A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Glasgow for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Glasgow?

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

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a park-filled, charming, and historic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food and theater.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a cultural, historic, and high energy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Glasgow: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Glasgow. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Glasgow are both popular with visitors, Glasgow has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Glasgow is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Stratford-upon-Avon is known for its theatre productions and small town charm. Glasgow is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also home to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Stratford-upon-Avon is popular for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Glasgow?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Glasgow 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 Glasgow specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

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 Glasgow Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a must-visit destination for its shows and theatre. However, Glasgow 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.

Glasgow is not a theatre destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Glasgow 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 Glasgow area. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

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

Glasgow is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Glasgow is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

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

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

Glasgow 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 Glasgow. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

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

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

Stratford-upon-Avon and Glasgow are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

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.

Glasgow offers a nice historic old town area. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

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

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Glasgow. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

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

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

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Glasgow.

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 Glasgow. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

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

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Glasgow are good 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.

Glasgow is a good town for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

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

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

Glasgow is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

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 Glasgow Better for Students?

Glasgow is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Glasgow is very popular with students. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

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

Glasgow 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 Glasgow can get you around easily. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses 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 Glasgow a more walkable city?

Glasgow 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.

Glasgow is a very walkable city. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored 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 Glasgow Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Glasgow?

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

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

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

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

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Glasgow?

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 Glasgow, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music 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 Glasgow?

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

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Glasgow?

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 Glasgow offers food 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 Glasgow?

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 museums when visiting Glasgow. 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 Glasgow, we can see that Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive?.

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

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Glasgow, 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 Glasgow?

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 Glasgow in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Glasgow. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon is a little warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Glasgow averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Glasgow. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Glasgow in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally a little warmer than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 11°C (52°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in October than Glasgow. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Glasgow and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Glasgow can be very cold during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon can get quite cold in the winter. Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Glasgow in the winter. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Glasgow fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives more sunshine than Glasgow during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. In January, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Glasgow and Stratford-upon-Avon during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon is a little warmer than Glasgow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Glasgow averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets more sunshine than Glasgow. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in April than Glasgow. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Stratford-upon-Avon