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

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Lillehammer?

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

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming, historic, and quaint town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's also known for food and theater.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a natural, adventure-filled, and sporty city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lillehammer. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Lillehammer are popular destinations, Lillehammer has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lillehammer is very popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Stratford-upon-Avon attracts visitors for its theatre productions, historical sights, and small town charm. Lillehammer is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. It is also well known for Lillehammer Olympic Park. Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lillehammer and Stratford-upon-Avon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Lillehammer. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lillehammer?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lillehammer

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

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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 Lillehammer Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lillehammer

Stratford-upon-Avon is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is not a theatre destination.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lillehammer

Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

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 Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lillehammer

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

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

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

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lillehammer

Stratford-upon-Avon is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

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

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lillehammer. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a hiking destination.


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

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lillehammer

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

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

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

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lillehammer

Lillehammer 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, Lillehammer is very family-friendly. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lillehammer

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

Lillehammer makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

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 Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lillehammer

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

Lillehammer is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

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 Lillehammer Better for Students?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lillehammer

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

Plenty of students visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lillehammer

Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer has some public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

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 Lillehammer a more walkable city?

Stratford-upon-Avon
Lillehammer

Stratford-upon-Avon and Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable town. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

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

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Lillehammer. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lillehammer due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Stratford-upon-Avon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lillehammer.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lillehammer? Ideal Length of Stay
    Stratford-upon-Avon 1-2 
    Lillehammer 2-4

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lillehammer?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town with plenty to do. Most people visit for the theater. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Lillehammer, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this destination offers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Lillehammer?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many people visit Lillehammer for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lillehammer, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lillehammer?

Because Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The destination of Lillehammer offers food and shopping. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lillehammer?

Since Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the theater. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Lillehammer. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Lillehammer or Stratford-upon-Avon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Stratford-upon-Avon is £144, while the average daily cost in Lillehammer is £82. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Stratford-upon-Avon and Lillehammer in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stratford-upon-Avon £87
    Lillehammer £49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stratford-upon-Avon £174
    Lillehammer £98
Compare Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon and Lillehammer

Looking for a hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon or Lillehammer? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon


Hotels in Lillehammer


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Stratford-upon-Avon Hotel Prices and Lillehammer Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stratford-upon-Avon £13
    Lillehammer £3.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stratford-upon-Avon

Also for Stratford-upon-Avon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Stratford-upon-Avon To London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $272

Is it cheaper to fly into Stratford-upon-Avon or Lillehammer?

Prices for flights to both Lillehammer and Stratford-upon-Avon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Stratford-upon-Avon £39
    Lillehammer £28
Typical Food Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Cheese & Crackers
    £7.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Shakespearean Cooking Experience in Stratford-upon-Avon: $163
  • Pasta Making Experience - Cooking Class: $176

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stratford-upon-Avon £21
    Lillehammer £13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Stratford-upon-Avon's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Warwick Castle (2)
    £59
  • Lunch
    £12
  • Lunch for 2
    £17

Tours and Activities in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Coventry’s Cathedral Quarter: $6.99
  • Warwick Self-Guided Immersive Audio Walking Tour: $8.88
  • Stratford-Upon-Avon Audio Walking Tour: Shakespeare's Life: $8.89
  • Shakespeare’s A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • City Exploration Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Tudor World Museum Entrance Ticket: $9.99
  • Shakespeare & Hathaway TV Sites Tour: $11
  • Shakespeare and Hathaway 2-Hour Self Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Historical Walking Tour: $12
  • The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour: $12
  • The WalkTalkShow.co.uk - Guided Tour of Stratford upon Avon: $13
  • The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Lillehammer

Here are a few actual costs in Lillehammer for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Maihaugen Open-Air Museum, Lillehammer. Entry Ticket: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stratford-upon-Avon £13
    Lillehammer £9.96
Typical Alcohol Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Stratford-upon-Avon from other travelers:


  • Beers
    £8.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Stratford-upon-Avon

Also in Stratford-upon-Avon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Shakespeare Gin Distillery Tour & Taste: $24
  • Shakespeare Distillery Tour - 11am Ticket: $25
  • Shakespeare Distillery Tour - 1pm Ticket: $25


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

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 Lillehammer Expensive?.


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

Stratford-upon-Avon has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Lillehammer, 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.