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

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Manchester?

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

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a idyllic, peaceful, and park-filled town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food and theater.

Manchester

Manchester is a diverse, cultural, and vibrant city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Manchester: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Manchester are popular destinations, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Stratford-upon-Avon attracts visitors for its theatre productions, historical sights, and small town charm. Manchester is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum. Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Manchester?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Manchester 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 Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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 Manchester Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is very popular for theatre. However, Manchester is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Stratford-upon-Avon is world-class. 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.

Manchester is not a theatre destination.

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

Manchester 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.

Manchester has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester Better for Nightlife?

Manchester is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Manchester has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

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

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

Manchester is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Manchester while you're in town. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

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

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is very good for its historic old town. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

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

Manchester is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Manchester is well-known for its shopping. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

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

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

Manchester 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, Manchester is very family-friendly. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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 Manchester Better for Couples?

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

Manchester makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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 Manchester Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

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 Manchester Better for Students?

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

Manchester is very popular with students. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

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

Manchester 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 Manchester can get you around easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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 Manchester a more walkable city?

Stratford-upon-Avon and Manchester 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.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable town. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

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

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Manchester?

It's fun to spend time in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Manchester. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Manchester 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 Manchester.

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

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

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

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Manchester?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the theater. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Stratford-upon-Avon, one day is sufficent for most.

Each neighborhood in Manchester has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Manchester?

Even though Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the theater. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Manchester?

Stratford-upon-Avon, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The big city destination of Manchester 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 Manchester?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the theater. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Manchester. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stratford-upon-Avon and Manchester, we can see that Manchester is more expensive. And not only is Stratford-upon-Avon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Stratford-upon-Avon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester than you might in Stratford-upon-Avon.

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 Manchester Expensive?.

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

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Manchester, 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 Manchester?

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 Manchester in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Manchester. The summer months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Manchester this time of year.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Manchester. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 17°C (63°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Manchester. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Manchester. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Manchester in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Manchester fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 97 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in October than Manchester. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Manchester and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Manchester in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Manchester can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Stratford-upon-Avon. In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Manchester. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Manchester averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Manchester during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Manchester. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Manchester and Stratford-upon-Avon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the spring for the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Manchester for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Manchester. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 9°C (48°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Manchester. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 144 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in April than Manchester. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Manchester and Stratford-upon-Avon