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

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Oxford?

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

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a idyllic, peaceful, and park-filled town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food and theater.

Oxford

Oxford is a collegiate, beautiful, and historic college town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oxford. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford are popular destinations, Oxford has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oxford is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon attracts visitors for its theatre productions and historical sights. Oxford is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. It is also well known for Radcliffe Square. Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Radcliffe Square

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Oxford?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oxford 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 Oxford specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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 Oxford Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is very popular for theatre. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford is not a theatre destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford 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 Oxford area. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

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

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

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

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

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

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

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

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Oxford.

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 Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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

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

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford Better for Students?

Oxford is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

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

Oxford 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.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

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 Oxford a more walkable city?

Oxford 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.

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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 Oxford Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Oxford?

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

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

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

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

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Oxford?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Oxford, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this small town 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 Oxford?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the theater, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Oxford?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Don't miss the theater, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful small town of Oxford 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 Oxford?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Oxford. This college 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 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 Oxford, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Oxford Expensive?.

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

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford, 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 Oxford?

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 Oxford in the Summer?

Both Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Oxford during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Oxford receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Oxford. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Oxford in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Oxford. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oxford receives 107 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Oxford. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Oxford receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oxford can be very cold during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Oxford. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Oxford averages at about 3°C (38°F).

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

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

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

The spring brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Oxford. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon