A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Windsor vs. Birmingham for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Windsor or Birmingham?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Windsor or Birmingham? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Windsor

Windsor is a touristy, beautiful, and royal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant, fun-filled, and bustling city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Windsor and Birmingham: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Windsor or Birmingham?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Birmingham. Although Windsor and Birmingham are popular destinations, Birmingham has more sights and attractions for tourists. Birmingham is very popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Windsor attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Birmingham is famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also well known for Victoria Square.

How is Windsor different from Birmingham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Birmingham and Windsor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Windsor or Birmingham?

Windsor
Birmingham

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Windsor and Birmingham.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Many visitors head to Birmingham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.


Is Windsor or Birmingham Better for Theater?

Windsor
Birmingham

Birmingham is well known for its theatre productions. However, Windsor is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Windsor is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Windsor or Birmingham? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Windsor
Birmingham

Foodies will find both Windsor and Birmingham both to be nice destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Windsor. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Birmingham is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

Is Windsor or Birmingham Better for Nightlife?

Windsor
Birmingham

Birmingham is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Birmingham is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.


Is Windsor or Birmingham Better for Music?

Windsor
Birmingham

Birmingham is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Windsor is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Birmingham The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Windsor is not a live music destination.

Is Windsor or Birmingham Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
Birmingham

Windsor is very good for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Windsor is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Birmingham?

Windsor
Birmingham

Birmingham is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Birmingham is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Windsor or Birmingham Better for Families?

Windsor
Birmingham

Birmingham is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Birmingham is a very kid-friendly city. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Birmingham Better for Couples?

Windsor
Birmingham

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Birmingham make for a great place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Birmingham is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

Is Windsor or Birmingham Better for Students?

Windsor
Birmingham

Birmingham is a world-class destination for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Birmingham. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

Windsor is not popular with students.


Is Windsor or Birmingham Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Windsor
Birmingham

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Birmingham.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

While Birmingham offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

Is Windsor or Birmingham a more walkable city?

Windsor
Birmingham

Windsor and Birmingham both are great when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

Birmingham is a very walkable destination. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Birmingham Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Birmingham or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Birmingham?

In either Windsor or Birmingham, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Birmingham than Windsor because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Windsor, and 1-5 days is enough time in Birmingham.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Birmingham than Windsor 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 Birmingham.


  • How many days in Windsor or Birmingham? Ideal Length of Stay
    Windsor 1-2 
    Birmingham 1-5

One day in Windsor or Birmingham?

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Windsor, one day is sufficent for most.

In Birmingham, you'll find food and shopping. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Windsor or Birmingham?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Birmingham, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Birmingham has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Birmingham?

Windsor, 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.

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Birmingham has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Birmingham?

Windsor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Birmingham. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Birmingham or Windsor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in Birmingham is £133. 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 Windsor and Birmingham in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Birmingham £66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Birmingham £132
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Birmingham

Looking for a hotel in Windsor or Birmingham? 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 Windsor


Hotels in Birmingham


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: Windsor Hotel Prices and Birmingham Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    Birmingham £25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562
  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

Also for Birmingham, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport BHX to Birmingham in Luxury Van: $76
  • Birmingham Airport (BHX): Private Transfer to Birmingham: $111
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Airport BHX to Birmingham City in Luxury Car: $101
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Birmingham City to Airport BHX in Business Car: $64
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to City centre: $114
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport: $114
  • Birmingham to Heathrow Airport private taxi transfers: $280
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.12
  • Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $57
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham City: $36
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $199

Is it cheaper to fly into Windsor or Birmingham?

Prices for flights to both Birmingham and Windsor 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
    Windsor £39
    Birmingham £38
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

Typical Food Prices in Birmingham

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Birmingham:


  • Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station
    £5.58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Birmingham

For Birmingham, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Windsor £26
    Birmingham £48

Tours and Activities in Windsor

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

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • 3 Hour Private Tour in Windsor Old Town and Castle: $191
  • From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets: $111
  • From Southampton: Bath and Windsor Tour with London Drop-Off: $230
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • Private Tour Windsor, Eton & Hampton Court: $650
  • Private Windsor Town & Guided Castle Walking Tour: $350
  • Private Windsor Walking Tour: $146
  • Royal Windsor & Stonehenge Private Tour: $1,998
  • Royal Windsor Castle Tour Private including tickets: $362
  • Stonehenge and Windsor Castle Tour from London With Entry Tickets: $126

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Birmingham.

  • On the Origins of Charles Darwin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Shrewsbury: $6.99
  • Winterbourne House and Garden Admission Ticket: $9.99
  • Skip the Line: House and Garden Admission Ticket : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • City Center Walking Tour (10:30am & 5:00pm): $15
  • Birmingham Walking Tour: Migration Stories from the Stratford Road : $15
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Discovering Birmingham Walking Tour: $17
  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Victorian Canals to Today's City Walking Tour: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    Birmingham £11

Sample the Local Flavors in Birmingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Birmingham:

  • Birmingham Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When comparing the travel costs between Windsor and Birmingham, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Birmingham Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Windsor or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor and Birmingham, 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 Windsor or Birmingham?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Windsor or Birmingham in the Summer?

Both Birmingham and Windsor during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 18°C (64°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the summer, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Birmingham. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 196 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Birmingham. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Windsor 18°C (64°F) 
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Birmingham in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Birmingham. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Birmingham in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene.

Windsor is around the same temperature as Birmingham in the autumn. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Birmingham fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Birmingham during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives more rain than Birmingham. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Windsor 12°C (53°F) 
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Birmingham in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Birmingham. Many visitors come to Windsor in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Birmingham can be very cold during winter. Windsor can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Windsor is a little warmer than Birmingham. Typically, the winter temperatures in Windsor in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Birmingham averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Birmingham. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Birmingham receives 58 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Birmingham. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Windsor 4°C (40°F) 
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Birmingham in the Spring?

Both Birmingham and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Birmingham. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 9°C (48°F), and Birmingham fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Windsor usually receives more sunshine than Birmingham during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Birmingham receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Birmingham. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Birmingham receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Windsor 9°C (48°F) 
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Birmingham and Windsor

Windsor Birmingham
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)