Home of the Mayflower Pilgrims, Doncaster is a characterful town with a history dating back over 2,000 years. The lively market town sits in South Yorkshire and is known for its grand Georgian and Regency architecture, where you can discover world-class horse racing, visit crumbling castles and tour elegant manor houses.
Things to do in Doncaster
One of the busiest tracks in the United Kingdom, Doncaster Racecourse hosts over 35 National Hunt and Flat race meetings a year, including the iconic William Hill St Leger stakes. Dress up to the nines with friends or bring the whole family along to an exciting event at Doncaster Racecourse.
Kids will love the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, where you can get up close with a host of animals. Don't miss Hodari and Dayo, a pair of critically-endangered black rhinos born at Berlin Zoo. You can also spot polar bears, wallabies and meerkats.
Set in rolling green fields, Conisbrough Castle offers a glimpse at Doncaster's colourful history. The partially-restored 12th-century castle was made famous by Ivanhoe, a medieval romance novel penned by the legendary Sir Walter Scott.
Just a few kilometres from Doncaster, Brodsworth Hall is one of England's most beautiful Victorian estates. It's anchored by a handsome manor and surrounded by pleasure gardens maintained by English Heritage. After a tour of the grounds, you can enjoy scones, jam and cream in the tearoom.
Getting around Doncaster
Doncaster’s town centre is easy to explore on foot, though you'll need a car to get around South Yorkshire. Sheffield is the closest major city, with the drive to Doncaster taking around 30 minutes. You can also use the city’s well-connected train and bus system.