It might not be the biggest or busiest town in South Yorkshire, but it’s well worth a visit. The wealth that flooded into the area when the steel industry reigned is evident in the impressive Victorian buildings and fascinating museums. There’s plenty more to this bustling modern town than its past; hop on a train to Doncaster station and see for yourself! Shopaholics can browse the shopping centres, while culture vultures will love the theatre and art hubs that are in plentiful supply here.
FAQs
The main train station in the city is Doncaster station.
Doncaster Train Station is conveniently located in the heart of the city and is close to lots of the most popular attractions. This makes it the perfect place to start your adventure!
Doncaster Sheffield Airport is super close to the city – only 30 minutes away! Get there by hopping on the 57a bus from Doncaster Interchange, just a 5minute walk from the train station.
You can enjoy cheap trains to Doncaster if you know how! Being flexible helps, so, if you can, choose to travel outside peak times. It’s also worth comparing single tickets rather than booking a return straight away, sometimes this can work out cheaper. To save ⅓ on every journey, purchasing a railcard is a great investment. Visit our cheap tickets page for loads more tips on finding cheaper trains to Doncaster.
For further information about the station in Doncaster, check out our station guide.
Shopping in Doncaster
For a small city, Doncaster has plenty of shopping opportunities, making this the perfect destination for anyone looking to shop ‘til they drop. There are two excellent shopping centres within a stone’s throw of the station. Frenchgate Shopping Centre is the larger of the two and here you’ll find over a hundred stores selling all kinds of treasures. You’ll find many of your favourite stores, plus there are plenty of independents to peruse as well.
There are plenty of markets scattered around Doncaster, including some award-winning places with intriguing histories. Doncaster’s main market traces its roots back to Roman times. Although it’s partly housed within the historic Corn Exchange, it’s bursting at the seams with over four-hundred shops, stalls and stands selling everything from local produce, arts and crafts, antiques and homewares. You’ll literally find anything you might need here at an excellent price. The market takes up 25% of the pedestrianised city centre and is open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
If it’s a bargain you’re after, Lakeside Village has over forty-five famous-name stores just a short bus ride from the train station. You’ll find up to 60% off some of your favourite stores including M&S, Next, Clarks and more. There’s a couple of restaurants scattered around too, allowing you to rest weary feet.
Food & Drink in Doncaster
Doncaster has much to offer its visitors when it comes to eating, drinking and being merry. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake in sophisticated surroundings or you want to get the party started by sampling some tapas and cocktails, there’s something for everyone in Doncaster.
The café culture is alluring, so we highly recommend you build time into your itinerary to enjoy the atmosphere. There are plenty of independent coffee shops scattered across town, as well as the usual scattering of familiar chains. However, for an exclusive experience, why not enjoy afternoon tea in the Mansion House? Here you can enjoy the very best speciality tea and coffee, as well as along with gourmet sandwiches, freshly-baked scones, and mouth-sized cakes in sumptuous surroundings.
If you work up an appetite walking around the city, don’t worry as there are plenty of choices when it comes to food. Even the pickiest of eaters can find something to enjoy in the delightfully renovated pedestrianised centre. With everything from traditional pubs to Pan-Asian dining on offer, you’re truly spoiled for choice in Doncaster.
Culture in Doncaster
Doncaster has plenty to offer visiting culture lovers. With so much to see and do, the real difficulty is choosing what to fit into your trip! One of Doncaster’s central attractions is the Mansion House, where on open days you can explore the luxuriously opulent Georgian rooms. By contrast, Conisbrough Castle offers a glimpse into a more austere part of Doncaster’s history. The historical feel of the place is noticeable as you wander around the ruins of the old building.
Those looking for something a little more relaxing, Doncaster is home to a plentiful supply of spas and wellness centres, which are perfect for helping you settle into the relaxing holiday spirit. Alternatively, adrenaline junkies can try their hand at anything from paintballing to trampolining. The best-known sporting event in Doncaster is the races – the world’s oldest classic horse race is held at the Doncaster Racecourse, which is one of the busiest in the UK.
If you get a train to Doncaster, there’s no need to venture too far, as there’s plenty to do right on the doorstep. That said, if you are staying for a couple of days and want to go somewhere off the beaten path, a trip to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park might be in order. Here you can see everything from critically endangered leopards, to meerkats, camels and more.
Catching a train to Doncaster
Book in advance with CrossCountry and enjoy great prices on your train to Doncaster. You can find tickets on our website or CrossCountry trains App. To get the most out of your journey with us, have a look and see what special offers we have running.
If you want to explore Doncaster and all it has to offer, you’ll want to stay longer than a day! So, make sure you book a great value hotel in Doncaster before you arrive.
