Yorkshire’s newest city, Doncaster, is a thriving place, with much to see and discover. Stay a while and base a visit to beautiful South Yorkshire.
On 1 November 2022, King Charles III officially signed a decree making Doncaster one of England’s newest cities. Until then, the large South Yorkshire population had been one of Yorkshire’s best large towns.
Discover Doncaster
Welcome to the vibrant town of Doncaster, nestled in the heart of South Yorkshire. A place where history and modernity intertwine, Doncaster is a destination that offers a unique blend of rich heritage, lively culture, and stunning natural beauty. Known for its impressive Georgian and Regency architecture, the town is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, while its thriving arts scene and bustling markets appeal to those seeking a more contemporary experience.
Doncaster is a town that has something for everyone. From the world-renowned Doncaster Racecourse, home to the prestigious St Leger Festival, to the award-winning Yorkshire Wildlife Park, there’s no shortage of attractions to explore. The town is also a gateway to the wider Yorkshire region, with its dramatic landscapes, charming villages, and iconic cities all within easy reach.
Whether you’re a fan of outdoor adventures, a lover of arts and culture, or a history buff, Doncaster is a destination that promises a memorable visit. So come and discover the charm of this South Yorkshire town for yourself. We guarantee you’ll be captivated by all that Doncaster has to offer.
Check out our complete page of things to do in Doncaster and pubs in Doncaster.
Accommodation
Also see our Doncaster hotels page, Doncaster B&B options, or hotels close to Doncaster Sheffield airport.
Events in Doncaster
There’s always plenty of interesting events happening in and around Doncaster. A short selection of recently updated events are below:
Ross Noble: Cranium Of Curiosities at Cast Doncaster, Doncaster
Waterdale, Doncaster, DN1 3BU
Date & Time:
February 24th, 2026 7:30pm
One Night in Dublin at Doncaster Dome, Doncaster
Doncaster Lakeside, Doncaster, DN4 7PD
Date & Time:
March 14th, 2025 7:30pm
Katherine Ryan – Battleaxe at Doncaster Dome, Doncaster
Doncaster Lakeside, Doncaster, DN4 7PD
Date & Time:
February 20th, 2025 8:00pm
The Greatest Star – Kearra Bethany as Streisand at Doncaster Dome, Doncaster
Doncaster Lakeside, Doncaster, DN4 7PD
Date & Time:
March 7th, 2025 7:30pm
Queen Tribute – Now I’m Here at Doncaster Dome, Doncaster
Doncaster Lakeside, Doncaster, DN4 7PD
Date & Time:
April 19th, 2025 6:45pm
Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit at Doncaster Dome, Doncaster
Doncaster Lakeside, Doncaster, DN4 7PD
Date & Time:
April 10th, 2025 8:00pm
You can view the full range of events in Doncaster at our dedicated page here.
Pictures from Doncaster
Attractions in Doncaster
Visit Boston Park Farm, Doncaster – Family Friendly Adventures
Boston Park Farm, Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN7 6DS
Doncaster Racecourse
Doncaster Racecourse, Leger Way, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN2 6BB, United Kingdom
Doncaster Sheffield Airport – Traveller Information, About, History
Doncaster Sheffield Airport Ltd, Heyford House, First Avenue, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN9 3RH
Frenchgate Shopping Centre
Frenchgate Shopping Centre, St Sepulchre Gate, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN1 1SW
Doncaster on the Map
Doncaster is between Sheffield and Hull, closer to the former than the latter, and both Sheffield and Doncaster are the biggest settlements in South Yorkshire.
10 Facts about Doncaster
- Doncaster is a large market town in South Yorkshire, England.
- It is known for its rich history dating back to the Roman times, with the original Roman wall still visible in certain parts of the town.
- Situated near the River Don, Doncaster Minster has a tall tower, stained-glass windows and a Schulze organ, plus a Roman wall on its grounds.
- Doncaster Market has been operating since the 13th Century and hosts hundreds of indoor and outdoor stands and stalls, including the Corn Exchange, a grand Victorian shopping center.
- Exhibits at the Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery include a 1914 Cheswold car.
- It is the main settlement of the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster and the second largest in South Yorkshire after Sheffield.
- The town has a population of just short of 110,000 and the metropolitan borough has over 311,000 residents.
- Doncaster is famous for its horse racing, hosting one of the oldest and largest racecourses in the UK, the Doncaster Racecourse.
- The town is the birthplace of the world-famous Mallard steam locomotive, which still holds the world speed record for a steam locomotive.
- Doncaster has a rich musical heritage, with artists such as Louis Tomlinson of One Direction hailing from the town.
Notable People from Doncaster
Notable people from Doncaster include the following list:
- Louis Tomlinson – former member of the band One Direction, currently a solo artist.
- Jeremy Clarkson – famous for being the former presenter of Top Gear and face of the show The Grand Tour.
- Yungblud – singer, songwriter and musician.
- Kevin Keegan – football manager and former player.
- Diana Rigg – actress
- Emma Chambers – actress, famous for her role of Alice Horton in The Vicar of Dibley and Honey Thacker in Notting Hill.
- Sarah Stevenson – 2011 world champion of Taekwondo.
- James Toseland – a former motocyclist, currently vocalist in a band with his own name.
- Thomas Howes – famous for playing the role of William Mason in the British TV series Downton Abbey.
- Roy Clarke – a writer, famous for his Last of the Summer Wine and Keeping Up Appearances.
- John McLaughlin – guitarist and frontman of Mahavishnu Orchestra
- Tan France – one of the hosts of Queer Eye.
- Andrew White – presenter and producer of Walks Around Britain and writer of The Walker Mysteries novels.
- Danny Schofield – a professional football coach and a former player.
Doncaster FAQ’s
What is Doncaster famous for?
Doncaster is famous for horse racing. Doncaster is one of the oldest racecourses in the world. It hosts two famous horse races: The Doncaster Cup, which is the oldest horse race in the world, and the St Leger Stakes, which is the oldest classic horse race in the world.
Is Doncaster the largest town in England?
Doncaster used to be a large town, but now has city status.
Is Doncaster owned by Scotland?
Doncaster was given to Scotland during the 12th century (The Treaty of Durham). It was never officially reclaimed by England, making the area legally still part of Scotland.
Where next?
Visit more South Yorkshire locations here. After exploring the vibrant town of Doncaster, a visitor might like to venture to the historic city of York, or smaller villages such as Frickley, located in North Yorkshire. York is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and charming cobbled streets. Visitors can explore the iconic York Minster, one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe, walk along the ancient city walls, or delve into Viking history at the Jorvik Viking Centre. For those interested in trains, the National Railway Museum is a must-visit, housing a vast collection of locomotives and carriages. York also offers a variety of shopping experiences, from high street brands to unique independent shops, and a wide range of eateries to suit all tastes.
