Living in Doncaster

One of the area’s most important transport links is its train station - a major interchange for the east coast mainline. Road links in and around Doncaster are among the best in the country, with the A1(M) and M18 running past the town. The nearest city, Sheffield, is around a 40-minute drive, while you can reach Leeds via the M62 in about 45 minutes. The town has its own international airport; Doncaster Sheffield Airport, as well as close to many others across the country like Leeds Bradford, Manchester, East Midlands and Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport.

Doncaster hosts a full market on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, where you’ll find more than 400 stalls throughout the square and inside the 19th century Corn Exchange. Lakeside Village is where you’ll find more than 45 outlet stores including Next, GAP and M&S. For some of the best local produce, head 8.4 miles out of town to McCallums Farm Shop in Finningley. Their products showcase the best that South Yorkshire has to offer, using 75 suppliers within a 20-mile radius of the farm.  

Doncaster has a selection of great cafés, pubs and restaurants, both in and out of the town centre. Doncaster Brewery and Tap should be top of your list if you’re a lover of real ales. For a dining experience with a difference, there’s no substitute for The Gourmet Dining Room’s supper club. Top chef Michael Price serves the finest local produce in his home across a multi-course tasting menu. You’ll need to be patient (and lucky) to get a table – they’re typically booked up at least six months in advance.

The annual St Leger Festival is held every September at Doncaster Racecourse. Doncaster is also where you’ll find the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum. Hidden behind Doncaster Leisure Park and accessed via Dakota Way, it’s on the site of the town’s former RAF base and open to the public seven days a week. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is one of Doncaster’s star attractions, with more than 300 animals and 60 different species.