We have more than the river Don to offer in beautiful Doncaster. From sprawling leafy green parks to quaint villages there is so much to see, you could easily fill a holiday with a huge range of activities to keep you busy. You’ll love exploring all this cosmopolitan city has to offer, so here is a list of our favourite 7 things that you can do on your visit to Doncaster.
Firstly, take a stroll around the beautiful Cusworth Hall and Park, a stunning country house set in acres of gardens and parkland. The house itself is a museum, showcasing the area’s history and heritage, and is definitely worth a visit. For art lovers, the Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery is a must-see, with a range of exhibitions and displays that will captivate and inspire.
If you’re looking for something a little more active, why not try your hand at horse racing at the famous Doncaster Racecourse? Or, if you’re feeling brave, take a leap of faith at the Skydiving Centre, where you can experience the thrill of freefalling from 15,000 feet.
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, the picturesque village of Tickhill is a must-visit. With its charming streets and quaint shops, it’s the perfect place to while away an afternoon. Alternatively, head to the beautiful Sandall Park, where you can enjoy a picnic, a game of football or a peaceful stroll through the woods.
Lastly, no trip to Doncaster would be complete without a visit to the famous Yorkshire Wildlife Park, home to over 400 animals from all corners of the globe. From majestic lions to playful lemurs, it’s a truly unforgettable experience. So, there you have it – 7 fantastic things to do on your visit to Doncaster. Whether you’re looking for history, culture, adventure or relaxation, this vibrant city has something for everyone.
Where To Stay in Doncaster
To make the most of all there is to see we recommend that you hire a motorhome in Yorkshire to pack in all of the sights. We’ve added nearby stopovers to this guide that are perfect for motorhomes, to make your visit even easier.
But if a motorhome isn’t your cup of tea there are plenty of other options in Doncaster to explore this part of Yorkshire. A quick search of ‘hotels in Doncaster’ reveals there are lots of options. However, we recommend the gorgeously independent art-deco-themed The Earl of Doncaster, located right in the heart of the city. Or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous you could try glamping with alpacas at Tickhill Alpacas – where you can stay in a beautifully decked out bell tent and wake up to feed the alpacas.
Without further ado, let’s dive straight in.
1. Sandall Park – Wheatley
Doncaster has plenty of green spaces for you to explore. But we’re kicking our list off with Sandall Park, known as the green lung of the community. It’s one of the largest parks in the city and has so much to offer locals and visitors alike. Escape the noise of daily life in the Quiet Garden, take part in the many Mindfulness In The Park activities which run regularly, explore one of the three fitness trails within the park, or tire the kids out at the play area which includes a zip-wire and climbing frame – plus much, much more.
Sandall Park
No parking close to the park, but there is a stopover just a 10-minute drive away at a small car park just next to the river Dun. 53.56666, -1.081712 (lat, long). It’s free to park here but can get busy in the morning.
2. Hooton Pagnell
The pretty village of Hooton Pagnell is steeped in history and well worth a visit. It is famous for it’s annual village fete, which can attract up to 2,000 people to this small village. Stroll around the village and take in the stunning buildings that line the streets, enjoy a drink and some lunch at the 1903 Hooton Pagnell pub, you could even treat yourself to an overnight stay at Hooton Pagnell Hall in one of nine unique bedrooms.
Hooton Pagnell
There are no campsites or park-ups close to the village, however, we can recommend the lovely Hooton Lodge Farm – a friendly campsite welcoming caravans and motorhomes. It’s also a stone’s throw from our next stop…
3. Conisbrough Castle
If medieval castles are your thing, then you need to add Conisbrough Castle to your list of things to do in Doncaster. This 12th-century castle offers stunning views across Conisbrough. The circular keep, which stands at a lofty 97 feet high, has recently had its floors and roof restored to give a real feel of what castle
life may have offered.
Coinsbrough Castle
4. Sprotbrough Falls
We said there’s more to Doncaster than the river Don, however, we couldn’t create a list of our favourite places in Doncaster without a mention of the breathtaking Sprotbrough Flash. The Flash itself is a large nature reserve offering a huge array of wildlife to see. A footpath follows the river and, for keen birdwatchers, there are two bird hides. Cross the river over the
Sprotbrough Bridge, where you’ll spot plenty of narrowboats, and head towards the Boat Inn for a drink and bite to eat.
Sprotbrough Falls
There’s a small car park here, which is free for overnight parking, however, motorhomes or campervans over 7m would be wise to avoid this car park. 53.507626, -1.191209 (lat, long). This is also a good spot to stop over if you are planning on visiting this next location…
5. Cusworth Hall
For stunning views across Doncaster, you need to make time for a trip to Cusworth Hall. This Grade I listed hall sits within acres of grounds, which are free to explore. The Hall itself is a museum displaying elements of daily life dating back to the 18th century. Once you’ve explored the Hall and the park get yourself to the cafe and brewery for some refreshments. You really could spend the whole day here. There is a car park on-site, there is a charge for using this but money made from the car park goes directly into the upkeep of Cusworth Hall.
Cusworth Hall
6. Potteric Carr Nature Reserve
Explore the wild oasis that is the Potteric Carr nature reserve. The entire reserve is completely accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs, so a great one for a day out with the kids. The pathways take you around the stunning wetland, which includes some woodland and wildflower meadows throughout. There are opportunities all around to spot an array of wildlife. Free parking, free entry, and a cafe offering delicious warm drinks and food make the Potteric Carr Nature Reserve a must-see during your stay in Doncaster.
Potteric Carr Nature Reserve
If you’re happy to park overnight in a hotel car park then you can find free parking at the rear of a hotel a short drive from the nature reserve. For a bonus, you can even book breakfast at the hotel. Alternatively, Sunnyview Touring Park is not far from the Potteric Carr Nature Reserve.
7. Bawtry Forest
If you’re a fan of exploring your surroundings on your feet, then we highly recommend Bawtry Forest. There are plenty of walking routes around this gorgeous woodland, open all year around. At Christmas, you can even pop to Bawtry Christmas Trees for a full Christmas experience whilst you find the perfect Christmas tree.
Bawtry Forest
The nearby Ship Inn offers motorhome and caravan overnight parking – if you eat at the pub you don’t need to pay for your stopover, although the fee is only £5 without hookup.
Let us know if you plan on visiting any of these places this summer, or is there anywhere you think we should check out?
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