Out & About in Doncaster

Doncaster is a true mix of old and new, rural and urban, trendy and antiquated. With a population of around 70,000, this quaint yet large town in South Yorkshire has a rich Roman and Medieval history. The town was also a major industrial force in the 18th to 20th century, with railway, water and coal significant to its economy. Indeed, the Flying Scotsman display is a key attraction in the town. Nevertheless, Doncaster's industrial heritage is perhaps best known for its confectionary, being home to Parkinson's Butterscoth, Murray Mints and Nuttalls.

Shopping

Frenchgate is a large shopping centre in Doncaster that comprises approximately 880,000 square feet of retail space. After significant redevelopment, Frenchgate Shopping Centre became the first of its kind in the UK to have an integrated transport facility - the Transport Interchange. Situated adjacent to the railway, the Interchange is located underground and operates regular train and bus services out of Doncaster town centre. Frenchgate houses more than 90 stores, many of which are top brand names.

Doncaster Market provides more shopping for the locals, as it has done since it was chartered in 1248. The market is open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday each week and comprises more than 600 stalls. As with market shopping generally, shoppers can find exceptional value for money when it comes to buying textiles, cosmetics and craft items. Furthermore, the fish, fruit and vegetable stalls offer a fantastic range of fresh produce that usually cannot be found in the supermarkets.

Doncaster's town centre is also awash with department stores, designer boutiques and all kinds of other shops. There are plenty of bargains to be had with a little effort and prices in Doncaster generally are low relative to more expensive corners of the UK. Furthermore, Doncaster has recently received the Safer Shopping Award, which is an accolade granted to shopping areas that demonstrate a commitment in practical terms to maintaining a safe and secure environment in the town centre!

Food and Drink

Doncaster has a rich food industry, as may be expected of the town that gave the world Murray Mints! Priory Walk is littered with pavement cafés, bars and superb restaurants, making Doncaster one of the more trendy dining regions in the North of England.

The Nordest Restaurant Tickhill is a fabulous Anglo-Italian restaurant in Tickhill, Doncaster. Bruschetta for starters, fresh sea bass fillets for the main course and a sumptuous profiterole dessert would constitute a typical meal at the Nordest. If Indian food is more your cup of tea, so to speak, then the Aagrah Restaurant on Great North Road is the place to be with its enjoyable Kashmiri cuisine and relatively inexpensive menu.

For more alcohol-oriented meals, the Woodfield Farm pub serves a fine range of drinks in warm, cosy surroundings. Combined with its daily roasted joints, vegetable dishes, and its Sunday carvery specials, the Woodfield is a splendid place to relax and unwind. There are a number of more youthful, trendy bars in Doncaster, although the presiding theme is clearly traditional.

Arts and Entertainment

Perhaps surprisingly, Doncaster has a relatively rich cultural scene. For instance, Doncaster Museum and Arts Gallery, according to the Doncaster Council website, exhibits various collections that 'depict various aspects of natural history, archaeology, local history and decorative art'. The museum very much caters to the local history and visitors will be able to enjoy a unique interpretation of Doncaster through the "By River and Road" exhibition. The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Museum is in the same building as the Doncaster Museum and Arts Gallery and has a wonderful collection of historic military equipment alongside various other pieces, such as the Waterloo Medal.

Other mediums of art in the area include the Doncaster Little Theatre, whose fully air-conditioned auditorium can accommodate 104 people and includes disabled access and a theatre bar! Vue and Odeon cinemas are also located in Doncaster and there are numerous other activities to enjoy in the area, such as bowling at the Doncaster Superbowl.

Hotel and Travel

Doncaster caters to all requirements and budgets when it comes to accommodation. One of the highest rated hotels in the area is the Beverley Inn and Hotel, which is located in Edenthorpe. The rooms are described as spacious and modern, whilst there is also an availability of home cooked meals, free parking, a bar, restaurant, central heating, air conditioning and wi-fi internet services.

The charmingly named Robin Hood Doncaster Airport operates various flights to and from places such as Barcelona, Dublin, Mallorca and Malaga, catering to some 1 million passengers each year. There are also 90 bus and 6 coach services in Doncaster, in addition to 23 local train services operating through Doncaster Railway Station, which services 3 million passengers each year. Doncaster is accessed easily by car via the M18 motorway.