Interested in the best & Fun things to do in Doncaster? Doncaster is a historic market town located in South Yorkshire, England. It has a rich heritage dating back to Roman times and offers a variety of attractions and activities for tourists.
Visitors to Doncaster can decide to visit the city museum which offers a fascinating look at Doncaster’s history, including its Roman and Viking heritage. It also features an art gallery with works by local and international artists.
Also, tourists who enjoy nightlife can visit the city as it has a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or a night of dancing, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or nightlife, you’re sure to find something that interests you in this charming town.
For a better travel experience for travelers, here is the list of 20 best & fun things to do in Doncaster.
Things to do in Doncaster
1 Visit Doncaster Racecourse
The racecourse is one of the most popular attractions in Doncaster South Yorkshire, England, and hosts numerous racing events throughout the year.
It is one of the oldest and most historic racecourses in the UK, dating back to the 16th century. The racecourse hosts both flat and National Hunt racing, with the highlight of its calendar being the St Leger Stakes, which is the final and oldest of the five British Classics and is run over a distance of one mile, six furlongs, and 132 yards (2,937 meters) in September each year.
Doncaster Racecourse also hosts a number of other high-profile races throughout the year, including the Lincoln Handicap and the November Handicap. The venue has a capacity of around 30,000 spectators and is also used for other events such as concerts and exhibitions.
2 Yorkshire Wildlife Park
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a popular wildlife park located in Doncaster. The park covers an area of 70 acres of land and is home to over 400 animals from over 80 different species, including lions, tigers, polar bears, and many others.
The park is divided into several different zones, each representing a different habitat. These include the African Plains, the South American Viva, the Leopard Heights, and the Land of the Tigers.
The African Plains is the largest zone and features animals such as zebras, giraffes, and ostriches. The South American Viva zone features animals such as capybaras, mara, and squirrel monkeys. The Leopard Heights zone is home to Amur leopards, and the Land of the Tigers zone features three different species of tigers.
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is also involved in conservation efforts and is part of several breeding programs. The park has a strong focus on education and offers a range of educational programs for children and adults.
In addition to the animal exhibits, the park also has several facilities for visitors, including cafes, picnic areas, and a gift shop. There are also various events and activities throughout the year, such as animal talks and feeding sessions.
3 Aircraft Museum in Doncaster
The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum is a place to go if you want to gather some artifacts about aircraft in Doncaster. The museum is dedicated to preserving the aviation heritage of South Yorkshire and the surrounding areas.
The museum has a large collection of aircraft on display, including both military and civilian planes. Some of the notable aircraft in the collection include a Handley Page Hastings transport plane, a Blackburn Buccaneer naval attack aircraft, and a Supermarine Spitfire fighter plane.
Visitors to the museum can also explore exhibits on the history of aviation, including displays on the development of aircraft engines, aviation technology, and the role of aircraft in military and civilian contexts.
The museum is open to visitors year-round, with admission fees varying depending on age and group size.
Overall, the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum is a fascinating destination for aviation enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of flight.
4 Doncaster Little Theatre
One of the top recommended things to do in Doncaster is to visit the Doncaster Little Theatre which is a community theatre located in the city.
The theatre has a seating capacity of around 100 and hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including plays, musicals, and other live events. The theatre also has a small bar area where patrons can enjoy refreshments before or after the show.
The theatre is committed to promoting the performing arts in the local community and providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in theatre production.
Overall, Doncaster Little Theatre is a charming and intimate venue that offers a unique and enjoyable theatrical experience for both performers and audience members alike.
5 Doncaster Leisure Centre The Dome
Are you looking for family entertainment when visiting Doncaster? The Dome is one of Doncaster’s leading sports, leisure & entertainment destinations, with over 50 activities taking place under one roof.
Make a splash in their multi-pool swimming area and break the ice at the only split-level ice rink in the UK.
Relax in the welcoming sports bar for a bite to eat after all that action, or check out the shows and special events taking place while you’re there. All through the year, they host performances by renowned comedians, musicians, and theatrical plays.
6 Doncaster Mystery Treasure Trail
The Doncaster Mystery Treasure Trail is a fun and exciting way to explore the town of Doncaster while solving a mystery. The trail takes you on a self-guided tour of the town, where you will follow clues and solve puzzles to uncover the location of a hidden treasure.
The trail is designed for families, friends, and small groups, and it typically takes around 2 hours to complete. You will need a smartphone or tablet with internet access to take part in the trial.
The pack will contain all the information you need to complete the trail, including a map, clues, and instructions. Once you have the pack, you can start the trail at any time that suits you.
As you follow the trail, you will solve clues and puzzles that will lead you to the location of the hidden treasure. Along the way, you will also learn more about the history and culture of Doncaster.
The Doncaster Mystery Treasure Trail is a great way to spend a few hours exploring the town and having fun with friends and family. It is suitable for all ages and is a fantastic way to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air and exercise.
7 Boston Park Farm, Doncaster
Boston Park Farm is a popular family-friendly farm park located in the city of Doncaster.
The park offers a range of activities and attractions, including animal encounters, outdoor play areas, and indoor play facilities.
Visitors can get up close and personal with a variety of farm animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens. They can also take part in feeding sessions and meet the friendly resident goats.
The park has a number of outdoor play areas, including a sandpit, swings, and slides. There is also a large indoor soft play area with slides, climbing frames, and ball pits, which is perfect for younger visitors.
Boston Park Farm also has a farm shop and cafe. The farm shop sells a range of locally sourced produce, including fresh vegetables, meat, and dairy products. The cafe serves homemade cakes, sandwiches, and hot drinks.
Throughout the year, the park also hosts a variety of special events, including seasonal activities such as pumpkin picking and Christmas festivities.
Boston Park Farm is a great day out for families with young children, and it offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
8 Visit Concrete Jungle Desserts
Some of the most popular items on the menu include the Oreo Madness waffle, the Kinder Bueno crepe, and the Ferrero Rocher milkshake. The shop also offers a range of vegan and gluten-free options.
The desserts are not only delicious but also visually stunning, with toppings such as fresh fruit, chocolate, and candy.
Concrete Jungle Desserts also provides a variety of hot and cold beverages, such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
Overall, Concrete Jungle Desserts is a fantastic addition to the Doncaster culinary scene and a must-stop for anyone with a sweet craving.
9 Bawtry Paintball Fields
The center offers a range of paintball games, including capturing the flag, team deathmatch, and last man standing. The games take place in a variety of different terrains, including wooded areas, open fields, and urban environments, which adds to the excitement and challenge of the games.
Bawtry Paintball Fields also provides other sports including laser tag and archery in addition to paintball. These activities are suitable for all ages and are a great way to enjoy some friendly competition and improve your aim and accuracy skills.
For a fun day out with friends or family, Bawtry Paintball Fields is a lovely place to go.
10 Sandall Park
The park has a large lake that is home to a variety of birdlife, including ducks, swans, and geese. There are also several woodland areas with walking and cycling trails, as well as open grassy areas for picnics, sports, and games.
For children, Sandall Park has several playgrounds and a splash pad, which is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. There is also a miniature railway that runs around the park, which is a popular attraction for children and adults alike.
Sandall Park holds a variety of activities all through the year, such as outdoor movie screenings, fun runs, and music festivals. The events are a great way to bring the local community & tourists together and make the most of the park’s beautiful surroundings.
The Park is a great destination for a day trip with friends and family.
11 Tenpin Doncaster
The bowling alley has 26 lanes, which are well-maintained and modern. It also has computerized scoring systems and bumpers for younger bowlers, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the game.
Tenpin Doncaster also offers a range of other activities, including laser tag, pool tables, and arcade games. The laser tag arena is a fun and exciting way to challenge friends or family members to a game of strategy and skill.
Tenpin Doncaster is a great place for children’s birthday parties, corporate events, or just a night out with friends.
12 Brodsworth Hall & Gardens in Doncaster
The house and its surrounding gardens were designed in the Italianate style by the architect Philip Wilkinson.
Visitors can explore the house, which has been preserved with its original Victorian-era furnishings and decorations. The house contains a collection of artwork, furniture, and other items that provide a glimpse into the lives of the Thellusson family and their servants.
A series of gardens near the house include a quarry garden, a rose garden, and a flower garden. Visitors can enjoy a perfect stroll through the gardens and take in the views, as well as learn about the history and design of the different areas.
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens is open to visitors from March to November, with varying opening times depending on the season. Guided tours of the house are available, as well as audio guides and other resources for self-guided exploration.
13 Fat Cat Moto-Parc
It is a sand-based track that is known for its technical challenges and demanding jumps. Fat Cat Moto-Parc offers public practice and training sessions in addition to hosting events.
Riders of all skill levels are welcome, and the track can be used for training sessions and special parties. The facility also has places for spectator watching and a café.
14 Cusworth Hall & Park
Today, Cusworth Hall & Park is open to the public as a museum and heritage attraction. Visitors can explore the house and its grounds, which have been preserved and restored to reflect the life and times of the Wrightson family and their servants.
Cusworth Hall & Park covers over 200 acres and includes a lake, woodland, and formal gardens. Visitors can enjoy walking and cycling trails, as well as picnicking and wildlife spotting.
The park also hosts a range of events throughout the year, including outdoor theatre performances, family-friendly activities, and seasonal celebrations. Visiting the Cusworth Hall & Park is among the best things to do in Doncaster this weekend.
15 Danum Gallery, Library, and Museum
The gallery, library, and museum showcase a range of collections and exhibitions that reflect the history and culture of Doncaster and the wider region.
The museum collection includes a wide variety of objects, from prehistoric artifacts and Roman pottery to contemporary art and design. The library contains a wealth of resources, including books, periodicals, and digital materials, and offers a range of services to support research, learning, and literacy.
Danum Gallery, Library, and Museum are open to the public year-round, with varying opening times depending on the day and season.
Admission is free, although some exhibitions and events may have a separate fee. The site is accessible to visitors with disabilities and offers a range of services to support visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
16 Dreambakes
Dreambakes is a cozy, family-run café with a menu full of delicious snacks and dishes. ry some of their gorgeous homemade traybakes, a French-inspired Croque Monsieur or go fancy and opt for afternoon tea.
If you love high-quality, exciting food made by independent local producers, then there is no other better place to go than the Dreambakes.
Dreambakes is the perfect place to unwind after a long week. Enjoy your weekend in this appealing location while trying out various cuisines. Make sure to add Dreambakes on your initial of things to do in Doncaster.
17 Enigma Escape Rooms in Doncaster
Join forces in groups of six to unravel the mystery and escape the trap! Get involved and rely on your team for assistance with the challenging puzzles to solve our distinctive rooms by using your brainpower.
It’s a true test of your coordination and observational skills because you only have an hour to escape! There are four exciting themed escape rooms in the Doncaster branch of Enigma Escape Rooms:
The Mafia Room: Your mission is to overthrow a 1920s mob boss.
The Ward 13 Room: Get out of the unsettling deserted hospital before the doctor finds you!
The Heist Room: The magnificent Enigma Diamond is what you and your crew of cat thieves are pursuing! Will you be able to pull off the heist, or will your criminal activities come to an end?
The Hostage Room: You have to choose between escaping the room and enduring a difficult interrogation if you’re in a hostage situation.
These are some of the tasks you’ll enjoy at the Enigma Escape Rooms.
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18 The Cheswold Lodge Brewers Fayre Restaurant
They have lots of outdoor dining space, indoor soft play areas for kids, and a menu full of tasty pub classics.
Cheswold Brewers Fayre was built on the former RAF Doncaster site in the 1990s. Due to its proximity to Doncaster Racecourse, this location has traditionally attracted a lot of visitors.
Additionally, they are in a prime location near the picturesque Lakeside Lake and close by walking paths. There are so many attractions nearby that you can visit after having a delectable supper at the restaurant.
The restaurant has a large indoor play area suitable for children of any age, although height restrictions are in place at 140cm. They also have a soft play area for toddlers and younger kids too.
19 Conisbrough Medieval Castle
Conisbrough Castle was modeled after Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott and provides breathtaking vistas. You will fully appreciate the splendor of the original 12th-century structure thanks to the floors and roofing that have been rebuilt in the soaring circular keep.
As soon as you enter, you may see a keep that has been preserved. You can fully explore this amazing castle’s hidden chambers and high, curved staircases thanks to newly installed floors.
20 The Trolleybus Museum
The museum is dedicated to the preservation of trolleybuses, which are electric buses powered by overhead wires.
The Trolleybus Museum features a collection of over 60 historic trolleybuses from various cities across the UK and other parts of the world. The museum offers visitors the opportunity to ride on some of these trolleybuses, allowing them to experience the unique feel of riding on an electric vehicle.
In addition to the trolleybuses, the museum also houses a large collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history of trolleybuses, including photographs, documents, and models. The museum is open to the public on select days throughout the year and also hosts special events such as themed days, vintage bus rallies, and guided tours.
Best Time to visit Doncaster
The best and busiest month for tourist visits in Doncaster, the United Kingdom is September, followed by January and February.
Do you find this article “Best things to do in Doncaster” helpful or have you visited Doncaster before? Let’s know your thought in the comment section.