Location, Location, Location: Doncaster

Doncaster has a rich history and heritage, particularly in rail and racing, and just a few weeks ago it began to write its next chapter as the town was awarded City status as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee!

But, in addition to its change of name and reference, what else does the popular South Yorkshire city have to offer residents? Home to 300,000 people, it’s a place that’s packed with lots to do, lots to see and lots to enjoy.

This is why it’s the perfect place to call home.

A long time ago

Doncaster has lots of history to enjoy and explore. In the city centre, it boasts one of only three Mansion Houses in the country and this fine example of architecture is open to the public at select times throughout the year. On the outskirts is the Norman Keep of Conisbrough Castle, said to be the inspiration and setting for Walter Scott’s novel, Ivanhoe. Another castle, at Tickhill, now forms part of a private residence, but is open to the public just one day a year. Stately homes in the form of Cusworth Hall, which commands stunning views over the city and Brodsworth Hall, famed for its preserved interiors from the mid-Victorian era and manicured landscaped gardens, give those who like a little culture much to explore and enjoy. The summer Brass Band concerts each Sunday in the gardens, are a wonderful way to while away an hour or two.

Horsing around

The city is also famed for its racecourse home of the oldest classic horse race, St Leger stakes, which takes part each September during the St Leger Festival, always a great event for the city. It has also been a popular racehorse auction destination since 1962, with the flagship Doncaster Bloodstock Sales facility overlooking the straight mile of the Town Moor circuit.

The great outdoors

There is so much to do if fresh air is your thing! Hatfield Water Park has an outdoor pool within the marina and each summer the inflatable water park makes a welcome return. In addition, canoes, kayaks, windsurfs and Stand Up Paddle Boards can be hired. Just a short distance from there is Hatfield Moors, a perfect place for a cycle ride, walk and to just enjoy the peace and quiet. Here you can also find the memorial to four WW2 pilots whose plane crashed on the moors in dense fog.  And let’s not forget the wonderful Lakeside, which is perfect for a stroll and perhaps a takeaway drink from one of the many outlets adjacent to it.

Keeping busy

The Dome leisure hub offers lagoon style swimming, split level ice rink, a huge gym and sports hall for badminton and other court-based sports. Two cinemas, Vue and Savoy, offer the latest blockbusters for avid film fans to enjoy whilst Flip Out, located in the city’s Frenchgate shopping centre, is a huge trampoline park!

Doncaster is also home to the UK’s only walk-through safari park and home of the only polar bears in the UK. The Yorkshire Wildlife Park, is a truly magical experience for young and old alike! Boston Park Farm  is a hit with younger members of the family and animal lovers and, if you fancy taking an Alpaca for a walk, then check out Tickhill Alpacas, where you can even stay overnight and camp with them!

Wine and Dine

The city is famed for some of its restaurants and there is something for everyone on offer. The Woolmarket, is a recently refurbished street food style place to enjoy everything from a coffee and cake to the most divine pizzas. If a traditional Friday night fish supper is your thing, then the city is also home to award winning fish and chip shops including, the Auckley Friery which made it to the top 50 best in the UK recently!

Country pubs are littered around the villages on the outskirts and some legendary coffee shops and places to grab brunch can be found. If you fancy something a little more upmarket, then a trip to the villages of Bawtry and Tickhill offer some of the best places to eat.

Claims to fame

The city has been home to a few people who have found fame and fortune to varying degrees. Jeremy Clarkson, of Top Gear fame, was born in the town although his mum Shirley should perhaps be more famous – she was the creator of the original Paddington Bear soft toy!

Geoffrey Chaucher, of The Canterbury Tales fame, also lived in Hatfield for a short time whilst writing the legendary works whilst a shop in Balby, was the location for legendary sit-com Open All Hours. David Jason and fellow cast members were often spotted around and about during filming! Other famous Doncastrians include actress Sheridan Smith, singer Tony Christie, and football legend, Kevin Keegan.

The place to be

The regeneration of its city centre continues with more exciting plans to expand the already popular cultural quarter. It’s where the city’s amazing theatre ‘Cast’ is, next to the recently opened Danum Gallery, Museum and Library in the renovated and extended Doncaster High School for Girls which opened in 1910 and is now a remarkable architectural juxtaposition of new encapsulating old.

Doncaster is a city that is going places and is a wonderful place to call home.

To view the homes that we are building in the city visit https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/new-homes/yorkshire/harworth-harworth.aspx