Behind Doncaster’s red-brick industrial facade lies a city with Roman foundations and a history as an 18th-century trade route through Britain. Its historical landmarks are matched by its shopping offering, with huge markets full of brightly colored stalls. Make sure you visit the market inside the Corn Exchange, an ornate and beautiful Victorian-era shopping center.
Amble through the city center
Take a stroll down the Victorian-esque high street in central Doncaster, and go treasure-hunting in the many stores that line the street. As a contrast, admire the gilded columns of Mansion House, an impressive white-painted residence dating back to the 18th century. Step inside to see the opulent ballroom and lavish rooms, and enjoy an indulgent British afternoon tea in rooms filled with 18th-century grandeur.
Stop in for a cup of tea and homemade cake at the café inside The Point. This community arts center is a buzzing hive of creativity, where paintings by local artists adorn the walls and choirs and other musicians make themselves heard.
Explore the north’s stately homes
On the outskirts of the city, Cusworth Hall is a must-see. The sprawling grounds of this quintessentially British stately home were made for slow and thoughtful walks. Inside, admire rich rooms with frescoed ceilings. Centered in rolling green parklands, the house has a wide view of the sprawling town below.
A short drive north-west of Doncaster will take you to Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, which have been virtually untouched since the Victorian times. Delve into the life of an English aristocrat with a tour round this magnificent, perfectly preserved stately home.
Crystal chandeliers glimmer in the high-corniced ceilings and antique furnishings glisten with gold. Stroll through the gardens where perfectly shaped hedges and manicured flowerbeds border peaceful walkways, and smell the sweet scent of the wild rose garden. Kids will love the adventure playground, too, so there’s something for all ages.
Up, up and away
Sit in the cockpit of a classic aircraft and be transported back in time. Just below Doncaster’s center is the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum. Here, the evolution of aviation comes to life. Shining aeroplanes from decades of flight fill out this vast space, initially designed to showcase the sights of Britain’s first ever airshow in 1909.
Fighter planes, rescue planes, contemporary jets and helicopters crowd the museum, and it’s great to explore for children and adults alike.
Yorkshire’s wild side
Lazing lions, mischievous meerkats, the brazen black rhino and the only polar bears in England – Yorkshire Wildlife Park makes for an enormously entertaining day out.
There are more than 400 animals and 70 species from all over the world, which can all be seen on a walk through the sprawling park. Fancy some refreshment? Try some South American cuisine at Caramba, or stop for a coffee at the Safari Café.
It’s fewer than 20 minutes from Doncaster city center in your rental car, so don’t miss a great day out.
Take a hike
Right on Doncaster’s doorstep are the hiking trails of the Peak District. This is Britain’s oldest national park and is filled with walking trails for all fitness levels, and breathtaking views over steep limestone ridges and sweeping moorland plateaus.
Slightly further afield are the world-famous North Yorkshire Moors. These windswept, heather-clad hills and hollows are dotted with ruined stone cottages and isolated chapels. This is the land that inspired Emily Brontë to write her iconic novel, Wuthering Heights – and you’ll understand how.
With a rental car from Hertz, you can use Doncaster as your starting point to explore the beautiful county of South Yorkshire and the moorland beyond, as well as enjoying great road links to the rest of the UK.