Discover Doncaster a Compelling City in South Yorkshire

In 2022 the town of Doncaster achieved city status in recognition of its lively culture, historic landmarks and importance regionally and nationally. King Charles III presided over the ceremony, an important step towards Doncaster becoming a popular destination in South Yorkshire. Two of its unique claims to fame include the invention of butterscotch and prize-winning budgerigars. Visitors to Doncaster arriving by public transport will no doubt be ready for a coffee stop. Both the railway station and the bus station are linked to the Frenchgate Shopping Centre and the quickest way into town is through this centre. But pause here a while before moving on as this modern mall has also become one of Doncaster’s attractions featuring expositions and installations. Then, take the escalator up to the first floor, walk through the shopping area and then take the escalator down and exit onto the High Street. A short distance along the High Street is the elegant Mansion House.

The Mansion House in Doncaster

The Mansion House is a Grade 1 listed building and is one of only four that were built during the seventeenth and eighteenth century. Newcastle upon Tyne corporation built the first one in 1691 but it was demolished in the mid-nineteenth century. York built their mansion house in 1725 followed by London in 1739. Bristol built a mansion house in 1783 but with the sole purpose of providing a home for the mayor. When the Doncaster corporation built the Mansion House between 1744 and 1750 (there were a few false starts) it was only intended to be used for corporate entertaining. Previously, the corporation had used three different sites to provide entertainment – although it did have rooms providing accommodation. Today, the Mansion House retains its civic purpose housing council meetings. It also has a parlour for the mayor and facilities for elected members. Its Meeting Room can be hired the building is open to the public during a limited number of open days. Scot Lane, opposite the Mansion House, leads to the Corn Exchange and Food Hall.

The Corn Exchange and Food Hall in Doncaster

The Corn Exchange was built in 1870 and officially opened in 1873. It replaced an open covered Corn Market that had been there since 1843. This vital trading centre for the city's agricultural industry functioned as both a market to trade corn and other goods as well as a concert hall. Notable events held here included Edward Elgar conducting the London Symphony Orchestra in 1909. Built in the neoclassical style this Grade II listed Victorian building featured an ornate façade. After suffering a devastating fire in 1994 it fell into disrepair. But a two-year restoration project has restored this magnificent building to its former grandeur and it re-opened in 2025 as a modern venue for markets, concerts and pop-ups. The open-plan ground floor features independent shops and a café. There is an International Food Market on the first floor leading out to the Wool Market and Market Square behind the building.

The Wool Market and Market Square in Doncaster

The old Wool Market has become a social culinary adventure in Doncaster. This unusual building features a cast-iron frame with a brick shell and a slate and glass roof. Built between 1861 and 1863 it functioned as a market hall for many year. During 2019 it underwent an extensive renovation transforming the Victorian building into a modern hub for the community and local businesses. This rather austere building has been brightened up with colourful seating outside. Inside there are food outlets featuring international street food, bars and a leisure area with games including duckpin bowling. The Market Square lies between the Wool Market and the Corn Exchange and open-air markets have been held here since a formal charter was granted in 1248. But the history of this market dates back to Roman times. Another new development in Doncaster incorporating the town’s history is the Damon Building featuring the public library and a collection of galleries known as DGLAM.

The Damon Gallery and DGLAM in Doncaster

Standing proud at the junction of Waterdale and Chequer Road in the town centre the Danum Gallery actually encloses the façade of an historic building. Built in 1901 the front of the Girls Grammar School is now the backcloth to the café on the ground floor which is also home to the public library. The passage through the old entrance to the school leads to a staircase down to the basement (a lift is available). This basement is home to the Railway Heritage Centre and the museum of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI). The former includes two locomotives in loan from the National Railway Museum. Beautifully displayed artefacts and information boards relate the history of the Railway Works (still active) in Doncaster. It was here the world-famous Flying Scotsman was built.

The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Museum tells the story of this famous regiment which first came into existence in 1755 but has now been merged with other regiments. This regiment has a long association with Doncaster as illustrated through the artefacts on display. These include a large bell ‘liberated’ from the Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon (now Yangon) in Burma (now Myanmar).

There is also a museum on the first floor of the Danum Gallery. Known as the Museum of You it tells the story of Doncaster, one of the oldest towns in England. It houses a collection of objects loaned by the people of Doncaster. These objects are changed regularly as the themes change. A modern, spacious, art gallery on the second floor completes the collection of galleries comprising DGLAM or Heritage Doncaster. This gallery also features changing expositions as well as a permanent collection. Doncaster is also a city of pilgrimage due to the presence of our Lady of Doncaster currently housed in the church of St Peter in Chains.

Church of St Peter in Chains in Doncaster

During the medieval period the marion shrine of Our Lady of Doncaster was a famous shrine in England. Then it was housed in a Carmelite Friary in Doncaster. Marion shrines celebrate miracles. Historic accounts relate the miraculous intercession of Our Lady to an event in Doncaster in 1524. A wagon carrying a family was attempting a crossing of the River Don in brutal weather when it overturned. Miraculously they were saved from drowning due to their “particular devotion to Our Lady”. The shrine was destroyed during the Reformation but a new shrine was established in 1868 in a new Catholic Church dedicated to St Peter in Chains. The free-standing statue carved by Phyffers of London is a wonderful example of the Victorian Gothic style. It is now housed in the new Catholic Church to St Peter in Chains consecrated in 1973. Just beyond this church is the oldest public park on Doncaster, Elmfield Park.

Elmfield Park and War Memorial in Doncaster

Originally the grounds of Elmfield House, Elmfield Park was opened in 1923. It was purchased from the owners by the Doncaster Corporation to provide the sports and recreation facilities needed for a rapidly expanding town. A central feature of this park is the memorial commemorating those who died in the First World War and were buried on the battlefields. It also included sports pitches, tennis courts, bowling greens and play areas. Since its inception various features have been added to the existing facilities, including the Dolphin Fountain, a rose garden and a regimental memorial to the King’s Own Yorkshire Light infantry (KOYLI). Historically the most important attraction of the new city of Doncaster is its Minster.

The Minster in Doncaster

Doncaster Minster is a Grade 1 listed building that was built on a site where it is believed there has been a church since the eleventh century. This exceptional example of the Gothic Revival style with its splendid spire was built in 1858. Featuring intricated carvings and beautiful stained glass windows this church is not just a place of worship but a venue for special events all year round. Originally the parish Church of St George it was designated as the Minster and Parish Church of St George by the Bishop of Sheffield in 2004.The Minster and surrounding land are part of the St George’s Conservation Area. So much of the history of Doncaster was ‘lost’ during the Industrial Revolution this small patch of land is of great archaeological significance to the town. The remains here include a section of a wall that formed part of one of the Roman forts once standing here to protect the crossing over the River Don. Before leaving Doncaster take time to visit the Railway Station.

The Railway Station in Doncaster

The railway came to Doncaster in 1849 and In 1853 the Great Northern Railway moved its engine-building works from Boston to Doncaster. The engine works became the main employer in the town and by the late nineteenth century industry in Doncaster was dominated by engineering. A small, temporary station built here in 1848 was replaced by the one that still serves the town in 1850. Having undergone several major renovations, it nevertheless achieved Grade II Listed status in 1988. Another addition to Doncaster’s impressive list of historic buildings.

Conveniently located on the outskirts of Doncaster is the world-renowned Yorkshire Wildlife Park offering a diversity of animals in their natural habitats. But that is another day out and another story but a good reason to book a staycation in Doncaster.

For more information  visit the visit Doncaster, dglam and Yorkshire Wildlife Park websites. 

This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Doncaster.