When you first hear of the name Doncaster, it's quite likely that your first thoughts will be regarding its railway history. Indeed, the Works there were the construction site for arguably the two most famous steam locomotives in UK rail history - the Mallard and the Flying Scotsman. Having said this, there is more to Doncaster than just railways. With history dating back to at least the Roman period, a well-known racecourse, a nearby wildlife park, and more, Doncaster could be an ideal location for a city break if you're looking for something a little bit different and want to buy cheap train tickets to get there.
Image Credit: Stafford Railway Circle | Stafford Railway Circle
Getting to Doncaster is easy thanks to its prime location on the East Coast Main Line. There are frequent trains to Doncaster from London and elsewhere in the country, with other direct services including York, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, Peterborough, Hull, and many more. It also has one of the higher number of train companies serving the station, with a total of seven doing so (CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Grand Central, Hull Trains, London Northeastern Railway, Northern, TransPennine Express). With this plethora of different train companies serving the same station, it can make it easier to find cheap train tickets for your journey to this city.
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Getting around Doncaster
There are many ways of getting around Doncaster, and we've covered the key ones below.
- Walk/cycle. The compact size of Doncaster city centre makes it easy to get around, which can make it an attractive option if you're on a bit of a budget or are happy to get some exercise in on your break in the city. If you want to go further out and explore more of the local area, then some different walking routes can be found HERE. In terms of cycling, there are plenty of options, with some information being found HERE and HERE.
- Bus. There are a number of bus routes in and around Doncaster, with services being operated by a variety of companies. Some overarching information can be found HERE, with individual websites being found HERE, HERE, and HERE.
- Taxi. Taxis are a great way of getting around if you have restricted mobility, a sizeable amount of luggage, or want to visit somewhere not routinely served by public transport. It's worth noting that the costs of taxis can add up if you plan on taking a few, so this is worth bearing in mind.
So what exactly is there to do in Doncaster? Well, read on, and you'll be able to find out! Make sure to visit our website or use our app and purchase cheap train tickets to get even better value from your stay in Doncaster.
Sport
Some cities may only be known for one sport. Not Doncaster. Instead, the city has three well-recognised sports for which it is known. Probably the most famous is horse racing, at Doncaster Racecourse to the east of the city centre. It's one of the oldest racecourses in the country, and is home to events including the St Leger Stakes in September, the Futurity Trophy in October, and two of the 36 Group 1 flat races in the UK.
Image Credit: yorkshire.com | yorkshire.com
Also of note is Doncaster Rugby League Football Club. Founded in 1951, the club has had an interesting history, with their home games in the Championship (the second tier of rugby league) being played at the Eco-Power Stadium to the south-east of the city centre in the suburb of Lakeside. Also playing their home games at the Eco-Power Stadium are Doncaster Rovers Football Club, who currently participate in League Two (the fourth tier of English football), and count One Direction member Louis Tomlinson among its fanbase. The stadium was famously the venue for the England women's team record-breaking fixture in November 2021 when they beat Latvia 20-0 during qualifying for the 2023 Women's World Cup. Some other sportspeople to come from Doncaster include football player & manager Kevin Keegan, taekwondo athlete Sarah Stephenson, and James Toseland (winner of the 2004 & 2007 World Superbikes Championship titles).
Are you a Sports Fan? TrainSplit has partnered with Pledgeball, a grassroots charity that rallies fellow fans to take action to protect where we play, making changes that improve our air and our green spaces. It can be as simple as swapping to reusable water bottles or taking the train to a match instead of driving. Fans, players, clubs, grassroots teams – the impact we can have together is game-changing.
History
It wouldn't be right to mention Doncaster and not refer to its long association with the railways. For many years, Doncaster Works has manufactured many locomotives and other railway vehicles. The site is where arguably two of the most famous steam locomotives in the world were manufactured - the LNER Class A4 4468 Mallard, and also the LNER Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman. The Flying Scotsman is the first steam locomotive to reach 100mph (though this is often disputed by some, with GWR 3700 Class 3440 City of Truro sometimes being cited as having reached this milestone first), and the Mallard is widely recognised as the fastest steam locomotive in the world. The Mallard resides at the National Railway Museum in York, and the Flying Scotsman can sometimes be seen on the UK rail network. For other museums, the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum in the centre of the city is worth visiting, with a number of different things to see, including the Rail Heritage Centre, the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Regiment Museum, other exhibits looking at Doncaster's past, and many more. Also of note is Cusworth Hall and Park to the west of the city centre, with the house being built in the 18th century and possessing Grade I-listed status. Additionally worth visiting is Doncaster Minster (formally the Minster and Parish Church of St George), just to the north-west of the city centre. The original Minster was burned down in 1853, and the current building was consecrated five years later.
Image Credit: Ben Harrison | yorkshire.com
Of note at the nearby former Doncaster Sheffield Airport is Avro Vulcan XH558 Spirit of Great Britain, known for being the last airworthy example of the famous plane until 2015, and is now kept in a taxiable condition (the other two taxiable Vulcans are XL426 at London Southend Airport in Essex and XM655 at Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield in Warwickshire).
Culture and tourism
One of the more well-known attractions in the Doncaster area is the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in nearby Branton. It's one of the UK's newer wildlife attractions, having opened only in 2009, but it's grown in popularity ever since. There are a huge variety of species to see here, including African lions, polar bears, capybaras, giant otters, Grevys zebra, golden lion tamarins, and many more. If you want to make your visit even more special, why not consider one of the VIP animal experiences? A number of live music events are also hosted here, with previous artists including Olly Murs, Katherine Jenkins, and the Vamps. You could use some of the savings made on your cheap train tickets to go towards a visit to this popular wildlife attraction.
Image Credit: Steve Payne | Unsplash
An art gallery forms part of the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, with the collections on show being varied, including ceramics, jewellery, glassware, paintings, and touring artworks being brought to the museum. In terms of the creative arts, Cast is a theatre found to the south of the city centre. Opened in 2013, the theatre plays host to a number of different shows throughout the year. Some famous names from the world of culture to have roots in Doncaster include the actress Emma Chambers, the writer Roy Clarke, and TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson.
Dining recommendations
When trying to decide on where to visit, finding somewhere to eat is probably going to be fairly high on the list of priorities. Below is a list of a few different options to show just what Doncaster has to offer.
Cheap eats
The Mallard
Address: Unit 14, Food Court, Frenchgate Shopping Centre, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN1 1SW
Found in the city centre, the Mallard is named after the famous locomotive originating from Doncaster. It's part of the Hungry Horse pub chain, so can be ideal if you're looking for something a bit more familiar. The options to start your meal here include halloumi strips (served with spicy herb garnish and sweet chilli dip), pan-fried garlic mushrooms (mushrooms simply sautéed in a garlic glaze and served on a slice of garlic ciabatta), and crunchy fried corn (fried corn on the cob, rolled in fajita seasoning and topped with guacamole and a spicy herb garnish). For main courses, there are plenty of options to choose from, including steak & Ruddles ale pie (tender beef in a rich ale gravy served with peas and your choice of chips or mashed potato), the Classic Chicken New York Yorker (roast chicken breast topped with smoked streaky bacon, melted cheese and Texan BBQ sauce, served with fries, onion rings, and peas), the falafel flatbread (a warm flatbread, loaded up with a feta, red onion, tomato, and leaf salad, topped with falafel and sweet potato fries, drizzled in yoghurt & mint with a fresh herb and chilli garnish), and the 8oz grilled gammon (served with a fried free-range egg, pineapple, chips, and peas). For dessert, why not go for the apple & berry crumble (served with vegan ice-cream), the sticky toffee & bourbon pudding (served with lashings of custard), or the trifle baked Alaska (a vanilla sponge, layered with raspberry sauce and frozen vanilla custard, topped with a flamed meringue)?
Masala
Address: 9 High Street, Bentley, South Yorkshire DN5 0AA
In nearby Bentley, just to the north of Doncaster, you'll find the Indian restaurant Masala. It's within easy reach of Bentley station, which can make it a more convenient option if you're open to travelling a short distance. The available starters can include chicken pakoras (chicken pieces deep-fried in spicy batter), paneer tikka (lightly marinated chunks of homemade cheese cooked over a charcoal grill), and king prawn chaat (king prawns gently cooked in a dry medium sauce, wrapped up in a pancake). There are a huyge variety of dishes to choose from for the main course, including kofta malai (succulent home made meatballs cooked in homemade spices with yoghurt in a rich creamy sauce), machli sallom (diced white fish in medium sauce with fresh garlic, spring onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and selection of spices), and chicken tikka roshun mirchi (hot & fiery dish cooked with fresh green chillies, lots of garlic, coriander, and chef's mixed spices). There are also a number of classic curries as well (korma, tikka masala, jalfrezi, madras), all with a choice of additional filling. You're covered for the usual side dishes here as well, including pilau rice, many different naans, paneer palak (Indian cheese and fresh spinach), Bombay aloo (fresh spicy potatoes), and many more.
Mid-range
La Fiesta
Address: 45 Doncaster Road, Armthorpe, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN3 2BU
A few miles to the east of Doncaster in the village of Armthorpe lies La Fiesta. As the name would perhaps suggest, it specialises in Spanish cuisine, with a particular focus on the popular Spanish style of eating known as tapas. It's a great way of trying new dishes or sharing a meal with friends. The vegetarian tapas options include berenjena gratinada (aubergine with onion & peppers, topped with melted cheese), patatas bravas (double-fried cubed potatoes topped with a spicy tomato sauce), and champiñones al ajillo (sautéed mushrooms cooked in a creamy garlic & chilli sauce). For seafood tapas, the choices include ensalada de atún (tuna with mixed leaf salad, cucumber & tomatoes, served with an olive oil & lemon dressing), calamares fritos (lightly battered calamari served with paprika, lemon & alioli), and gambas pil pil (king prawns in chilli, garlic, paprika & parsley). For the meat tapas options, why not go for the albondigas (spanish beef & chicken meatballs in a spicy tomato sauce), the chorizo frito (pan-fried Spanish sausage), or the chuletas de cordero (grilled, spicy marinated lamb chops)? If tapas isn't your thing, then there are other options available, including paella valenciana (traditional Spanish paella with chicken, prawns, squid, white fish, mussels, octopus & langoustine), the fiesta de carne (grilled chicken, sirloin steak, lamb chops & chorizo, served with salad & double-fried cubed potatoes), or maybe one of the set menus (special, meat, seafood, or vegetarian) - the set menus are aimed at two people sharing.
La Rustica
Address: 5 Nether Hall Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN1 2PH
Found to the north of the city centre, La Rustica is one of Doncaster's most well-regarded Italian restaurants. The restaurant prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible, which we are sure will be a big draw for many people. There are a variety of antipasti dishes to choose from, including bruschetta (toasted bread topped with cherry tomato, basil & garlic, drizzled with balsamic reduction), polpette napoletane (home-made Italian beef meatballs served with spicy tomato sauce and fresh bread), and gamberoni con aglio (king prawns cooked with garlic, chilli & parsley, served with bread slice). Pizza options here include the margherita (classic tomato sauce & mozzarella), the diavola (tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, roasted peppers, chilli flakes), and the quattro stagioni (tomato sauce, smoked bacon, pepperoni, onion, mushroom, mozzarella). For pasta dishes, you can choose from options such as canelones de ricotta y espinacas (ricotta & spinach filled pasta tubes, oven-baked with fresh spinach, grana padano cheese & creamy ricotta, surrounded with a rich tomato & garlic sauce, finished with melted mozzarella), tagliatelle caserecce (pasta with slow-cooked beef in creamy parmesan sauce with a hint of chilli, topped with wild rocket & parmesan shavings), and linguine frutti di mare (linguine cooked with calamari, mussels & prawns, served in a garlic, white wine & tomato sauce with just a hint of chilli). There are other main courses as well, and these include risotto vegetariana (classic risotto rice cooked with mushroom, green beans, courgette, parmesan, white wine & fresh chopped parsley), the pierna de cordero (slow-braised lamb shank cooked with a luxurious gravy infused with Italian spices, served on a bed of mashed potato), and the pollo la rustica (chicken breast cooked in a tomato & cream sauce with crab meat & king prawns, served with seasonal roasted vegetables). To end your meal on a sweet note, you can choose from dishes including tiramisu (elegant Italian classic soaked in coffee & brandy), torta di formaggio (homemade vanilla cheesecake, served with vanilla ice cream & fruit coulis), and crème brûlée (rich homemade custard base topped with caramelised sugar, served with fresh strawberry).
La Boca
Address: 1 Nether Hall Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN1 2PH
For steak lovers, you need look no further than La Boca, found just to the north of the city centre. You're spoilt for choice here in terms of the steak options here, but there are other options on the menu if you fancy something a little different, and there are also vegetarian dishes available. All starters are served with a slice of homemade rosemary, tomato, and sea salt focaccia, and the specific starters include empanadas (Argentinian pasties filled with spiced beef, served with salad & homemade barbecue sauce), gambas con chimichurri (garlic & chilli king prawns cooked with chimichurri sauce, served with toasted ciabatta), and provoleta (Argentinian cheese, baked gooey with red onion marmalade, served with toasted ciabatta). The steaks are aged for 30 days and served with rustic fries, chimichurri sauce, and grilled peppers, and also brushed with rusemary & paprika butter - the different cuts include 6oz sirloin, 10oz rump, and 8oz fillet, with a 39oz tomahawk also available for those who want to share with their dining companion. Other main course options include the 'pollo y chuleta de cordero' mixed grill (mixed platter of grilled lamb chop, spicy chicken wings, chicken skewers & chorizo, served with grilled mixed peppers & onion, rustic fries & chimichurri sauce), canneloni di queso y espinacas (pasta tubes filled with spinach, goats cheese & sundried tomatoes, baked in a creamy & cheesy tomato sauce), risotto de mare (creamy risotto with king prawns, mussels & manchego cheese topped with pan-seared sea bass, served with garlic bread), and burguesa azul (dry-aged beef steak mince, topped with red onion marmalade, blue cheese, gherkin & fresh mixed leaves, served in a glazed brioche bun with rustic fries). Desserts are all home-made, with the choices including chocolate pega joso (homemade chocolate brownie served warm with salted caramel ice-cream), pastel de Ferrero Rocher (Bailey’s infused baked cheesecake, coated in chocolate & hazelnuts, served with Madagascan vanilla ice cream), and churros con dulce de leche (freshly fried doughnuts, rubbed in cinnamon & sugar, served with milk caramel sauce & strawberry).
Fine dining
DN1
Address: 3 High Fisher Gate, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN1 1QZ
Around the north of the city centre, you'll find DN1. While also being a restaurant, there is also a delicatessen on site, where you can purchase a variety of hampers, with the main focus there being on cheese and wine. Exactly what appears on the menu can vary, but the sample menu listed on the website includes dishes with the following ingredients:
- Dorade, jalapeño, jam
- Salmon, beetroot, apple
- Mussel, tomato, garlic
- Cod, porcini, girolle
- Wild bass, prawn, clam
- Malt loaf, Baron Bigod, pear
- Yuzu, shiso, milk
- Pandan, banana, chocolate
There may also an additional cheese & truffle dish for a supplementary charge, and you can also purchase an additional wine flight to help heighten your experience of eating here.
Want to indulge in a spot of retail therapy while in Doncaster? One of the most well-known places in Doncaster is Frenchgate, just to the north-east of the station, which has a whole host of stores to suit any desires.
Image Credit: City of Doncaster Council | City of Doncaster Council
Alternatively, why not consider Lakeside Outlet? Found to the south-east of the city centre and next door to Doncaster Rovers' stadium, there are plenty of different shops here, and you may be lucky enough to grab a bargain or two - it could be the perfect way of spending some of your savings through purchasing cheap train tickets from our website. It's also home to Lakeside Lake, which is great if you want to go for a stroll, and is also home to the RAF Doncaster Memorial. Just to the north of Lakeside is the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum, home to a variety of aircraft from over the years, including a BAE Hawk T1, the cockpit section of a Hawker-Siddeley HS748, a Westland Sea King helicopter, and many more.
Overnighting in Doncaster
Maximise your Doncaster experience by extending your stay in this city. Whether you're drawn to its location, its sporting sites, or something else, Doncaster provides diverse accommodation options for every preference and budget. Uncover the ideal place to unwind and rejuvenate for another day of exploration.
Looking to book your stay? Click here to explore the variety of accommodations for an overnight break.
We very much hope that we've convinced you to book a trip to Doncaster. If we have, then fantastic! Our website is on hand to help you get cheap train tickets for your journey through the wonders of split ticketing, and our customer service team is on hand to assist you if you have any queries regarding your booking.
Getting the best-value rail tickets possible is something that we at TrainSplit are sure many people want to do. This can include booking in advance, using a Railcard if you have one, travelling outside peak times, and – of course – splitting tickets via our website. All these and more can help you get cheap train tickets for your journey to Doncaster. If you’d like further information on any of these, please get in touch, and we’ll do what we can to assist you. We do have a comprehensive booking guide here at TrainSplit on the booking process, which we hope will be very useful, and we’ve covered some of the main points below.
Our top tips and ways to cut down train travel costs on your train tickets to Doncaster
Book Your Train Tickets Early
If you know when you are planning to travel, booking early can save you money on your train tickets. With Advance fares becoming available up to 12 weeks ahead, this is a great way to save on your rail travel.
Use a Railcard
Teamed up with a railcard, you can get up to a third off the cost, saving you more money on your train tickets. If you make a lot of train journeys, a railcard will pay for itself in no time.
Split Your Tickets
With TrainSplit’s unique journey planner, we search for the best-priced train tickets for your journey. You can easily discover the best split ticketing combinations that maximise your savings on train tickets, and best of all, TrainSplit will do all the work for you and doesn’t charge a booking fee.
Avoid Peak Times
If you don't need to travel early in the morning, consider traveling off-peak to save money on more expensive train tickets. Trains are also likely to be quieter during off-peak hours, which usually start from around 09:30 onwards.
Travelling with a group of 3-9 people
Take a look at GroupSave train tickets. These are a great way to get discounted train fares for groups of people traveling together.
Consider an alternative aoute
If you're travelling from London, then an alternative route to Doncaster may potentially involve departing from London St Pancras and changing trains at Sheffield. Using TrainSplit’s journey planner, you can search for routes to Doncaster which use trains that can potentially save you money on your train tickets.
Claim Delay Repay
If your journey is delayed, you may be entitled to delay compensation on your train tickets.
By following these tips, along with using TrainSplit’s unique journey planner to find the best train ticket deals, now is the perfect time to explore new destinations.
Avoid Booking Fees
Many ticket retailers impose booking fees for each journey booked, adding unnecessary expenses to your travel costs. With TrainSplit, we don't charge a booking fee. Instead, we only charge a share of savings, which is a small percentage of the savings you made if we found a split for your journey. Rest assured, it will still work out cheaper than purchasing a through fare. If no splits are found, no share of savings will be charged.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book Cheap Train Tickets to Doncaster?
You can find the cheapest train tickets to Doncaster by booking in advance and considering split ticket options. Websites like TrainSplit offer tools to help you find the best deals.
What's the most cost-effective way to travel to Doncaster?
The most economical way to travel to Doncaster is by booking cheap Advance Tickets and exploring split ticketing options, which can significantly reduce your travel expenses.
When should I book my train tickets to Doncaster for the best prices?
To secure the cheapest train tickets to Doncaster, it's advisable to book well in advance, as fares tend to increase closer to the travel date. Additionally, consider exploring split ticketing options for additional savings.
Can I save money by splitting my train tickets when travelling to Doncaster?
Yes - splitting your train tickets to Doncaster can often result in significant cost savings compared to purchasing a single through ticket. Services like TrainSplit can help you find the most advantageous split ticket combinations.
Are there any discounts available for frequent train travellers to Doncaster?
Consider purchasing a digital railcard that offers discounts for frequent train travellers to Doncaster and other destinations. A railcard can provide significant savings on train tickets, especially when combined with strategies such as split ticketing, to ensure you get great-value cheap train tickets for your journeys. Whether you're commuting regularly or planning occasional trips, a railcard is a valuable investment that can help you maximise your savings on train travel to Doncaster and beyond.
Is it cheaper to book train tickets to Doncaster online or at the station?
When looking to secure cheap train tickets to Doncaster, booking online in advance typically provides the most cost-effective fares. Using train ticket booking platforms like TrainSplit can also help in finding split ticket options, further reducing your travel expenses.
Remember, if you have any questions about train travel or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to help you plan a memorable journey.
We're here to help you plan a memorable journey.