Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Doncaster, South Yorkshire is an historic English market town where the bustling pace of the town centre meets unspoiled countryside and pictorial villages. Transport has played a major role in Doncaster's heritage. The town's wealth was generated by the lucrative stagecoach trade during the 17th and 18th Centuries.

The magnificent keep in Conisbrough Castle, which is made of limestone, dates back as far as 1180. Circular in shape, it is the oldest of its kind in the whole of England. One of Doncaster's most significant landmarks is St George's Church which has a long and interesting history. Designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, this architectural masterpiece houses an extraordinary Schulze organ.

In Doncaster you will also find one of England's most comprehensive Victorian houses, Brodsworth Hall, which boasts more than 30 rooms. Another fascinating place is Cusworth Hill, a grand 18th Century country home which is now the Museum of South Yorkshire Life. Here you can see how life in this area evolved over the past 250 years.

There are plenty of other attractions in Doncaster for families and those who are young at heart. Hatfield Water Park has superb water sport facilities and there are always helpful instructors on standby to give beginners a helping hand. Britain's biggest collection of functional trolley buses can be seen at the Trolley Bus Museum at Sandtoft which is just 15 miles from Doncaster.

Just a few minutes from the center of Doncaster is The Dome which is one of Britain's top leisure and sporting attractions. Here you will find a fascinating water world called The Lagoons which features 7 pools. Other attractions at The Dome include a split-level ice rink, fitness and health facilities and an indoor climbing wall.

Anyone visiting Doncaster - South Yorkshire just has to see the Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery. Using decorative and fine art, archaeology and natural history, this museum which opened in 1964 tells the extremely interesting story of the region. There are plenty of other fine galleries and museums worth a visit in this area of England.