Enjoying a Holiday near Doncaster Racecourse

Doncaster racecourse is an ideal venue for a holiday in Yorkshire. Located in the heart of the UK, it is ideally placed for both national and international visitors. The course boasts excellent links to the motorway network and is easily accessible from the M1, M18, A1(M) and M62. The racecourse is just 2½ miles from Doncaster train station, which is on the main London-Edinburgh line. Journey times by rail from London are just 2¾ hours and 3 hours from Edinburgh. Regular shuttle buses operate to and from the course on racedays. Robin Hood International Airport is less than 7 miles from Doncaster racecourse, while Manchester, Leeds Bradford and East Midlands international airports are also within easy reach.

Doncaster is one of the oldest established centres for horse racing in Britain, with records of regular race meetings going back to the 16th century. It is home to the world`s oldest "Classic" race, the St. Leger, which is the feature of a 4-day festival every September. Run over a distance of 1 mile 6 furlongs and 132 yards, since 1776, this is the third and final leg of the "Triple Crown" for both the colts and fillies. The 2-day Racing Post Trophy meeting, held in late October, is also an important fixture in Doncaster`s racing calendar. This meeting often provides valuable pointers to the next year`s classic contenders. The feature Racing Post Trophy race is a Group 1, two-year-old race, open to both colts and fillies, run over a mile. Four winners of the race have gone on to win the Epsom Derby the following year; Reference Point (1986), High Chaparral (2001), Motivator (2004) and Authorized (2006). The Town Moor course traditionally opens the turf Flat racing season, with the Lincoln Handicap meeting in March and brings it to a close with the November Handicap meeting. The course offers 31 racedays throughout the year (23 Flat and 8 National Hunt) including 6 evening meetings in April, May and July. On non-racing days, the racecourse also hosts various antique, collectors` and toy fairs.

Away from the racecourse, but nearby, Doncaster offers a wide range of leisure and entertainment options:

Shopping in Doncaster

The Frenchgate Centre in the centre of Doncaster boasts all the big name brands, supported by the numerous outlets in the main shopping streets of High Street, Scott Lane and Priory Walk. Doncaster is also famous for its markets, which are open on Tuesdays and Fridays, but do not reveal their true glory until Saturday.

Eating Out in Doncaster

Doncaster boasts many good restaurants ranging from traditional English fare, through Chinese, Indian, Italian and Thai, all within easy walking distance of the town centre.

Doncaster Nightlife

Doncaster has plenty of lively nightlife to offer ranging from huge modern clubs for music and dancing until the early hours, to live acts at traditional Working Men`s Clubs. Other attractions include regular shows at the Civic Theatre, live concerts at the Dome Leisure Complex and 10-pin bowling at Lakeside.

Peace and Quiet in and around Doncaster

For those simply seeking a quiet break, Doncaster offers the tranquil Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve, alongside the River Don. This 28-hectare reserve is made up of open water, woodland and grassland, with stunning waterfalls and outstanding views. Cusworth Hall is an imposing 18th century country house set in extensive landscaped parklands, 2 miles North of the town centre, offering lovely walks around the lakes and surrounding woodland.

It should not be difficult to find entertainment to suit all ages and tastes, so much the better if financed by free racing tips.