Take a drive…in 90 minutes or less you can reach Doncaster

http://www.doncaster.gov.uk
http://www.visitdoncaster.co.uk

Famed for its race course, Doncaster is a thriving town rich in history.

Original wealth came largely through the stage coach trade of the 17th and 18th Centuries and it was the breeding of horses for that business which led to the town becoming a major centre for horse racing and, in particular, the home of the St Leger, the oldest classic race in the world.

Railways, too, helped create the modern town and it was in Doncaster that were based the Great Northern Railway Locomotive and Carriage Buildings Works, the factory that built the Flying Scotsman and the Mallard.

For many years Doncaster was a key centre for Yorkshire's coal industry, yet despite the town's industrial links Doncaster and the surrounding area offers some superb parks, woodlands, wetlands and nature reserves.

A key centre for shopping, modern Doncaster's retail showpiece is the central Frenchgate complex, which is complemented by the local market.

The Frenchgate Centre has over 90 stores, many of which are open late on Thursdays.

The market, which dates back to 1248, opens each Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and has around 600 stalls offering a vast range of fresh foods

It is a proud claim that the market is well worth a full day visit with the Corn Exchange specialising in craft and gifts and the Wool Market offering arguably the widest choice of textiles and haberdashery in the North.

The town also has a farmer's market, which takes place on the first and third Wednesday of every month.