Discover Doncaster - our area guide
Learn more about living in Doncaster. Could this be a place to buy your next home?
A complete guide to moving to Doncaster
The market town of Doncaster has grown at an unprecedented rate in recent years, and now boasts a lively town centre and excellent attractions. It’s also a perfect family location with great schools and entertainment.
Where is Doncaster located?
Doncaster is located in South Yorkshire, which is central of the UK, making it very convenient to reach a lot of places.
Airports near Doncaster
There are nearby airports in Leeds and the East Midlands, but Doncaster’s own airport could be set to reopen in the future too.
Doncaster rail links
Doncaster rail links: Because of its central location, Doncaster has excellent rail links. The train to Manchester from Doncaster is about 1hr 30mins and the train to London is only around 2hrs.
Motorway routes
There is direct access from different parts of Doncaster to the A1(M), M1, M18, M62 and M180, so you can be in surrounding towns and cities like Leeds, York and Wakefield in no time at all.
HOUSE PRICES UP
Doncaster house prices
According to Rightmove over the last year, house prices in Doncaster were down 2% on the previous year, however, up 1% when compared to the peak of 2021. The average cost of properties in Doncaster are (as of July 2024):
- Terraced properties - £116,400
- Semi-detached properties - £164,233
- Detached properties - £294,242
Where to live in Doncaster?
With a host of affordable housing and villages, Doncaster is a great place to live and work. Below is a general overview of the different areas in Doncaster, with links to their own individual area guides.
Near the City Centre
Balby
Balby is super close to the City Centre, the train station and sits between the A1 and M18, so it’s a very accessible but prices remain very affordable.
Bessacarr, Cantley
These are the more expensive areas to move to with million-pound properties being sold here. They are close to the Lakeside as well as the very desirable XP secondary School.
Arksey, Bentley, Carcroft, Skellow and Toll Bar
These are more affordable parts of Doncaster as they are a little bit further North, but very much still easily accessible and are great for investors, first time buyers and families.
Barnburgh, Sprotbrough, Harlington, Scawsby and Cusworth
West side of Doncaster, around the A1, is the DN5 area. This is a very desirable to live in. Particularly Sprotborough, which again, has its own little community with several bars, shops and bistros. House prices here can be a bit pricier, but it is a very nice place to live.
Rural areas
Barnby Dun, Kirk Sandall, Edenthorpe
These are very good areas for families as they are serviced by the Hungerhill Secondary School which has an outstanding Ofsted rating. They aren’t too far from Doncaster Centre but are much more rural with plenty of open fields and parks available.
Arksey, Bentley, Carcroft, Skellow and Toll Bar
These areas are much more rural but again the boutiques and bistros of Hatfield High Street are very popular.
Armthorpe, Branton
These areas are also very popular, with Armthorpe having its own High Street and therefore a real community feel to it. Branton is the next village along, a little quieter and good for families or anyone looking for a slower pace.
Bawtry
Bawtry is another higher end area to the South of Doncaster where the properties do come at a premium, but it is a lovely and much sought after area.
Things to do in Doncaster
Doncaster has everything from the busy City Centre and it’s Frenchgate Shopping Centre to the vast countryside and quaint cosy country pubs, there are many things to do and enjoy in Doncaster.
Doncaster Racecourse
One of the oldest racecourses in Britain, it is home to an array of sporting and entertainment events, including horse racing and live music.
Cinema at Doncaster Lakeside
For fun days out, visit the Cinema at Doncaster Lakeside where there are also some great places to eat nearby.
Doncaster Dome
Just across the road from the cinema is the Doncaster Dome where you can swim, ice skate or even catch a theatre or comedy show.
Shopping at Frenchgate Centre & Doncaster Market
Located in the City Centre, the Frenchgate Shopping Centre has a good range of high street shops with on-site parking. Or visit Doncaster Market which has an international food hall, fish market, antiques market and more. For more information, visit Doncaster City Council.
Restaurants & Bars
There are a number of great places to eat in Doncaster, no matter what cuisine you are in the mood for. Below are some of the top-rated restaurants in Doncaster according to Tripadvisor:
– La Fiesta – Spanish
– La Rustica – Italian
– La Boca Steakhouse – Argentinian Steakhouse
– Hoi Choi – Asian
– Masons Arms – British
Properties for sale in Doncaster
Moving to Doncaster?
If you’re looking to relocate to Doncaster, get in touch with our Doncaster branch or book a free property valuation.