Free things to do this Summer Half Term in Doncaster.
The summer is fast approaching and understandably parents want to mix it up, have some variety and ensure there is plenty of things to that are close to home and low cost. Here are 10 free things to do in Doncaster over the Summer Half Term.
1. Cycle the River Don
A 20min cycle. Cycling is totally free, assuming you have or can borrow a bike. One option is to cycle the River Don between Doncaster and Conisburgh. The cycle route is easy to pick up and is part of the Trans Pennine Trail.
2. Walk Sandall Beat Wood
A beautiful 3km short walk. Sandall Beat Wood is one of the most visited woodlands around Doncaster and is well know for its beauty. It is very accessible and has perfectly flat tarmac / private road through the woodland making it very easy on the foot.
3. Discover some history
To start a little history excursion, you have to find an interest and follow it. There are 800 listed buildings in Doncaster and the two places to consider starting are Doncaster Central Library (which is also Danum Museum) and most likely a trip to either Doncaster Minster (where Latin is inscribed in to the walls) or Brodsworth Hall & Gardens which is a restored stately home (there is an entrance fee, however).
To find some inspiration for history discovery, you should able to find it bewtween the Museum, the Minster and Brodsworth Hall. We would recommend trying out the Minster as it is central and you can turn up and walk in and around.
Click here to start to Discover .
4. Get in to a new hobby
Whilst you are in the town, visit Doncaster Central Library & Museum, there you will find a good childrens section with a broad range of fun books and the main library is littered with interesting books about the local area. The library also has Ordinance Survey maps.
Your best place to find that new hobby could well be at Doncaster Central Library & Museum.
5. Basketball, Tennis or Football
There are plenty of parks throughout Doncaster and many of them have football goals, tennis courts and basketball facilities. Some of the parks have ponds, others have outdoor gyms and some have either crazy golf, pitch and put or football goals.
The following three parks are quite central:
- Hexthorpe Park and Elmfield Park is good for Tennis.
- Sandall Park is good for the Pond.
- Cantley Park is good for Golf
6. Visit a stately home or castle
We have already mentioned Brodsworth Hall, but there are two other sites. One is Cusworth Hall that is generally open without a fee to enter and there is a Conisburgh Castle. Although the site is English Herritage, you can explore around the castle without paying an entrance fee and it is situated in the village of Conisbrugh. If you can’t find it you are in the wrong village. It’s huge!
7. A walk around the water
If you want the sense of water, there are three places we would recommend. It’s only over an hour to the coast, but right here within Doncaster there are three very easy options. A visit to Sandall Park, Lakeside or alternatively the Sprobrough Falls and the Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve that has been cleared and restored by Don Catchment Rivers Trust.
Click Here for the Sprotbrough Flash.
8. Learn to run
Running is free..! You can run for free and learn to run and be encouraged by attending Park Run. It doesnt cost, it is completely free and there is also a Juniors Park run on the Sunday (2km). You can to join in and there is regular attendance every week.
9. Discover something new
If you try one to eight, we think you will discover something new just by being out and about. If all the answers were in the list, where would be the adventure. You can collect a map, explore, find out what’s on your door step and keep disovering. There are maps in the woodlands areas, but it is strongly recommended to pick up a map first from Doncaster Library or Doncaster Tourist Information Centre.
10. Check out the parks
A full list of all parks in Doncaster is available on Doncaster Council website. If your local one is not quite what you’re after have a look at the surrounding parks and see what’s on offer.
This summer half term there will be plenty on in and around Doncaster and you can always fall back on this list or share it with others.
