Doncaster to Nottingham drive: Distance, time & best stops

Finding the best things to do between Doncaster and Nottingham

The Doncaster to Nottingham drive connects a hub city in South Yorkshire to the alleged home of Robin Hood in the East Midlands.

Top things to do in Doncaster include the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, watching the races at Doncaster Racecourse and tackling a scavenger hunt.

Nottingham unashamedly plays on its Robin Hood heritage, but it does have a couple of good attractions. The City of Caves heads into a network of man-made caves that have been used as leather tanneries, pubs and air raid shelters.

The National Justice Museum is inside an old courthouse and prison complex, and explores the world of crime and punishment. The section on convict transportation to Australia is a fascinating.

Other top Nottingham experiences include a guided Victorian architecture walk and a Robin Hood-themed treasure hunt

Doncaster to Nottingham distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Doncaster to Nottingham is 49 miles. You can expect a driving time of around one hour and eight minutes. The quickest route goes along the M18, then the M1 and the A610.

The best attractions near the Doncaster to Nottingham drive are Conisbrough Castle, Gulliver’s Valley and Hardwick Hall.

Best stops on a Doncaster to Nottingham road trip: Conisbrough Castle

Built on top of a limestone hill, Conisbrough Castle dates back to the 11th century. The 19 metre-tall keep is the centrepiece, and it hosts a small museum-ish section about life here in the 12th century.

There’s more about the castle’s history in the Visitor Centre, where you’ll also find models of the castle to get a better idea of the thoughts behind the design.

Doncaster to Nottingham drive: Gulliver’s Valley

Gulliver’s Valley is a relatively new theme park on the outskirts of Rotherham, and it is one firmly aimed at children. There are a few rides, such as the pirate ship and rapids, that older kids will enjoy. But the sweet spot is probably four to eight year olds.

Overnight accommodation is available, while non-traditional theme park attractions include a small farm, an inflatables course, a handful of playgrounds and a mini golf course.

Attractions between Doncaster and Nottingham: Hardwick Hall

Come off the M1 at Junction 29 for Hardwick Hall, a lavishly decorated National Trust property. In the hands of the Dukes of Devonshire for centuries, Hardwick Hall has accumulated rich furnishings and tapestries.

Even if you don’t go inside the hall itself, the surrounding estate is an excellent place for country walks.

Robin Hood topiary in Nottingham, England.
Robin Hood topiary in Nottingham, England. Photo by David Whitley/ Best3Stops.

More Doncaster road trips

Doncaster to Birmingham | Doncaster to Leeds | Doncaster to Newcastle | Doncaster to Sheffield | Doncaster to York.

More Nottingham road trips

Nottingham to Birmingham | Nottingham to Bradford | Coventry to Nottingham | Nottingham to Leeds | Leicester to Nottingham | Nottingham to Newcastle | Nottingham to York.