Old Cantley, Auckley & Finningley

Old Cantley, Auckley and Finningley form a cluster of settlements north-west of Doncaster within the Humberhead Levels. The area mixes arable fields, drainage ditches and patches of woodland, with lanes and footpaths linking farms to village centres. Auckley acts as the residential hub, with primary schools, a community centre and local shops; Old Cantley retains a small hamlet character around narrow lanes and stone cottages. Agriculture and light industry shape land use, and fields give way to playing fields and allotments close to the villages.
Finningley occupies the site of the former RAF Finningley and the later civilian airfield; the long runway and control tower are visible from local roads and remain a landmark in the landscape. The airfield site has influenced local employment and road patterns, and small business units and warehousing sit alongside farming. Public footpaths, village halls and sports clubs form focal points for community life, while bus routes and road links connect the area to Doncaster, nearby towns and the motorway network.