Guisborough

Gisborough Priory

English Heritage cares for the ruins of Gisborough Priory, one of the first Augustinian priories built in England, founded by the Bruce family. The tall east end of the 14th century church is what most people come to see. It stands at the east end of Westgate, beside St Nicholas Church, at Priory Grounds, Church Street, TS14 6HG.

Opening: entry is free. English Heritage lists the 2026 season as Wednesday 25 February to Sunday 1 November, open Wednesday to Sunday and bank holidays, 10am to 4pm. Check before visiting outside that season.

Access: ramped access outside the neighbouring church leads to the main visitor entrance, with limited wheelchair access across the site; surfaces are uneven and climbing is not allowed. There is a wheelchair accessible toilet in the Priory Gardens, and public toilets on Northgate and Rectory Lane, about five minutes' walk. Dogs on leads are welcome. Free volunteer-led tours are run by the Gisborough Priory Project.

Guisborough Forest and Walkway

Forestry England describes Guisborough Forest as lying between Teesside and the North York Moors, with walking trails, a cycling trail, play and picnic areas, carved sculptures and a Wellbeing Trail, rising to heather moorland by the Hanging Stone. Fires, barbecues and stoves are not permitted anywhere in the forest.

The visitor centre at Pinchinthorpe (sat nav postcode TS14 8HD) is run by Redcar and Cleveland Council. Forestry England gives its hours as 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday; it is closed at weekends and on bank holidays, when the café and toilets stay open until 3pm. From Guisborough, take the A171 west to the A173 and the entrance is about 300 metres along on the left. On foot you can also enter from Belmangate and Butt Lane in town, or from Hutton Lowcross.

Roseberry Topping

Roseberry Topping stands beside the A173 between Guisborough and Great Ayton. The main start is the car park at Newton under Roseberry; our Roseberry Topping walk guide covers the route, parking and safety.

Parking

Redcar and Cleveland Council runs the town's pay and display car parks: short stay at Fountain Street East, Church Square and Reid Terrace, and long stay at Walkers Row, Fountain Street West and Patten Lane, plus the Guisborough Forest and Walkway car park and Newton under Roseberry. Charging days differ between car parks; the council publishes the current tariffs and hours. English Heritage notes a small car park close to the priory gate and the main short stay car park about 500 metres away, all with blue badge spaces.

Getting there by bus

Arriva's X93 and X94 run from Middlesbrough bus station through Guisborough Market Place and on over the moors towards Whitby and Scarborough. Check the operator timetable for the day and direction before travelling.

Guisborough FAQs

Where is Guisborough?

Guisborough is a market town in Redcar and Cleveland, on the A171 between Middlesbrough and the moor road to Whitby. It lies outside the North York Moors National Park, so we treat it as a gateway town.

When is Gisborough Priory open?

English Heritage lists the 2026 season as Wednesday 25 February to Sunday 1 November, Wednesday to Sunday and bank holidays, 10am to 4pm. Entry is free.

Is Gisborough Priory accessible?

English Heritage says ramped access outside the neighbouring church leads to the main visitor entrance, with limited wheelchair access across the site. Surfaces are uneven. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Where do you park for Guisborough Forest?

Use the Guisborough Forest and Walkway visitor centre car park at Pinchinthorpe, sat nav postcode TS14 8HD, run by Redcar and Cleveland Council. Forestry England notes there are no designated accessible spaces.

Can you get to Guisborough by bus?

Yes. Arriva's X93 and X94 run from Middlesbrough through Guisborough Market Place and on over the moors to Whitby and Scarborough.

Checked 2 November 2026: English Heritage, Gisborough Priory; Forestry England, Guisborough Forest; Redcar and Cleveland Council, Guisborough car parks; Arriva X93; Arriva X94.