Discover Guisborough: Priory History and Woodland Trails

Guisborough brings together priory history, insights into the historic market town and a range of woodland trails. Guided tours, the museum and markets have specific times or dates that are easy to factor into your plans.

Priory Ruins and Architectural History

At Gisborough Priory, the striking skeleton of the church’s 14th-century east end dominates the view of the ruins. It is considered an outstanding example of early Gothic architecture. The priory’s history goes back further: Gisborough Priory was one of the first Augustinian priories to be established in England. The site retains standing building remains and parts of the monastic precinct. Other traces include a dovecote from the early 16th century, as well as the sites of a late Saxon settlement and an early Norman cemetery. Alongside the medieval ruins, visitors can also explore the Woodland Garden.

Guided tours of Gisborough Priory are led by volunteers. They are free, require no advance booking and begin at 2 pm. As tour arrangements may change, check the details before your visit.

The Church of St Nicholas offers another perspective on the area’s architectural history. This Grade II* listed church dates from around 1500 and stands on foundations dating from before 1086. An original east window containing medieval glass was moved to the west wall of the south aisle. The church is also home to the Brus Cenotaph: this early 16th-century monument commemorates King Robert the Bruce of Scotland. The church is next to Gisborough Priory.

Museum, Town History and Markets

Guisborough Museum tells the story of the historic market town. The Railway Exhibition links this theme to a scale model of the former railway stations and rare photographs on display exclusively at the museum. From 2 April to 31 October 2026, the museum is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm; admission is free. Check the dates before your visit.

The town centre also offers ways to engage with Guisborough’s history during your stay. Bakehouse Square is a quiet public green space where visitors can relax and learn more about the town’s history. The Bakehouse Square Mural celebrates Guisborough’s history and cultural heritage.

Traditional markets have been held in Guisborough on Thursdays and Saturdays for over 600 years. There is also a monthly Farmers Market on the second Saturday of the month. Stalls offer items including homemade preserves, pies, cheese, organic vegetables and crafts. As market arrangements may change, it is worth checking the dates before you travel.

Woodland Trails and Outdoor Activities

At Guisborough Forest and Walkway, cycle trails, walking routes, horse-riding trails, a trim trail and orienteering courses begin and continue into the forest. The Sculpture Trail leads into the forest along a route featuring chainsaw carvings. There are also specific route details for walks: the Bousdale Beck Trail starts at the Guisborough Forest and Walkway Visitor Centre, is moderate in difficulty and takes about an hour and a half. The Hutton Lowcross Trail also starts at the Visitor Centre, is a circular route and takes approximately two and a half hours. These approximate durations provide a practical guide when comparing the two walks.

The Blue Lake lies on the Hutton Lowcross Trail. It once stored water used to power hydraulic machinery at Home Farm. Those interested in landscapes and nature can find habitats ranging from woodland to heather moorland in Guisborough Forest near Hanging Stone.

Another route continues from Guisborough Woods and Highcliff Nab to the viewpoint of the same name: it starts at the Fountain Street East car park in Guisborough. In the forest, it joins the Cleveland Way and leads to the top of Highcliff Nab. When choosing a route, you can therefore consider different starting points and destinations as well as the approximate walking times for the two walks.

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Go to the main travel overview: Redcar And Cleveland.