Free Entry
The ruins of this priory in the Tees valley are dominated by the dramatic skeleton of the 14th century church's east end, an outstanding example of early Gothic architecture.
One of the first Augustinian priories to be built in England, Gisborough was founded by the Bruce family, ancestors of Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland. The canons rebuilt their church no fewer than three times, and what survives gives us a tantalising glimpse of the priory's former riches.
Managed by Gisborough Priory Project.
Guided Tours
A volunteer-led guided tour programme is run Gisborough Priory Project. Tours are free and donations are welcome.
The meeting point for all tours is the Visitor Hut and pre-booking is not required. All tours start at 2pm and last approximately 1 hour. Please wear sturdy footwear as the ground can be muddy.
This years tours will be:
- Sunday 31st March - Priory tour
- Thursday 18th April - World Heritage Day, Garden tour
- Sunday 21st April - Priory tour
- Monday 6th May - Family tour
- Monday 27th May - Family tour
- Thursday 6th June - Gardens tour
- Thursday 20th June - Priory tour
- Sunday 30th June - Priory tour
- Thursday 4th July - Gardens tour
- Sunday 21st July - Priory tour
- Sunday 28th July - Family tour
- Thursday 1st August - Gardens tour
- Sunday 11th August - Priory tour
- Thursday 15th August - Gardens tour
- Monday 26th August - Family tour
- Thursday 5th September - Priory tour
- Sunday 8th September - Heritage Open Day tour
- Sunday 22nd September - Gardens tour
- Thursday 3rd October - Priory tour
- Sunday 20th October - Gardens tour
Please note: in very inclement weather the tour may not go ahead.
Before You Go
Opening Times: The priory will open from 1st March 2024 until Sunday 3rd November 2024. Normal opening times are Wednesday - Sunday & Bank Holidays 10am - 4pm.
Events:
- Easter Fun Day, Monday 1st April, 1pm - 3:30pm
- Teddy Bears' Picnic, Sunday 16th June, 11am - 3:30pm
- Teeside Wind Band Concert, Sunday 18th August, 2pm - 4pm
- Heritage Open Day, Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September
- Halloween Scary Stories, Sunday 27th October, 1pm - 3:30pm
Please see Gisborough Priory Project website for further details.
Parking: The main short stay car park is 500m for the priory, with a smaller car park 10m from the site gate. There are also two long stay car parks nearby. All car parks have spaces for blue badge holders. The Walkers Row long term car park is free on a Saturday and Sunday but for all other 'pay and display' charges, please see the Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council website.
How to Find it: Gisborough Priory is at the east end of Westgate, the town's main street, beside St Nicholas Church.
Access: Ramped access outside the neighbouring church can be used to access the site at the main visitor entrance. Limited accessibility is then possible for wheelchairs across the site.
Facilities: There are plenty of places to eat and drink on Westage and around Gisborough. There is a wheelchair accessible toilet in the Priory Gardens, and other public toilets are available on Northgate, or in Rectory Lane. Both are around a five minute walk from the priory.
Guided Tours: Programme led by Gisborough Priory Project. Details can be found higher on this page.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.
Venue Hire: Contact gisboroughprioryproject@gmail.com for information about venue hire.
Plan a Great Day Out
Regarded as the 'gateway to the North York Moors', Gisborough is ideally situated to be paired with a trip to Mount Grace Priory or Whitby Abbey.
Mount Grace Priory is the only Carthusian monastery open to the public in England. Discover for yourself how the monks lived 600 years ago by exploring the reconstructed monk's cell. Mount Grace also boasts a shop selling snacks and cold drinks and is a great place for a picnic.
Whitby Abbey's haunting remains have a packed events programme and can be found just over 20 miles away. The site was once the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula and today there's still plenty to sink your teeth into.