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 Custodians 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.
The next tours will be:
- Sunday 18th June - Historic Gardens Tour (2pm)
- Additional activity for Big Green Week: Tree Identification Tour (Sunday 18th, 3pm)
- Sunday 9th July - Priory Tour
- 20th July - Historic Gardens Tour
- Sunday 30th July - Priory Tour
- Thursday 3rd August - Historic Gardens Tour
- Sunday 13th August - Priory Tour
- Thursday 17th August - Historic Gardens Tour
- Monday 28th August - Priory Tour
- Thursday 7th September - Historic 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 2023. Normal opening times are Wednesday - Sunday & Bank Holidays 10am - 4pm, between March and November.
Events: Teddy Bears' Picnic, Sunday 16th July, 11am - 3:30pm. Free admision. Please see Gisborough Priory Project website for further details.
Parking: The main short stay car park 500 metres from the priory. A smaller short stay car park for disabled visitors 10 metres from the site's gate. Both car parks are free, with a two hour limit. There are also two further long stay car parks nearby for which there is a charge. All car parks have spaces for blue badge holders.
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.
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.
