AttractionEnglish Heritage

Gisborough Priory

Guisborough, North Yorkshire

The soaring skeleton of a 14th century priory east end, free, with level lawns for your dog and the Cleveland Way close by for something longer.

One wall, and it is a showstopper. Gisborough Priory is dominated by the dramatic skeleton of the east end of its 14th century church, an outstanding piece of early Gothic architecture standing high and almost freestanding, with the great window arch open to the sky. This was one of the first Augustinian priories in England, founded by the Bruce family, ancestors of Robert the Bruce.

Whilst you take in the east end and consider that the canons rebuilt this church three times, your dog gets level lawn and mature trees on the edge of Guisborough town centre, which makes for an easy, pleasant visit. The Cleveland Way and the Guisborough Forest tracks are close by if you want to turn it into a longer walk on the North York Moors edge.

Free to enter, though check current opening arrangements as the site is managed locally. Nothing official is published about dogs at this site, so keep your dog on a lead around the ruins and under close control on the grass. There are no English Heritage facilities on site, but the town is immediately outside the gate.

At a Glance

Site Type: Abbey & Church
Entry: Free
Members: Free for English Heritage members
Facilities: Wheelchair access

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 - 16:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 16:00
Friday: 10:00 - 16:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 16:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 16:00

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gisborough Priory dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome at Gisborough Priory, and the site offers level lawns and mature trees that make for a pleasant, easy visit. There's nothing officially published about dog policies here, so keep your dog on a lead around the ruins and under close control on the grass.
Are dogs allowed at Gisborough Priory year round?
The priory is free to enter and there's no indication of seasonal restrictions on dogs, but it's worth checking current opening arrangements before you visit as the site is managed locally rather than by English Heritage directly.
What should I know before visiting Gisborough Priory with my dog?
There are no on-site facilities, so it's good to know that the town of Guisborough is immediately outside the gate if you need supplies or a coffee stop. If your dog needs more of a run, the Cleveland Way and Guisborough Forest tracks are close by, putting the edge of the North York Moors within easy reach.

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Priory Grounds

Guisborough TS14 6HG

54.5359, -1.0459

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