Located on the northern edge of North York Moors National Park, Guisborough is a historic market town in North Yorkshire. It is believed to have been established as a military fortification by the Romans, with a cavalry helmet found nearby in 1864. Guisborough flourished during the Industrial Revolution due to the nearby ironstone mines.
Things to do in Guisborough
On the eastern edge of town is the Guisborough Priory, a ruined Augustinian monastery that was originally founded in 1119 by Robert de Brus. It was rebuilt in a Gothic style in the 14th century and by the Tudor period, it had evolved into one of the wealthiest monasteries in northern England. Today, the ruins form part of the Priory Gardens, which include an 18th-century avenue of lime trees known as the Monks’ Walk.
Nearby is Guisborough Hall, a Jacobean Revival-style mansion built by Sir Thomas Chaloner in 1856. Grade II listed, it has been beautifully refurbished and is home to the award-winning Chaloner’s restaurant and De Brus Bar & Grill. Adjacent is The Big Shoot where you can try your hand at clay pigeon shooting.
Sprawling south of Guisborough is North York Moors National Park, which encompasses ancient woodlands, charming villages and one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the country. Within its bounds is Captain Cook's Monument, a large obelisk that honours the circumnavigator and offers magnificent views across the Cleveland Hills. An extensive network of hiking trails winds through the North York Moors, including the 175-kilometre Cleveland Way.
Getting around Guisborough
Guisborough is around 20 minutes’ drive from Middlesbrough and 30 minutes from Teesside International Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Guisborough while the town is compact enough to explore on foot.