Things to Do in Guisborough: A Local’s Guide to Hidden Gems & Must-Visit Spots

AD. Are you looking to visit a market town in North Yorkshire that has it all? Then look no further than Guisborough! Its rich history, beautiful countryside surroundings and wave of independent shops makes it the perfect place to visit. Or rediscover if it's your original hometown like it is mine. I firmly believe that there's something here for everyone! To me there's countless reasons to visit Guisborough, I'm still discovering them now. So let me let you into a few Northern secrets...

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Where is Guisborough?

I'm assuming you know where Guisborough is if you've landed on this website, but if not here's Guisborough in a nutshell.... Guisborough is a charming market town located in North Yorkshire, England. It is situated on the most northern edge of the North York Moors National Park, and is approximately 10 miles south of Middlesbrough. With its rich history, beautiful countryside, and thriving local community, Guisborough is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. It's changed greatly over the years and now feels like a place which is up and coming, thriving with new businesses and opportunities.

Things to do in Guisborough

Immerse Yourself In The History Of Guisborough

1. Guisborough Priory
2. The Blue Plaque Heritage Trail

1. Guisborough Priory

If you're in Guisborough or heading towards the market town you can't miss Guisborough Priory. The 14th century monastery sits proudly towards the top end of Westgate and most certainly has a few tales to tell. The ruins give an impressive glimpse into Guisborough's past and offers a great day out for all the family. I particularly enjoy the woodland and the garden area to the priory. There's many a fabulous picnic spot to enjoy. It's a must see for anyone visiting the area.

• Guisborough Priory runs seasonally and generally closes over Winter time.
• Guisborough Priory is open Wednesday - Sunday from 10.00am - 4.00pm (this includes bank holidays)
• Top tip - Visit in early Spring time to see the mlost wonderful display of daffodils

2. The Blue Plaque Heritage Trail

The blue plaque heritage trail is a self guided walking tour which takes you on a journey throughout the towns history. You'll discover a series of blue plaques commemorating the achievements of Guisborough's most famous residents. Route maps can be picked up from Sunnyfield House on the high street and the trail should take around 1.5 hours.

_{[Zog trail at Guisborough Forest]}

Outdoors Things To Do In Guisborough

1. Guisborough Forest Walkway
2. Walk The Cleveland Way
3. Climb Highcliffe
4. Pick Flowers at Rowes Priory Gardens

1. Guisborough Forest Walkway

Guisborough forest walkway acts as a doorway to the North Yorkshire Moors. A popular flat track currently plays host to the Julia Donaldson Zog trail and has previously showcased the Superworm trail. There's plenty to do here for kids and adults alike. It's an outdoorsy person's playground that's for sure! If you're looking for a more peaceful walk I'd recommend walking the opposite way towards Nunthorpe. It's much quieter and you get some cracking views of Roseberry Topping, just one of Guisborough's three peaks.

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2. Walk The Cleveland Way

The Cleveland way is a walking trail which runs for 110 miles between Helmsley and Filey. It can be picked up though Guisborough forest walkway and you can choose to head towards either Kildale in the North Yorkshire Moors or Saltburn by the Sea.

3. Climb Highcliffe

If you're from Guisborough or know anything about the quaint little market town, you'll know about Highcliffe nab. The top can be reached via a variety of routes offering different difficulty levels. My family home sits in an estate just underneath Highcliffe nab so we took many a trip to the top! The views looking onto Guisbrough itself are amazing.

4. Pick Flowers at Rowes Priory Gardens

If flower picking is your thing then Rowes Priory Gardens is a must! Their popular pick your own sessions allow you to explore their wonderful gardens whilst getting hands on with the blooms. Rowes obviously works seasonally, with PYO sessions generally starting towards the end of July. Do be sure to check out their socials incase this changes.

• Pick your own gift vouchers are available to buy
• Access is via Bow Street Centre car park, off Whitby Road
• Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome

_[Badgers]

Where To Eat In Guisborough

1. Badgers
2. Cookfellas
3. Indian Cottage
4. Sudnay Coffee and Kitchen
5. The Priory Bistro
6. The Voyager
7. Thingy-Ma-Jigs Coffee House
8. Sergio's
9. The Cat's Whiskers
10. Sharky's Bar & Eatery
11. Hollyhocks
12. The Ironstone Miner

1. Badgers

Badgers is one of our favourite places to eat in Guisborough. They've got a cracking menu with wide choices on both their breakfast and all day menus. If you're heading over on a Sunday I'd recommend their yorkshire pudding wrap! Honestly, I don't think I've ever been so full afterwards. It was delicious!

2. Cookfellas

Cookfellas is a wine bar and eatery located in the heart of Westgate, Guisborough's whimsical high street. Food is prepared in an open plan kitchen visible to diners which is always great for a nosey. You'll find a wide range of food from burgers to currys to flame grilled steaks. It's a popular restaurant with booking recommended.

3. Indian cottage

Indian Cottage is one of those 'if you know, you know' type places. You can dine in however I've found most people opt for takeaway. For thirty years this family run business has served incredible food. If Indian food is your thing, you need to try this.

4. Sunday Coffee and Kitchen

Sunday coffee and kitchen is relatively new to Guisborough high street and it's a completely original dine in restaurant for the market town. Here you'll find healthy and delicious acai bowls and smoothies, that are just as colourful as they are delicious. You'll also find a fantastic selection of pancakes if you fancy something a little sweeter. I usually opt for the ever millennial avocado on toast. Take a look at the Sunday coffee and kitchen photos below.

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Where To Grab A Coffee In Guisborough

1. Koselig
2. Paws For Coffee
3. Costa Coffee
4. Cafe Nero

Where To Grab A Drink in Guisborough

1. The Monk
2. Brass Monkey Beer Boutique
3. Twisted Peel
4. Gigr
5. Guisborough Brewery
6. Olive or Twist

1. The Monk

The Monk is a relatively new bar located towards the top end of the high street, just opposite the priory. It's a huge space which offers an event space as well as the cocktail bar.

2. Brass Monkey Beer Boutique

Brass Monkey bring a little bit of city living to this quiet market town in the form of their craft beers bottle shop and taproom. You can either buy and take away or drink in while playing some of their fabulously nostalgic board games. Brass Monkey is a great one if you fancy sampling something a little different to usual. They've also recently opened bars in both Stokesley and Saltburn which is really exciting for the area.

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Events And Festivals in Guisborough

1. Summer Sound Music Festival
2. Guisborough Beer Festival

1. Summer Sound Music Festival

Guisborough rugby club plays host to the yearly summer sound musical festival. Here you can expect a full weekend of live entertainment from the UK's best tribute acts. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the festival so be sure to expect some extra special events.

2. Guisborough Beer Festival

Guisborough beer festival is an annual charity event which over the years has raised an incredible £40,000. If attending you'll get to sample a splendid range of beers from brewers all across the country.

How To Spend A Day In Guisborough

I love Guisborough. It's my hometown and I've been able to make so many different memories there. I've provided a list of different things to do in Guisborough, but let's get down to the nitty gritty. Here's how I would spend a day in Guisbrough. Here is your 1 day Guisborough itinerary.

Spend a perfect day exploring Guisborough by starting your morning with a relaxed stroll along the town’s charming high street. Here you can grab breakfast and a coffee from Koselig before heading up to the impressive Guisborough Priory. Take your time wandering the historic ruins and surrounding gardens, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying one of the many peaceful picnic spots. If you're visiting in Summer I'd reccomend tying your visit into the Priory with flower picking at Rowes Priory Gardens.

After this make your way towards Guisborough Forest & Walkway for a late morning walk, choosing between a gentle woodland route or something a little more adventurous. If you’re feeling energetic, continue on to Highcliffe Nab, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across the town and surrounding countryside. If not take the bottom track along towards Nunthorpe. It's one of those low effort, maximum impact type walks with stunning views of Roseberry Topping.

After working up an appetite, head back into Guisborough’s and into Badgers. This is perhaps our favourite independent restaurant in Guisborough. They serve an excellent selection of high quality food.

Guisbroough is brilliant for charity shop shopping. So after having some food I'd definitely recommend taking a slow stroll along the shops. Farplace Animal Rescue is my favourite charity shop in Guisborough, but there's so many others you'll be spoilt for choice!

As the day winds down, you might choose to enjoy a relaxed dinner or drinks on Westgate, rounding off your visit with a laid-back evening that captures the friendly, community feel that makes Guisborough such a special place to spend a day.

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Things To Do Near Guisborough

One of the best things about Guisborough is how quickly you can get out into completely different landscapes. You’re never really “stuck” in one setting for long here. Within minutes you can be in the woods, up on the moors, or heading towards the coast for fish and chips by the sea.

A favourite nearby walk for locals is up to Roseberry Topping. It’s hard to miss once you know it, that distinctive, almost jagged little peak on the horizon. The climb is steep in places, but it’s one of those walks that feels worth every step when you reach the top and can see right across Teesside, the moors, and out towards the coast on a clear day. It’s a “classic” for anyone living around here.

In the other direction, you’ve got the edges of the North York Moors National Park practically on your doorstep. It’s the kind of place you can visit a hundred times and still find somewhere new to wander. Some days it’s all wide open moorland and big skies, other times it’s quiet forest tracks where you might not see another soul for ages. It’s very easy to lose track of time out there.

If you head east, things change completely when you reach Saltburn-by-the-Sea. It’s one of those old-school seaside towns that still has a lot of character. You can walk along the pier, watch the surfers down on the beach when the conditions are right, or just grab something warm to eat and sit looking out to sea. There’s something quite comforting about it, especially in winter when the waves are rough and the air feels sharp.

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A little further along the coast is Staithes and Robin Hoods Bay, which feels like stepping into a completely different world. The roads narrow right down as you drop into the villages, and suddenly you’re surrounded by tight little streets, fishermen’s cottages, and a harbour that still feels properly working rather than polished for tourists. They're the kind of places where you don’t really need a plan. Just have a slow wander and see where you end up.

And if you’ve got a full day to spare, Whitby is always a solid shout. It’s busier than the others, especially in summer, but it’s got that mix of history, harbour life, and winding streets that makes it feel like more than just a seaside town. Whether you’re climbing up to the abbey, watching the boats come in, or just people-watching on the quayside, it always feels like there’s something going on.

Taken together, it’s what makes Guisborough such a good base. You’ve got the moors on one side, the coast on the other, and a different kind of day out in every direction without having to travel far at all.

_[Whitby]

Making The Most Of Your Visit

Guisborough is truly a wonderful place to visit, not only for its many beautiful sights, but also for its many fun activities. If you are also planning to embark on a wonderful trip to Guisborough, you might want to buy some gadgets to leave some memories of this trip. 

For example, customised pin badges  are a great choice. You can have your memorable sights or other elements of your trip engraved on them. And these pins can not only be used as a collection, but can also be used to decorate your clothes or bag!

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Guisborough

1. Is Guisborough worth visiting?

Yes, Guisborough is well worth a visit. With its historic landmarks, access to the North York Moors National Park, and growing number of independent shops and cafés, it offers a great mix of countryside, culture and local charm.

2. What are the best things to do in Guisborough?

Some of the best things to do in Guisborough include visiting Guisborough Priory, walking through Guisborough Forest & Walkway, climbing Highcliffe Nab, and exploring the town’s independent shops and eateries.

3. Are there good walks in Guisborough?

Yes, Guisborough is known for its fantastic walking routes. Popular options include the Cleveland Way, woodland trails in Guisborough Forest, and hikes up Highcliffe Nab with views of Roseberry Topping.

4. Is Guisborough good for a day trip?

Guisborough is perfect for a day trip. You can easily explore the priory, enjoy a scenic walk, visit local cafés, and browse independent shops all in one day.

5. What is Guisborough famous for?

Guisborough is best known for Guisborough Priory, its historic market town roots, and its location on the edge of the North York Moors.

6. Are there free things to do in Guisborough?

Yes, there are plenty of free things to do, including walking around Guisborough Priory grounds, exploring Guisborough Forest, following the heritage trail, and hiking to Highcliffe Nab.

7. Where can I eat in Guisborough?

Guisborough has a growing food scene with a mix of independent cafes, restaurants, and takeaways. You’ll find everything from brunch spots and coffee houses to traditional pubs and international cuisine.

8. When is the best time to visit Guisborough?

The best time to visit is during spring and summer when the surrounding countryside is at its best, although autumn is also beautiful for walking in the nearby moors and woodland.

9. What is there to do near Guisborough?

Nearby attractions include Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Whitby, and Roseberry Topping, all of which make great additions to your trip.

10. How long should you spend in Guisborough?

A full day is usually enough to see the main attractions, but you could easily spend a weekend exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby coastal towns.