Discover Primley

Looking for an ideal spot to walk your dog? Look no further than Primley park in Paignton.

Owned and curated by Paignton Zoo’s parent charity Wild Planet Trust, this natural woodland (also known as Primley Woods) and meadow offers a variety of scenic paths, making it a paradise for dogs and their owners. Enjoy the beauty of nature as you explore the different trails, free of charge and open to the public all year round. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Primley Park is the perfect place to let your furry friend roam and play.

Dog walking in Paignton

Situated a short distance from the zoo, our dog-friendly nature reserve at Primley Park is free and open to the public all year round.

Each season brings something new for you and your dogs to enjoy… from springtime bluebells and the scent of wild garlic, to the harvest of orchard fruits in the autumn.

A green escape

As one of the few remaining green areas in Paignton, we are proud to provide a valuable ‘green escape’ for our local community, as well as a safe haven for a host of native species, including fungi, beetles and other wildlife.

Historical interest

What is now Primley Park once formed part of the gardens for Paignton Zoo founder Herbert Whitley’s home at Primley House.

The park once contained a group of impressive greenhouses, along with several kennels and aviaries, but since 1994, it has been a nature reserve open to the public.

The surrounding woodland contains trees that are more than 200 years old, and eagle eyed visitors might spot the remains of old walls, kerbstones, and gateposts, offering a glimpse into how the estate will have looked a century ago.

Nature on your doorstep

Wild Planet Trust have been managing the nature reserve as a public access green space since the mid 1990’s, which includes both the woodland and the meadow areas.

Primley actually means ‘prime lea or meadow’, and with an abundance of wildflowers and orchids, the meadow is one of the park’s most impressive areas. There is also an orchard, containing a mix of heritage eating apples, pears and plums.

Muddy footprints

There are a number of trails suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

If you wish to trek along some of the more challenging routes, we do recommend you wear suitable footwear as the paths can get very muddy.

How to find us

Address:
Primley Park, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3JT, United Kingdom

Directions:

• By Car: From Paignton town centre, head south on the A3022. Turn left onto Totnes Road (A385) and continue for about 1 mile. There is free parking available near the Totnes Road entrance.
• By Public Transport: The park is easily accessible by bus. Take the Stagecoach Gold service from Paignton Bus Station towards Totnes and alight at the Primley Park stop. The park entrance is a short walk from the bus stop.
• On Foot: If you’re walking from Paignton town centre, head south on the A3022 and turn left onto Totnes Road (A385). Follow the signs to Primley Park, which is approximately a 20-minute walk.

Opening Hours:
Primley Park is open to the public all year round, from dawn till dusk.

Contact Us:
For more information, please email [email protected] or call us on 01803 697500.