About

The park is edged all around by trees sheltering it away from the town and, once inside, you can walk around the meadow and woodland and feel removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The meadow gives the park its name as it comes from the term ‘prime lea’ or ‘best meadow’ and, not so long ago, horses were grazed here. One of the best times of year to visit the woods is in the spring when the bluebells and wild garlic carpet the ground, lit by the dappled sunlight.

The walk through Primley Woods consists of a moderate slope, but is a walled meadow and woodlands, suitable for dog walking.

Just a short walk from Paignton town centre, this park is edged with trees all around, sheltering it from the town and once inside, you can walk through the meadow and woodlands feeling completely secluded. There is a wall protecting it from the main road, but you can enter the park via an entrance on Totnes Road.

Primley Park was once the extended back garden of Paignton Zoo’s founder - Herbert Whitley, but is now owned and maintained by Wild Planet Trust, the charity that operates both Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo.

Primley Park is an example of Wild Planet Trust’s commitment to conservation which extends beyond their zoo sites as this space provides a valuable ‘green escape’ for local people.

The woodlands are carefully managed by zoo rangers, for example, you will see plenty of log piles and deadwood which provides homes for fungi, beetles, and other wildlife. Some of the trees in the woodlands are known to be over 200 years old!

Every season brings something new to Primley. In spring, the woodland floor turns blue with a sea of bluebells and the smell of wild garlic is a welcome aroma. In summer, the wildflower meadow is a riot of colour alive with butterflies and bees.