About

THIS EVENT IS PART OF THE ENGLISH RIVIERA WALKING FESTIVAL

Discover Paignton’s fascinating heritage 

Step back from Paignton’s sea front to discover the story of the town’s development. Guests meet in Palace Avenue, a beautifully created Victorian arcade.  From there, we travel back in time to medieval Paignton and discover a town with origins dating to 700 AD, when it is thought a Saxon farmer, Paega, settled here with his people.  Our circular walk includes a forgotten Paignton centred around its 12th Century Parish Church that became eclipsed when the seaside town burst into life with the coming of the railway, tourism and vigorous Victorian development.

Kirkham House – a very fine example of a medieval cross passage hall house dating back to the 1300’s

Enter “The Clink” – Paignton’s 16th Century “Black ‘ole” prison – a lock-up dating back to at least 1550

Walk around the excavated remains of the Bishop of Exeter’s Summer Palace

Enjoy special access to climb the stairs of The Bishop’s Tower – a 14th Century Watch Tower built to guard against invaders intent on deposing the King.

FREE WALK - open to all ages

2 miles - 2 hours

Walk begins at 10.30am

Easy

Meet location

War memorial
Palace Avenue
Paignton
TQ3 3HB