Surrey park full of 'treasures' including splash pad, play areas and lake with cygnets

A beautiful park with plenty of different walking routes and "fantastic views" is home to a family of adorable baby swans. The cygnets have been spotted daily by passers by, and have almost doubled in size, one photographer said.

The fluffy grey babies hatched from eggs near the lake, and continue to grow under the watchful eye of their parents. Nick Rogers, 63, from Reigate, has been visiting the park to photograph the sweet family.

Nick, who is the chair of the Reigate Photographic Society, started photographing the swan couple last year when they had a nest full of cygnets who sadly didn't make it. Nick said: "They are growing really quickly, at least to times the size now."

Wildlife photography is one of Nick's hobbies, which he enjoys both locally and abroad. He has been to Gabon to see gorillas and Alaska to photograph bears in the wild.

Those who would like to see the the Reigate Photographic Society's work and unseen photos of Muhammad Ali, the team will have their first exhibition at Denbies Vineyard. The exhibition will take place from Monday, June 2 until Sunday, June 8.

Exhibitions take place on the first floor mezzanine. Those visiting the vineyard in Dorking can grab a coffee and enjoy the the art.

Speaking on the park, Nick said: "There's probably two to three different types of birds on the lake. There are also woodpeckers and squirrels.

"It's a great park with three to four football pitches, a fun run every Saturday and children's fun." The park is also popular for its tranquil woodland and dog walking spots.

Steve Young, also a photographer, took a sweet videos of the cygnets with their parents. He said: "In the last several years they’ve struggled to be successful as local predators, probably herons, have shown how harsh nature is and had the cygnets away for breakfast, lunch or dinner."

The park boasts a huge pirate ship themed splash pad and play area children will love, with jets and sprinklers. Those wanting to remain dry can play on the castle climbing frames nearby.

A café was renovated last year, and opened with Creamy and Bites in situ. It serves coffees, ice creams, cakes and other snacks with plenty of vegan options as well. The café is family and dog friendly.

Speaking on the park, one visitor wrote via Google reviews: "This park is beautiful. So peaceful with plenty of different walking routes. You can fully immerse yourself in nature amongst the nature trees, or utilise the ample open spaces for sports.

"There are tennis courts, a great play area for the kids and a skate park. Fantastic views across the Surrey valley."

Another wrote: "This place is a treasure for the neighbourhood and a pleasure for visitors. Its literally got all the boxes ticked whether its for solitary time, with friends or family. Priory has areas for football, basketball, skate-ramp, children’s play area, coffee shop, toilets, parking, etc.

"The popular spot us the pond with beautiful birds before you choose to hike up the walking trail if you want more nature. For more choice, the High street and shopping area is round the corner with an array of restaurants to choose from. Certainly one of our favourite ‘go to’ places around."