College Lake Nature Reserve
College Lake Wildlife Centre
View on Google MapsPhoto: Y Zhong
About College Lake Nature Reserve
Discover diverse wildlife habitats near Tring where families can spot wading birds like lapwings and redshanks while exploring accessible trails with wheelchair hire available for £5.
What's nearby
- Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust next door
- Bulbourne Yard, Tring 350m away
- The Grand Junction Arms 400m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Free street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Facilities
Opening hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
A great place to visit if you are in the area. You can complete a circular walk around the lakes which is just over 2 miles on good well maintained paths. There is plenty of parking and this is also free. There is a great cafe and shop and all the staff were very engaging and friendly. Would highly recommend.
· via Google
A beautiful place, so peaceful and relaxing, all the staff are really pleasant and welcoming, there's a nice cafe and shop too, you can stroll around the reserve taking in the stunning scenery and seeing and listening to the countless different birds.....
· via Google
Lovely place for just a walk or spending hours birdwatching. You can see how well they keep the nature reserve and make constant improvements The cafe/ visitor centre is very nice and they have lots of educational resources for kids and adults alike The volunteers staffing the site are all absolutely lovely too Make sure you donate when you visit - it's clear they put the donations to good use
· via Google
Can't thank the staff enough the gentleman in the blue in the first bird hut left, with his scope. I had the best day today birding. I learnt so much about the history of College Lake and it's feathered residents, and was encouraged to use the scope. Saw my very first Lapwings, Wigeon, Shovelor and Snipe with his help. After getting an idea of what to do, we went on to chill in the next hut and just do some gazing, where we were able to spot these birds on our own from the photos and real birds in the scope he showed us. Thrilling! Ive got a broken back and I always find it hard to take part in anything or do much walking, I'm so frequently left behind I don't usually go anywhere, so having someone so knowledgeable in an accessible area so willing to share was even more fantastic for me. Will definitely be returning for more bird spotting!! Hopefully try the cafe next time too. The staff at the entrance were also friendly and had made me laugh on entry about the floor.
· via Google
Visitors say this nature reserve offers beautiful walks around the lake with abundant wildlife, especially birds, and well-maintained paths. They also highlight the excellent cafe with tasty food, good coffee, and delicious cakes, as well as the free and ample parking. Guests mention the staff and volunteers are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- B488, Tring, HP23 5QG Get directions
- Category
- Parks & Play Areas
- Guest rating
- 4.7 / 5 (1,390 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Suggested visit
- 1-2 hours
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Dogs allowed
- No
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Tring