College Lake Visitor Centre
An outstanding centre for wildlife that delights and informs wildlife watchers of all ages
Explore the interactive displays in our visitor centre and around the reserve. Enjoy delicious food and drinks in the café or take a stroll around our beautiful lake. College Lake is one of the best places in Buckinghamshire for water birds and there’s something to see all year round.
Facilities include:
- Café offering delicious hot and cold refreshments
- Gift shop with a great range of wildlife-themed gifts, toys and books
- Bird hides
- Geology displays (College Lake geology)
- Farming and wildlife exhibit
- Picnic facilities
- Toilets, disabled toilets and baby changing
- Signposted walk routes and seasonal Wildlife Discovery Trail
Discover College Lake's wildlife
Find out more
Education Centre at College Lake
Find out more
Reserve and trails map
Download map
Common snipe by drakuliren for AdobeStock
Wildlife webcam
Get a front row seat to one of the best inland birding sites in the UK - from the comfort of your home!
Where to find us
We are located 2 miles north of Tring, Buckinghamshire at:
College Lake, Upper Icknield Way, Bulbourne, Tring, Herts, HP23 5QG
Find us on Google Maps or What3Words: broadens.ends.pebbles
Take a tour of College Lake nature reserve (https://youtu.be/XNF55eFu3kc)
Join warden Leo Keedy on a short virtual tour of College Lake nature reserve and discover some of the site's highlights.
Opening times
| Day of the week | Reserve and car park | Café |
| Mon | CLOSED EXCEPT FOR BANK HOLIDAYS | |
| Tue - Sun | 10am-4pm (last entry 3pm) | 10am-3pm |
Christmas hours
| Date | Reserve and car park | Café |
| Sat 21 - Sun 22 Dec | 10am-4pm (last entry 3pm) | 10am-3pm full menu |
| Mon 23 - Fri 27 | CLOSED | |
| Sat 28 - Sun 29 | 10am-4pm (last entry 3pm) | 11am-3pm coffee & cake only |
| Mon 30 - Tue 31 | CLOSED | |
| Wed 1 Jan | 10am-4pm (last entry 3pm) | 11am-3pm coffee & cake only |
| Thu 2 | 10am-4pm (last entry 3pm) | 10am-3pm full menu |
Admission to the centre is free. Charges apply for special events, please see our Events page for more information.
Get the most from your visit
Access
Some wheelchair access, including hides; two mobility Tramper vehicles are available to use - contact us on 01442 826774 or collegelake@bbowt.org.uk to book.
Walking information
Gentle slopes, some surfaced paths, gates, benches. Please note: some of our paths are uneven. For a longer walk exploring the Grand Union Canal and local reservoirs, download our Tring Reservoirs Wild Walk.
Dogs
Assistance dogs only please. Find out why this reserve is a dog free site.
Group visits
We welcome groups, but ask that you let us know about your visit by contacting us on 01442 826774 or collegelake@bbowt.org.uk
Bikes and scooters
Help us look after the wildlife on this reserve by leaving scooters and bikes at home or locking them up on the racks provided. Enjoy stretching your legs on our reserve instead.
Afternoon Tea at College Lake Café
Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea with a selection of homemade sandwiches and cake.
- Available Wednesdays and Fridays outside school holidays
- Vegan and gluten-free options
- Call to book on 01442 826774 (ext. 5411)
Sandwiches: Wensleydale cheese & chutney | egg mayo & cress | ham & mustard
Cakes: scones with jam & cream | a selection of mini cakes
All served with a selection of teas or coffee.
Price: £18.99 per person.
What's on at College Lake
Tune in Tuesdays - Well-being walks at College Lake (January-March 2025)
College Lake,
Tring, Buckinghamshire
Young Rangers - College Lake, Saturdays, Jan - March Term 2025
College Lake,
Tring, Buckinghamshire
