College Lake Nature Reserve
College Lake Nature Reserve
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
59 within 3 miles
Attractions
51 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Pioneer744649Aylesbury Vale, United Kingdom6 contributionsA wonderful oasis of calmWonderful views across the lakes, bird hides to go in. Loved the exhibition of old farm machinery. A walk of approx 2 miles around the reserve. Plenty of places to sit and drink in the peaceful surroundings. A great cafe overlooking the lakes, serves breakfast too, what a great way to start the day. We took a picnic at half term, the grandchildren enjoyed the walk and going in the hides to spot birds on the lake. We took binoculars. Wellies/walking boots advised.Visited February 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 7, 2023
- WallySadeTring, United Kingdom22 contributionsLovely little escape!Great place to while away a few hours. A nice round walk around the lake and through different terrain (there are paths suitable for buggies and wheelchairs) lots of nice areas to the right of the lake that can easily be missed...the wildflower meadow which is beautiful in the summer months and has many rare species, the wildlife garden which is great for picking up tips on what to plant in your own garden for wildlife and also the woodland hide which is tucked away but always very peaceful. Cafe and shop are nice for a potter about and the food is very reasonably priced. As many of the staff are volunteers they are always eager to help and many have great wildlife knowledge.Visited March 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 3, 2023
- Sue BTring, United Kingdom36 contributionslovely place to goA lovley place to go and spend sometime with nature and birds. Clean facilities and friendly staff to greet and welcome you . Activities for children and pelnty of Hides for those who want to view the bird2sVisited May 2023Traveled soloWritten May 5, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
378 reviews
Excellent
238
Very good
116
Average
18
Poor
3
Terrible
3
John R
Hockliffe, UK125 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We’ve been a few times previously, and despite having always been disappointed by the cafe we always enjoyed the nature reserve itself and the two-mile walk around it.
It’s the first time we’ve visited for a year-or-so, and our little one is now too old for a buggy but not quite old enough to walk the entire way around by herself. No problem, we thought; her children’s bike with stabilisers is the middle ground... or at least it would have been, if they weren’t banned. We made it about 100 yards before being approached, told “there’s a sign”, and asked to remove the child’s bike from the premises. The cafe was also closed, presumably for refurbishments or something like that, but with so many other nice places nearby that we can access with no restrictions we won’t be back to find out any time soon.
Closed cafe + no children’s bikes allowed = no more visits from us I’m afraid.
It’s the first time we’ve visited for a year-or-so, and our little one is now too old for a buggy but not quite old enough to walk the entire way around by herself. No problem, we thought; her children’s bike with stabilisers is the middle ground... or at least it would have been, if they weren’t banned. We made it about 100 yards before being approached, told “there’s a sign”, and asked to remove the child’s bike from the premises. The cafe was also closed, presumably for refurbishments or something like that, but with so many other nice places nearby that we can access with no restrictions we won’t be back to find out any time soon.
Closed cafe + no children’s bikes allowed = no more visits from us I’m afraid.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NotBillBryson
United Kingdom100 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
A single lap of the nature reserve is 2 miles, but it is flat and the surface under foot is good. If you like nature there is a lot to see here, but even if that’s not your thing, it’s a peaceful and pleasant place for a good stretch of the legs.
There is no charge for entry, but you may be invited to make a donation when you arrive. Toilets are available at two locations and there are plenty of places to sit down on the route, and places to take shelter if it rains (mainly in the hides for the bird spotting).
The large main hide by the visitor centre encompasses a substantial second hand book area, all a pound each.
We had lunch after our walk, a very reasonable meal deal is available for £6.50 which includes a choice of sandwiches made to order, a choice of hot/cold drinks, such as a can of Coke and either a packet of good quality crisps, or a bar of chocolate. Our sandwiches were very nice and there was no shortage of tables and chairs both inside and out.
Before we left, we had a browse around the shop in the visitor centre. There is a wide variety of stuff for sale, including children’s books and toys, some food and drink products, books, greetings cards and clothing. There is also a big choice of binoculars for sale from £40 to over £300, or you can hire some.
We enjoyed our visit to College Lake and thoroughly recommend it.
There is no charge for entry, but you may be invited to make a donation when you arrive. Toilets are available at two locations and there are plenty of places to sit down on the route, and places to take shelter if it rains (mainly in the hides for the bird spotting).
The large main hide by the visitor centre encompasses a substantial second hand book area, all a pound each.
We had lunch after our walk, a very reasonable meal deal is available for £6.50 which includes a choice of sandwiches made to order, a choice of hot/cold drinks, such as a can of Coke and either a packet of good quality crisps, or a bar of chocolate. Our sandwiches were very nice and there was no shortage of tables and chairs both inside and out.
Before we left, we had a browse around the shop in the visitor centre. There is a wide variety of stuff for sale, including children’s books and toys, some food and drink products, books, greetings cards and clothing. There is also a big choice of binoculars for sale from £40 to over £300, or you can hire some.
We enjoyed our visit to College Lake and thoroughly recommend it.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CathyGilman
London, UK977 contributions
Jan 2020
This is a lovely place for wildlife lovers and lots for families to do too. The walk around the lake is accessible for everyone and we saw lots of lovely birds including bullfinches, woodpeckers and the more regular great tits, blue tits etc as well as grey squirrels. There are good facilities including a cafe, toilets and a nice shop and really welcoming and helpful volunteers full of useful information.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chrissy
Greater London, UK21 contributions
Feb 2020
A very pleasant venue for coffee and cake even on a cold wet day. The staff and volunteers are very helpful and attentive. Well kept walkways fo all abilities ! A charming little shop with great cards and good quality and bird food. Impressive range of good binoculars. We will be back on a warm day to do the well thought out walks and spot the many waterbirds on the lake.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcie-Lau
62 contributions
Jul 2021
We visited on a whim on a Sunday. We had expected it to be a little busy, but there is ample parking so this was not really an issue! The parking machines were covered and so we did not have to pay to park. HOWEVER, we were encouraged to make a £4 donation upon entry in exchange for a 'map' (I hate to say, but it was quite poorly printed!) with a menu for the cafe on the back.
The walk itself was really enjoyable. There are different routes you can take which are signposted by different colours on the map and different coloured arrows along the trail. There are also little extras such as the olden time style tractors/cultivators etc as well as information signposts on a variety of topics such as birds. There are numerous places you can stop to rest or look at the birds and in turn, there are plenty of benches/hides where you can sit. We did not visit the cafe but the menu had a fairly good selection of options.
Overall, a good few hours out!
The walk itself was really enjoyable. There are different routes you can take which are signposted by different colours on the map and different coloured arrows along the trail. There are also little extras such as the olden time style tractors/cultivators etc as well as information signposts on a variety of topics such as birds. There are numerous places you can stop to rest or look at the birds and in turn, there are plenty of benches/hides where you can sit. We did not visit the cafe but the menu had a fairly good selection of options.
Overall, a good few hours out!
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aberdeenjohn
Tring, UK532 contributions
Mar 2022
Wonderful reserve with plenty to see and friendly staff. Good paths with hard surface so ideal for pushchairs. We have seen complaints about the request for a donation for the car park - but you pay £3.50 to £4 locally for parking at the reservoirs and Dunstable downs. Do you really expect to walk round a reserve with many facilities for nothing? Real value for money in my opinion. Good café serving real freshly made barista style coffees and basic hot and cold snack food. About the same waiting time for coffee as any Costa or Starbucks - worth it for quality coffee. My only complaint is that prices are quite high for food - but I suppose this supports the trust. Also some times it is very crowded with the car park full and no spaces.
Written March 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikki B
Watford, UK580 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
My mum has been telling me about this place so I decided to visit with her. It really is a lovely place to walk around. There is a cafe if you decide you want to stop for a drink. The car park machines don’t take any money due to covid so in effect it’s free parking at the moment. However, on the way in there is an enforced donation station for the car park which you have to pass. Minimum donation of £4.00 which they encourage you to pay. I think its rather a lot seeing as we were only there for around an hour.
Next to that is a lady trying to get you to sign up to wildlife Trust - she seemed a very nice lady but really gave the hard sell. We just wanted to get off on our walk. I’m not sure I’d rush back.
Next to that is a lady trying to get you to sign up to wildlife Trust - she seemed a very nice lady but really gave the hard sell. We just wanted to get off on our walk. I’m not sure I’d rush back.
Written October 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nic's Adventures
High Wycombe, UK154 contributions
Jun 2022
Went in after visiting another local attraction as there seemed a break in the weather, the walk around the lake was lovely with lots of wild flowers, including the wild flower meadow and the farming education area. It was also nice to see chair bodging which is a great local craft that is not celebrated enough. We also spotted a lot of birds, but we need binoculars to see them. We did not stay long enough to visit the cafe, but if we visit again, we will have a look.
Written June 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula K
Aylesbury, UK65 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
I have been a visitor and a volunteer for college lake.
It’s such a peaceful and beautiful place.
You enter and immediately feel like you are in a holiday destination.
The lakes are really wonderful to watch as the birds arrive.
Photography is so essential, you cannot ignore the smallest butterfly or biggest bird.
The cafe is handy after the walk, toilets and the shop.
Good price points and variety - you don’t feel pressured and it’s all very affordable.
It’s such a peaceful and beautiful place.
You enter and immediately feel like you are in a holiday destination.
The lakes are really wonderful to watch as the birds arrive.
Photography is so essential, you cannot ignore the smallest butterfly or biggest bird.
The cafe is handy after the walk, toilets and the shop.
Good price points and variety - you don’t feel pressured and it’s all very affordable.
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pioneer744649
Aylesbury Vale, UK6 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Wonderful views across the lakes, bird hides to go in. Loved the exhibition of old farm machinery. A walk of approx 2 miles around the reserve. Plenty of places to sit and drink in the peaceful surroundings. A great cafe overlooking the lakes, serves breakfast too, what a great way to start the day.
We took a picnic at half term, the grandchildren enjoyed the walk and going in the hides to spot birds on the lake. We took binoculars. Wellies/walking boots advised.
We took a picnic at half term, the grandchildren enjoyed the walk and going in the hides to spot birds on the lake. We took binoculars. Wellies/walking boots advised.
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alex_reviewer
16 contributions
Can you hire the mobility scooters at college lake? I saw them there but didn’t see any signs. If so, how much are they to hire?
Iain&Lorraine
Letchworth Garden City, UK1,080 contributions
I wouldn't know. Maybe something on their website regarding scooter hire, if not give them a call.
Can you fish
Trevor S
Edlesborough, UK133 contributions
Fish are wildlife so I doubt that they will let you stick hooks in them.
BlueWren_12
Luton, UK74 contributions
Nick's review says there's limited parking - mainly on the road - but when we visited a little while ago there was a good sized car park. Has that changed?
robj3123
tring26 contributions
Hi There is a good sized car park
MChilcott2014
Baldock, UK
Can you take dogs
hjpop
Hemel Hempstead, UK148 contributions
Guide dogs only, I'm afraid.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingCollege Lake Nature Reserve - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about College Lake Nature Reserve
- College Lake Nature Reserve is open:
- Tue - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near College Lake Nature Reserve:
- (3.87 mi) Hill Farm and Orchard Wigwams
- (5.39 mi) Wingbury Farm Glamping
- (1.37 mi) Pendley Manor Hotel
- (5.33 mi) Holiday Inn Aylesbury, an IHG Hotel
- (6.86 mi) Malt House Aylesbury
- Restaurants near College Lake Nature Reserve:
- (0.22 mi) The Grand Junction Arms
- (1.74 mi) Crockers Tring
- (1.74 mi) Storia Tring
- (1.92 mi) Kings Arms
- (1.74 mi) The Espresso Lounge
College Lake Nature Reserve Information
Excellent Reviews | 238 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 116 |
College Lake Nature Reserve Photos | 234 |