College Lake Nature Reserve
College Lake Nature Reserve
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
66 within 3 miles
Attractions
56 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- therichastillStevenage, United Kingdom3,524 contributionsHuge Area to EnjoyCollege Lake is on the road from Dunstable to Tring. If you are travelling from Dunstable you will go past Ivinghoe Beacon. Turn right and the reserve is on your right hand side. If you go over the canal you have gone too far. It is free to visit the nature reserve but it would be good if you can make a donation to support the habitats they have here and to keep it all well maintained. There is a small visitor's centre and in here there are toilets, a gift shop, information and a busy cafe. From here you step out into the nature reserve and are faced with an amazing view of the lakes and the surrounding area. There are a number of hides dotted about and there are well tended paths so anyone with a buggy, scooter or chair could navigate fairly easily. The hides I visited were all quite busy. I went on a day when apparently there was a greenshank seen in the reserve so there were lots of people with binoculars and long lensed cameras, If you are a twitcher or just someone who likes being near water or nature you will definitely enjoy this place.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 13, 2024
- Rachael HarrisonWaddesdon, United Kingdom12 contributionsWonderful walk, cafe and experienceSuch a lovely place. One of my favourite “local” walks. Peaceful, friendly people, no dogs, lovely cafe, wee shop and wildlife. Even when car park is full, it doesn’t feel busy on the walk. You can donate on entry which I always do, but the amount is voluntary. Sometimes I walk around the lake once, sometimes twice depending how I’m feeling and how much time I have. Love!Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 30, 2024
- phillip mHertfordshire, United Kingdom68 contributionsSome TLC needed to keep on top of maintenance daily. A great place.Bird sanctuary Tring College Lakes Lovely place to go for a walk but much of the path that surrounds the sanctuary is now in a poor state, at one time you could stroll quite easily and not have to watch where you walked, keeping an eye on the wildlife. It needs a lot of TLC. Much of the sanctuary needs some TLC besides the path, bird boxes need maintenance, several hides are in poor condition and have been for some time, one was locked down for good it seems. Signs broken and just left where they are, much of the seating needs maintenance. I know it's quite easy for me to point these things out, but a little maintenance each day would soon put it right at little cost.Visited February 2025Traveled as a coupleWritten February 1, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
383 reviews
Excellent
241
Very good
117
Average
18
Poor
4
Terrible
3
NotBillBryson
United Kingdom143 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 ÂŁ6.50 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 ÂŁ6.50 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.
rosebayfind
London658 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
What a lovely hidden gem. This beautiful nature reserve was an old chalk quarry. The circular route round the lake offers lovely views, little hidden gardens, antique agricultural items and a shelter to view the birds on the lake. There is a great café serving hot & cold food. There is also a small shop selling kids toys, small clothing items and souvenirs. Plenty of parking. Entrance is via a small donation of around £4 per family group - superb value!
Written March 3, 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.
aberdeenjohn
Tring, UK518 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.
Nic's Adventures
High Wycombe, UK148 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.
WallySade
Tring, UK21 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
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.
Written April 3, 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.
Pioneer744649
Aylesbury Vale, UK3 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.
Marcie-Lau
59 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 ÂŁ4 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.
CAROL S
DAGENHAM173 contributions
Aug 2020
We had not been to this reserve for some years. This time we brought family with us. As expected under present rules we had pay by card, wear masks when in the shop and cafe only doing takeaways. We were fortunate to have good weather and saw lots of birds, butterflies, bees, dragon and damselflies. The boys were excited to see a sand lizard. We had a nice picnic in one of the glades. The route is currently one way so walked the whole circular of the reserve which is 2 miles. I think the family are keen to come again.
Written September 1, 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.
John R
Hockliffe, UK180 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.
Paula K
Aylesbury, UK90 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.
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?
Written June 24, 2018
I wouldn't know. Maybe something on their website regarding scooter hire, if not give them a call.
Written June 25, 2018
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?
Written April 1, 2017
Guide dogs only, I'm afraid.
Written October 16, 2016
How do I get here using public transport
Written August 11, 2015
Showing results 1-8 of 8
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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 listing