College Lake Visitor Centre

College Lake

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
Lapwing
Nature reserve

Discover College Lake's wildlife

Find out more
Events at College Lake
Education centre

Education Centre at College Lake

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College Lake
Getting around

Reserve and trails map

Download map
Common snipe rootling among plants

Common snipe by drakuliren for AdobeStock

Virtual Bird hide

Wildlife webcam

Get a front row seat to one of the best inland birding sites in the UK - from the comfort of your home!

Watch the webcam

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

Download a map and directions

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-3:30pm

 

Admission to the centre is free. We ask for a donation of £4 for parking. 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.

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

College Lake walk

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.

Tea and sandwiches available at the College Lake Visitor Centre

Afternoon Tea at College Lake Café

Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea with a selection of homemade sandwiches and cake.

  • Available every Wednesday and Friday
  • 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

Go wild with BBOWT!

We need volunteers

We are looking for people to help with a variety of jobs at College Lake, including meeting and greeting visitors, helping in the cafe and helping in the shop. To find out more, email volunteering@bbowt.org.uk