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.....

Beautiful stroll around the lake. Lovely flowers, a bird spotters paradise

Lovely walk around the lake. Not overcrowded at all. Good size free car park.

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.

College Lake is a lovely place to visit, offering a peaceful walk surrounded by nature. There are three trails to choose from, with the Wild Trail being the longest circular route at 2 miles (about 3.2 km), while the Time Trail is the shortest. Upon arrival, you’re given a map to help navigate the trails. Parking is free, though donations are welcome—we contributed £3. The Visitor Centre has a small gift shop selling hats, gloves, scarves, and books (both second-hand and new), along with ornaments, mugs, and tumblers. Right next to it is a café, open until 3 PM. The kitchen was short-staffed during our visit, so orders took a little longer, but the staff worked hard to keep things moving. The walk itself is mostly on surfaced paths with gentle slopes, making it accessible for many visitors. However, some sections can get quite muddy, so proper footwear is a good idea. I noticed a few seniors using mobility scooters, so it seems quite accessible. There are also birdwatching huts along the way, which is a nice touch for nature lovers. We visited on a beautiful day, and it was a great outing for the family. Overall, it’s a peaceful spot for a relaxing walk and some wildlife watching. Would definitely recommend it for a casual day out!