Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Harlow, Essex

A new town located in the western part of Essex, Harlow was established following the Second World War to address England’s post-war housing demands.

The individual who directed the design was Sir Frederick Gibberd, who envisioned a Utopian Harlow as a center of education, enriched by art.

He assisted Harlow in assembling one of the most significant collections of public art in the nation, with works by Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, and Barbara Hepworth appearing in unexpected locations throughout the town.

Moreover, Harlow boasts an artistic urban design that sets it apart from other New Towns, and the water gardens landscape in front of the contemporary Civic Centre is recognized by English Heritage.

Frederick Gibberd’s residence is slightly distanced from the town center, while Henry Moore’s studio and gardens are also in close proximity to Harlow.

Let us examine the premier attractions in Harlow:

1. Harlow Sculpture Trail

When Harlow was conceptualized in the 1950s, lead planner Frederick Gibberd envisioned the New Town as a location where the public would have direct access to significant art.

In 1953, he established the Harlow Art Trust, which owns the majority of the 100+ works of public art placed throughout the Harlow area.

The chairman during the 1950s was Sir Philip Hendy, then-director of the National Gallery, who secured essential commissions, including Henry Moore’s family group, currently situated in the foyer of the Civic Centre.

A labeled map can be downloaded from the Harlow Council website, which also provides details for a trail along the navigable River Stort.

Several notable pieces are located in the town’s heart, including Rodin’s Eve, Elisabeth Frink’s Boar, and William Mitchell’s Seven Relief/Mosaics at the Water Gardens. The Philosopher by Keith Godwin is just a few steps to the west.

2. Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens

The town’s museum is situated in the stables and grounds of the 16th-century Mark Hall manor.

This historically significant residence was visited by Queen Elizabeth I and her retinue on three occasions.

The museum features four main galleries that narrate Harlow’s history over more than 2,000 years.

In Roman times, the town held one of southern Britain’s principal temples, and there is an intriguing display of artifacts including a jar adorned with unusual phallic fish. The Living History gallery delves into the work of archaeologists and conservators, and on Saturdays, “Time Detectives” workshops are held for aspiring young historians.

The Walled Gardens, once utilized for growing fruits and vegetables for Mark Hall, boasts a formal Tudor knot design composed of geometric boxwood hedges.

3. Harlow Town Park

An annual Green Flag award recipient, Harlow Town Park integrates five themed gardens and an assortment of facilities including a café, children’s adventure playground, outdoor gym, paddling pool, and Pets’ Corner.

You may easily spend an hour leisurely exploring the Water Garden, Newfoundland Garden, Specimen Garden, Walled Garden, and Sensory Garden.

There is also a Lookout Hill and a well-designed skate park that was opened in 2012. The café is especially delightful, occupying the ground floor of the mid-Victorian Spurriers House, which has recently undergone restoration.

Should you visit Harlow in early November, the entire community gathers at the park for the Guy Fawkes bonfire and fireworks display. Additionally, in summer, a series of weekend concerts are held at the bandstand.

4. Pets’ Corner

As a cherished free attraction within Harlow Town Park, this animal farm commenced operations in 1966. In addition to common domestic animals such as goats, pigs, ducks, sheep, chickens, and rabbits, there are also more exotic residents including llamas, alpacas, and reindeer, in addition to rare breeds like Tamworth and saddleback pigs, as well as red poll cows.

Visitors can purchase animal feed for some of the inhabitants and visit the Learning Centre, which provides informative materials about the various species on the farm.

5. Gibberd Garden

Frederick Gibberd, the architect behind Harlow New Town, designed this garden at his home on the town’s northeastern edge.

Frederick Gibberd cultivated this nine-acre property from 1957 to 1984, enhancing it with sculptures and architectural remnants.

The garden features lawns, terraces, avenues, pools, and a series of woodland glades descending toward the Pincey Brook.

The artistic elements in the garden include pieces from both nationally recognized sculptors such as Elisabeth Frink and lesser-known artists whom Gibberd personally knew.

Small children will be entertained by the garden’s animal sculptures, as well as a moated castle and tree swing designed by Gibberd specifically for his grandchildren.

After your exploration, there is an opportunity to enjoy tea and homemade cake at the Barn Tearoom.

6. Harlow Playhouse

Harlow’s primary performing arts venue features a 400-seat theatre and a 120-seat theatre, located in a section of the town center currently undergoing redevelopment into a cultural hub that will include a cinema, galleries, and restaurants.

The programming is diverse, featuring musicals, ballet, contemporary dance, and live music, including tribute acts and celebrated folk bands.

There is a “Pay What You Can” initiative, which makes the theatre accessible to a wider audience, as well as a calendar of workshops in Studio 3. The acclaimed Aerial Academy offers circus skill training and hosts unique activities such as “aerial yoga,” blending yoga with acrobatics, dance, and pilates.

7. Henry Moore Foundation

The two Henry Moore sculptures in Harlow may ignite your interest in one of the 20th century’s most distinguished artists.

Conveniently, his home is located only eight miles from Harlow and is open from Wednesday to Sunday from April through the end of October.

The Henry Moore Studios and Gardens showcase Moore’s sculptures across 70 acres of picturesque countryside, allowing for an immersive experience of his work.

The indoor gallery hosts short-term exhibitions; for instance, in autumn 2018, there was a display focused on Moore’s carvings in stone and wood, and workshops for children are also available during school holidays.

For a modest additional fee, visitors can participate in a guided tour of Moore’s residence, Hoglands, which is filled with art, books, and other personal belongings.

8. Ada Cole Rescue Centre

Open from Friday to Monday, this sanctuary offers a chance to observe dozens of horses, donkeys, and ponies at no cost.

The Ada Cole Rescue Centre, part of the Redwings Horse Sanctuary, rescues and rehabilitates approximately 1,500 equines across the UK. Walking tours of the paddocks are available, along with horse care demonstrations and opportunities to interact with some of the more sociable residents.

A café is available on-site, accompanied by a gift shop, with proceeds benefiting the charity.

9. North Weald Airfield Museum

The aerodrome near North Weald served as an RAF base from 1916 to 1958, and the station house at the entrance to this former installation has been transformed into a museum dedicated to the base’s history.

The museum opens on weekends and features four primary rooms, documenting the First World War, interwar period, the Battle of Britain, the remainder of the Second World War, and the post-war Jet Age.

Visitors can explore collections of propellers, radios, and photographs, as well as learn more about the British and American squadrons that operated from North Weald during the Second World War.

You may also encounter two vintage aircraft still based at the airfield: the only airworthy Supermarine Spitfire Mk XI and a P-51D Mustang 44-72035, which was stationed in Italy at the conclusion of the war.

10. Rye Meads

Located just minutes from Harlow, this picturesque landscape of flooded meadows, lagoons, and reed beds forms part of the Lee Valley RAMSAR site and consists of three distinct nature reserves.

Rye Meads is renowned for its rich avian biodiversity; at the RSPB reserve, there is a network of trails featuring hides for closer observation.

During the winter months, one can typically observe gadwalls, golden plovers, green sandpipers, tufted ducks, and shovelers, as well as otters in the waters.

In summer, common terns are prevalent, nesting on specially designed rafts, while spring brings with it lapwings, cuckoos, and reed warblers.

Artificial sandbanks within Rye Meads provide excellent opportunities to sight kingfishers during summer, aided by the Herts Wildlife Trust, which allows Konik ponies to graze on the grasslands.

11. Lee Valley Boat Centre

On a pleasant summer day, a trip along the navigable River Lee could be delightful.

This boatyard, situated just south of Lee Valley Country Park, offers a variety of electric and manual vessels available for hire for half an hour, an hour, or even a full day.

It is necessary to reserve in advance for day-long boat hires, however, walk-up options are available for hour-long excursions on a pedalo, rowboat, or electric boat (4-8 seats).

12. Parndon Wood Nature Reserve

This area of ancient woodland, situated to the south of Harlow, boasts a history spanning 900 years and is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The Parndon Wood Nature Reserve has been honored with the Green Flag award consistently for over a decade.

The 1.5-kilometer trail guides visitors past enormous ancient oaks and low hornbeams that have been coppiced for centuries to create poles.

For those with patience, spending time at one of three hides may yield sightings of Muntjac deer or green woodpeckers.

The nature reserve also hosts a tearoom and a conservation center that provides information about the habitat, along with a variety of specimens.

13. Copped Hall

This noteworthy Palladian mansion located south of Harlow stood as a ruin for over a century following a fire in 1917. However, as of 2018, restoration efforts have commenced, and the Copped Hall Trust is now opening the property for guided tours on select days throughout the year.

The house originates from the mid-18th century, yet the estate’s history dates back to Medieval times.

The picturesque view of Copped Hall’s parkland from the front of the building is captivating, and visitors can explore the vibrant borders of the restored walled garden, complete with a greenhouse adorned with elegant ironwork in its roof.

14. Paradise Wildlife Park

Renowned as one of the best-reviewed zoos in the country, Paradise Wildlife Park is located less than ten miles from Harlow across the Lee Valley.

The park is home to over 500 animals and participates in European Endangered Species Program (EEP) breeding initiatives for species at risk, including Burmese pythons, marmosets, and tamarins.

Its inhabitants are categorized across seven distinct attractions, such as the popular Big Cat Territory.

This area hosts some of the world’s most endangered feline species, including white lions, Amur tigers, and snow leopards.

The Tropical Rainforest contains the largest collection of small monkeys in the country, showcasing ten different species, while Optimus Prime, the UK’s largest anaconda, can be found in the Angkor Reptile Temple.

15. East Herts Miniature Railway

Now in its fifth decade, this miniature railway is located just a few minutes from Harlow at the Van Hage Garden Centre.

Operated entirely by volunteers, the railway opens on weekends throughout the year and is sure to delight both young children and nostalgic adults.

The line spans a quarter mile in length and comprises five steam-powered locomotives, along with two petrol, one diesel, and one electric locomotive.

A great deal of effort has gone into the setup, which also features a quaint station complete with a booking office, signal box, turntable, steaming bays, bridge, engine shed, workshop, and water tower.