- Harlow was designated as a New Town in 1947, intended to house Londoners displaced by the Blitz.
- The town was a pioneer in the 'master plan' approach to town building, incorporating a high ratio of public green space to residential housing.
- It holds one of the largest outdoor public sculpture collections in the UK, including works by Henry Moore and Auguste Rodin.
- The New Town design specifically mandated 'neighbourhood units' to ensure residents were within walking distance of local shops and schools.
- The Harlow Art Trust was established in 1953, specifically to acquire and commission art for the public spaces of the town.
About Harlow
Harlow is a planned post-war New Town in Essex, designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd to integrate extensive green spaces with modern residential living. The city maintains a unique landscape where public art and sculptures are dispersed throughout the urban environment. Visitors can explore the historical legacy of the area at the Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens or enjoy the expansive recreational space provided by Harlow Town Park. For those interested in the confluence of industry and art, Parndon Mill offers a site where creative studios occupy a historic riverside mill.
Highlights of Harlow
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
This expansive green space serves as the primary recreational hub of the town, featuring heritage gardens and play areas.
Museums
This museum preserves the social and agricultural history of the local area within a tranquil walled garden setting.
Museums
An artistic hub situated in a converted watermill that showcases galleries and contemporary creative studios.
Beaches and ponds
Offers boat trips along the River Stort, providing a unique vantage point of the local waterway navigation.
Venues
A historic venue in Old Harlow that hosts a variety of local theatrical performances and community events.
Parks
A vast parkland area managed as a wildlife haven, featuring ancient trees and scenic walking trails.
Top things to do in Harlow
The 81 highest-rated places in Harlow, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
Harlow Town Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United Kingdom, spanning over 164 acres. The landscape feature...
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Parks
Hatfield Forest is the only remaining intact Royal Hunting Forest from the Norman era in existence. It covers 403 hectar...
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Venues
Southmill Arts Centre is a focal point for regional cultural life in Bishop's Stortford, housing a multipurpose auditori...
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Beaches and ponds
Roydon Marina Village is a 32-acre inland waterway site situated on the River Stort and the Stort Navigation canal. The...
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Parks
Pishiobury Park is a 70-hectare historic parkland situated between Sawbridgeworth and Harlow, recognized as a Grade II*...
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Harlow on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Harlow
Late spring to early autumn, as the city's extensive parks and riverside trails are best enjoyed in temperate weather.
1-2 days, which provides ample time to explore the major parks, local museums, and the riverside areas.
The town is well-connected by bus networks and walking paths, though having a car is beneficial for reaching nearby Essex countryside locations.
Stay in the town centre for proximity to shopping and transit links, or closer to Church Langley for a quieter residential atmosphere.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining costs generally align with standard pricing for commuter towns near London.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 81 curated attractions in and around Harlow, ranked by traveller ratings.
Harlow Town Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Harlow right now.
The largest category is temples, with 48 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
