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Harlow

Harlow is a vibrant town with art and culture, sport and green spaces at its heart. Located close to London, Stansted Airport and Cambridge, it’s easy to get to thanks to excellent rail and road links.

The town has many stories to tell. Not only is Harlow the birthplace of fibre optic telecommunications technology, it’s also the home of the first tower block in the country and the invention of the first automated cricket scoring board!

The innovative development of Harlow New Town, by the renowned architect and master planner Sir Frederick Gibberd, was based on neighbourhoods and integrating green spaces which connect to the surrounding countryside and waterways. As a result, one third of Harlow is green space, with our nature Reserve at Parndon Wood, green wedges, commons and the 164-acre, award-winning, Town Park designed by Dame Sylvia Crowe as the jewel in the crown.

Access to world-class public art is visible in every neighbourhood. Harlow’s sculptures are world famous and have led to the town being designated as a Sculpture Town. Harlow’s sculpture trails boasts over 100 works by world famous artists such as Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. The Gibberd Garden, home of Sir Frederick Gibberd is an extraordinary space where you will find more sculptures and landscaped rooms to explore and even a moated fort for children to enjoy.
Harlow may be a former New Town (it was designated in 1947) but ancient history can be discovered here. It is the site of a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva. The original village, mentioned in the Domesday Book, is known as Old Harlow, with many older buildings still standing. You can explore Harlow’s heritage through the ages by visiting the Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens, which features dedicated galleries to the Romans and the temple, Harlow parishes, the fascinating and celebrated Collins Cycle collection, as well as the people and development of Harlow New Town. And don’t forget to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of our very own secret garden at the Museum.

Harlow offers a wide range of days out and activities for all the family. Stay over in one of the wide range of hotels in town or in the countryside close by, and combine a visit with other amazing places like the Henry Moore Foundation, Hatfield and Epping Forests, Audley End House and the Lea Valley Regional Park. Enjoy the River Stort where you can get involved in water sports at Essex Outdoors Harlow and even connect on through waterways and tow paths right into the heart of London.

Whether you are visiting high street shops or the Gibberd Art Gallery in the Water Gardens, petting ponies at Pets’ Corner in the Town Park or watching a performance at The Harlow Playhouse, there is always something to do in Harlow for everyone. Explore Harlow today and discover truly unique place.

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