Harlow: History, Gardens and Sculptures

Harlow offers a variety of options for planning your trip: local history and public art sit alongside historic gardens, green spaces and activities on the River Stort. Which of these aspects you focus on depends on what you want to experience during your stay.

Local history and public art

At Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens, the history of the town on display spans from the Iron Age to the present day. The museum includes three historic gardens set within two acres of green space. The Roman past is also tangible in the collection: Harlow Museum displays finds excavated at the Roman temple site in Harlow. This offers a chance to explore the town’s long history alongside a specific archaeological context.

Harlow is considered the world’s first “Sculpture Town” and features more than 100 public sculptures. The sculpture trail includes works by Henry Moore, Elisabeth Frink and Barbara Hepworth. Another work by Moore, “Upright Motive No.2”, is located in Harlow’s Water Gardens. These names and locations offer several points of reference if you want to include public art in your exploration of the town.

Gardens and green spaces

Gibberd Garden was designed by Sir Frederick and Lady Pat Gibberd and is listed as a Grade II garden in the British heritage classification. Formal terraces, lawns, ponds and avenues define the grounds; woodland glades lead down to Pincey Brook. The garden also features modern sculptures and architectural objects collected by Sir Frederick and Lady Gibberd over the course of their lives. Visitor access is seasonal, so check the visiting dates if you are planning to go on a particular day.

Harlow Town Park offers a different scale, with more than 160 acres of green space. Its Watercress Beds water garden consists of three cascading ponds fed by natural springs. The park also has four orienteering courses. If you would like to use one of these courses, it is advisable to check the current course rules in advance.

Parndon Wood Nature Reserve offers a different experience: it is an ancient woodland home to numerous birds, small mammals and deer, as well as plants and fungi. For a trip that combines local history with nature and landscape, this woodland complements the gardens by offering a different habitat.

Creative places and activities

Parndon Mill is located in the north-west corner of Harlow on the River Stort and is an arts and creative centre. Workshops and courses take place in artists’ studios and the Project Space. The Gallery hosts exhibitions of art and crafts. Both hands-on activities and exhibitions are on offer, so you can choose what suits your interests and stay.

For outdoor activities in the wider River Stort region, there are walking and cycling paths, as well as opportunities for canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. A specialist climbing and paddlesports centre in Harlow offers high ropes activities, abseiling, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and Bumble. Before booking, check which activities are available on your chosen date.

At Harlow Town Park, you can choose between its green spaces, water garden and orienteering courses. Pets’ Corner has an aquarium with fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Animal experiences are offered there every day of the week for all ages from four upwards, and for visitors with different abilities. Booking arrangements may change, so check the latest information before making plans.

Harlow Leisurezone adds a swimming pool, fitness classes, Urban Limitz, VertiGo and Kidzz Kingdom to the activities available to visitors. As these are current facilities and activities, check what is available before your visit. This lets you combine the cultural and nature-related aspects of your trip with activities that are relevant to your stay.

Getting here and finding your way around

Harlow Town railway station is connected to London Liverpool Street, Cambridge and Stansted Airport. Check the latest timetable for your journey. Within the town, a network of cycle routes connects all areas; if you are planning a ride, check the current route, as routes and infrastructure can change. This information provides different starting points for planning without presuming a particular travel time or distance.

Discover more destinations: Manuden, Elsenham, North Weald Bassett, Loughton, Rowhedge, Broxted, Layer de la Haye, Great Yeldham.

For the broader travel overview: Essex.