Discover Harlow: Sculptures, Gardens and Nature

Harlow combines impressive public art with historic gardens, extensive green spaces and a wide range of activities. Those looking to shape a trip around culture, nature and exercise will find various opportunities here for shared discoveries. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house in Harlow, it is therefore worth considering your personal priorities: art and history, park landscapes, sporting experiences or excursions by the water.

Culture between Museum and Sculptures

A good introduction to the history of the area is Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens. The museum presents the history of the town from the Iron Age to the present day. It also displays finds excavated at the Roman temple site at Harlow. The museum includes three historic gardens across two acres of green space. This makes it possible to combine historical themes with time spent outdoors in a single visit.

Harlow’s role as the world’s first “Sculpture Town” is particularly distinctive. More than 100 public sculptures shape the townscape. The sculpture trail includes works by Henry Moore, Elisabeth Frink and Barbara Hepworth. Henry Moore’s sculpture “Upright Motive No.2” is located in Harlow’s Water Gardens. The Gibberd Garden also focuses on the connection between landscape, art and design: the garden was designed by Sir Frederick and Lady Pat Gibberd and is listed in the British Grade II category of listed buildings. Formal terraces, lawns, ponds and avenues are complemented by woodland clearings leading down to Pincey Brook. Modern sculptures and architectural objects are also part of the garden’s collection.

Parks, Animals and Nature Experiences

For a quieter or more active break, Harlow Town Park is a good option. It covers more than 160 acres of green space. Its water garden, also known as the Watercress Beds, consists of three cascading ponds fed by natural springs. The park also has four orienteering courses. Those who enjoy exploring independently can combine their time there with a walk or a sporting activity.

Pets' Corner adds animal experiences to the range of activities. The facility has an aquarium with fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Animal experiences are offered every day of the week for people of all ages from 4 years onwards and for visitors with different abilities. For trip planning with different age groups, this is a practical way to create a varied day without focusing exclusively on art or sport.

Parndon Wood Nature Reserve also reveals another side of Harlow. The nature reserve is an ancient woodland with numerous birds, small mammals, deer, plants and fungi. On the River Stort, Parndon Mill is an artistic and creative centre in an attractive riverside setting. Workshops and courses take place there in artists’ studios and in the Project Space; the Gallery presents exhibitions of art and crafts.

Active Days on the River Stort

The regional setting of the River Stort opens up further opportunities for walking and cycling, as well as canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. The Stort Sculpture Trail begins near Harlow at Parndon Mill Lock. Those who want to combine culture and exercise can include these activities in their daily plans according to their interests. Harlow also has a specialist centre for climbing and paddle sports. Activities offered include high ropes, abseiling, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and Bumble.

For additional leisure options, Harlow Leisurezone offers a swimming pool, fitness classes, Urban Limitz, VertiGo and Kidzz Kingdom. At Harlow Playhouse, the theatres and studios can be hired for events, courses and rehearsals, subject to suitability and availability. These varied options make it possible to vary your trip between nature, culture and active pursuits.

Getting There and Choosing a Base

Harlow Town railway station is connected to London Liverpool Street, Cambridge and Stansted Airport. The station is next to the River Stort; from there, it is only a short walk across the road to the riverside path. Harlow also has a cycle network connecting all parts of the town. This information may play a role when looking for suitable accommodation if you want to weigh up rail connections, cycling tours or time spent by the water.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare Harlow with other destinations, you can also include Manningtree, Tiptree, Southminster, Sible Hedingham, Manuden, Canvey Island, Battlesbridge and Walton-On-The-Naze in your further selection.

For the main travel overview: Essex.