WELCOME TO HARLOW
Harlow’s story goes way back, with signs of people living here since prehistoric times. For centuries it was a modest market town, with landmarks like St Mary’s Church and the old village centre at Old Harlow still showing off its medieval roots. But the big turning point came after World War II, when Harlow was chosen to play a starring role in Britain’s plan for the future.
In 1947, the government declared Harlow a “New Town”, part of a bold scheme to tackle London’s overcrowding and housing shortages. Under the eye of architect Sir Frederick Gibberd, the town was carefully planned and built with wide estates, green open spaces, and everything a modern community might need. It wasn’t just about bricks and mortar – the idea was to create a balanced place where people could live, work, and relax without having to travel far.
The second half of the 20th century saw Harlow boom. People flocked here for affordable housing, jobs, and a fresh start outside the capital. Industry and technology moved in too, making Harlow a hub for businesses big and small. It wasn’t just factories either – culture thrived, with the Harlow Playhouse, Gibberd Gallery, and plenty of public sculptures giving the town a creative edge.
Despite all the new developments, Harlow hasn’t forgotten its past. The Old Harlow conservation area is packed with character, with timber-framed buildings and historic charm, while archaeological finds keep reminding us the town’s roots go back thousands of years. It’s this mix of ancient and modern that makes Harlow stand out.
Today, Harlow is a lively, diverse place, still evolving but always proud of its role as one of Britain’s original New Towns. With its history of innovation in urban planning, its green spaces, and its thriving community, Harlow’s identity is built on blending the old with the new — and doing it with a bit of Essex grit.
KEY LINKS FOR HARLOW
EDUCATION
Hare Street Community Primary School and Nursery
Hare Street Community Primary School and Nursery
Hare Street Community Primary School and Nursery
Local Information - Parks
Harlow Town Park – Big, Bold, and Full of Fun
The Gibberd Garden – Art, Sculptures, and a Splash of Quirk
Parndon Wood – Wild Walks and Woodland Wonders
Harlow Town Park is one of the biggest urban parks in the whole country, right in the middle of the town. It’s a proper go-to spot for families, walkers, and anyone looking for space to unwind. With wide lawns, colourful gardens, and plenty of fresh air, it’s the kind of place where there’s always something going on.
Families especially love it here. The kids can cool off in the paddling pool on sunny days, run about in the play areas, or make new furry friends down at Pets’ Corner. The park’s size means there’s room for everyone, whether it’s a Sunday kickabout, a picnic, or just a wander.
The park is also a hub for community life. All year round it hosts events like funfairs, live music, and seasonal celebrations, bringing locals together in the heart of Harlow. It’s the kind of place that feels just as alive in winter as it does in summer.
With its mix of open space, activities, and community spirit, Harlow Town Park is more than just green land – it’s part of the town’s identity, a place where generations have come together and where memories are made.
Parndon Wood – Wild Walks and Woodland Wonders
The Gibberd Garden – Art, Sculptures, and a Splash of Quirk
Parndon Wood – Wild Walks and Woodland Wonders
For a more natural escape, Parndon Wood Nature Reserve offers a wilder side to Harlow’s green spaces. This ancient woodland is a haven for wildlife, with owls hooting at dusk, bats swooping through the trees, and the chance of spotting deer if you’re lucky. It’s the sort of place that reminds you how close nature is, even in a busy town.
The reserve has clearly marked walking trails that let you explore at your own pace. Some routes are short and easy, perfect for a quick wander, while others take you deeper into the woods for a proper stretch of the legs. Along the way you’ll pass ponds, glades, and trees that have stood for centuries.
At the visitor centre, you’ll find information about the forest’s history and ecology, plus family-friendly events that get kids excited about the natural world. Activities like bug hunts and night walks help bring the woodland to life in a fun way.
Peaceful, atmospheric, and full of life, Parndon Wood is one of Harlow’s best places to connect with nature – whether you’re a serious wildlife fan or just after some quiet time under the trees.
The Gibberd Garden – Art, Sculptures, and a Splash of Quirk
The Gibberd Garden – Art, Sculptures, and a Splash of Quirk
The Gibberd Garden – Art, Sculptures, and a Splash of Quirk
Tucked away on the edge of town, The Gibberd Garden is one of Harlow’s real hidden treasures. Created by Sir Frederick Gibberd, the architect behind Harlow’s “New Town” design, it’s a space where art and nature come together in a truly unique way.
The garden is filled with sculptures, water features, and carefully designed landscapes that make every corner feel a bit different. You’ll find quirky statues hidden among the trees, peaceful spots by the streams, and vibrant flowerbeds that change with the seasons.
It’s a popular spot for visitors looking for something a little out of the ordinary. Families enjoy exploring the surprises tucked around every corner, while garden lovers admire the creativity and thought that went into its design.
More than just a pretty garden, it’s a glimpse into the artistic spirit that shaped Harlow itself. The Gibberd Garden shows how imagination can transform a space, making it one of the town’s most inspiring and memorable attractions.
Local Information - Walks
River Stort Walk – Locks, Swans, and a Proper Essex Stroll
Hatfield Forest Walk – Ancient Trees and Proper Essex Countryside
Hatfield Forest Walk – Ancient Trees and Proper Essex Countryside
The River Stort Walk is one of Harlow’s real gems, following the towpath along the river and weaving right through the heart of the town. Once busy with barges carrying grain, coal, and building supplies, today it’s a peaceful route where walkers, joggers, and cyclists can enjoy the sights and sounds of the water.
The towpath is easy to follow and mostly flat, making it perfect for families, dog walkers, or anyone after a relaxed stroll. Along the way you’ll pass locks, bridges, and reminders of Harlow’s industrial past, with nature never far behind – expect to see herons, swans, and the odd kingfisher if you keep your eyes peeled.
Because it connects different parts of Harlow, the River Stort Walk is handy for both short strolls and longer adventures. You can dip in for a half-hour wander or follow the path further east towards Sawbridgeworth or west towards Roydon, linking up with longer countryside routes.
It’s the kind of walk that shows off the balance of old and new – a working river turned into a green corridor, buzzing with life and history. Whether you’re after exercise, fresh air, or just a bit of headspace, the River Stort Walk is one of the town’s best spots to stretch your legs.
Hatfield Forest Walk – Ancient Trees and Proper Essex Countryside
Hatfield Forest Walk – Ancient Trees and Proper Essex Countryside
Hatfield Forest Walk – Ancient Trees and Proper Essex Countryside
Just outside Harlow sits Hatfield Forest, one of the oldest surviving royal hunting forests in the country and now cared for by the National Trust. Walking here feels like stepping back in time, with ancient trees, wide glades, and a landscape that’s barely changed in centuries. It’s a proper countryside escape without having to travel far.
There are miles of trails to choose from, whether you want a short loop around the lake or a longer wander through the woods and meadows. The paths take you past veteran oaks, hornbeams, and open spaces where deer still roam – a reminder of the forest’s long history as a hunting ground for royalty.
Families love it here too, with plenty of space for kids to run, explore, and spot wildlife. In summer, it’s a perfect place for picnics by the water, while autumn brings fiery colours that make the forest look magical. Every season gives Hatfield Forest a different personality, so it’s worth visiting again and again.
More than just a walk, Hatfield Forest is part history lesson, part nature reserve, and part playground. Whether you’re after peace and quiet, a bit of exercise, or a chance to connect with the past, it’s one of the best walks in the Harlow area – and a reminder of just how special Essex’s green spaces really are.
Pishiobury Park
Hatfield Forest Walk – Ancient Trees and Proper Essex Countryside
Pishiobury Park
Pishiobury Park is one of those places that mixes wide-open countryside with centuries of history, all just a short walk from Harlow. Once part of a grand estate, the park still carries the feel of an old country landscape, with sweeping meadows, tree-lined avenues, and little pockets of woodland to explore.
The park is brilliant for wildlife. Deer often graze in the fields, while buzzards circle overhead and smaller birds flit through the hedgerows. In spring and summer, the meadows come alive with wildflowers, making it one of the prettiest spots around for a walk or picnic.
Paths here are easy to follow and link up nicely with the River Stort Walk, meaning you can make your wander as long or short as you like. Families love the open space for games and adventures, while dog walkers rate it as one of the best spots for giving the pooch a proper run.
With its mix of natural beauty and echoes of its stately past, Pishiobury Park is more than just a bit of green space – it’s a slice of local heritage where history and nature walk hand in hand. It’s the sort of place you can visit time and again and always find something new to enjoy.
Getting About – Transport Links Around Harlow
Harlow’s in a cracking spot for getting about, with transport links that make it easy to nip into London, head across Essex, or even get further afield. Whether you’re travelling by train, bus, or car, the town’s well connected and straightforward to get in and out of.
On the trains, you’ve got two main stations – Harlow Town and Harlow Mill – both sitting on the West Anglia line. That means fast services straight into London Liverpool Street, as well as regular trains up towards Bishop’s Stortford and Cambridge. It’s a big reason why Harlow’s such a popular place for commuters.
If you’re driving, the M11 motorway runs just to the east of town, giving quick access to Stansted Airport up one way and the North Circular and M25 the other. Local A-roads link you neatly to Epping, Hertford, and beyond, so you’re not short of options whether it’s work or weekend plans.
Buses keep things moving locally, with routes linking neighbourhoods across Harlow and running out to nearby towns. Add in cycle paths and walking routes, and you’ve got plenty of ways to get around without relying on the car. All in all, Harlow’s transport set-up makes it easy to live, work, and explore without hassle.
Secret Harlow Fact
Harlow has one of the world’s first ever pedestrian subways.
When Sir Frederick Gibberd designed Harlow as a New Town after WWII, he wanted to separate pedestrians from cars for safety. So in 1953, Harlow became home to one of the UK’s very first underpasses built specifically for walkers to cross busy roads. At the time it was considered ultra-modern and futuristic — people would even come from outside Harlow just to see it!
Sawbridgeworth – A Saxon Start with a Stortside Story
Alright, so technically Sawbridgeworth sits over the border in Hertfordshire, but let’s be honest – it’s practically neighbours with Harlow, just 4 miles up the road. The two towns are joined at the hip. Folks in Sawbo (as the locals call it) get the best of both worlds – all the shops, services, and hustle of Harlow just down the road, while still hanging on to that small-town charm and historic character. Handy for work, handy for play.
Sawbridgeworth’s history goes back a long way, right into Saxon times. The name itself comes from “Sæburh’s worth” – “worth” meaning an enclosure or settlement, and “Sæburh” thought to be the Saxon bigwig who ran the place back in the 6th century. By the Middle Ages, the town had grown into a small but lively market town, with its spot on the River Stort making it a cracking trading hub. In 1259, Sawbridgeworth got its official market charter, setting it up for centuries of growth and trade.
The town’s most iconic landmark has to be Great St Mary’s Church, which dates right back to the 13th century. It’s been altered and restored plenty of times over the years, but it’s always been the heart of community life. In Tudor times, Sawbridgeworth got a bit of royal attention when Queen Elizabeth I granted the manor to Sir Walter Mildmay. The Mildmays left their mark on the town, most famously with Pishiobury House, a grand estate that’s still one of Sawbridgeworth’s standout sights today.
By the 19th century, industry had taken hold. The Stort Navigation boosted trade, and Sawbo became known for its malting industry, with malt heading straight downriver to London’s breweries. Then came the railway in 1842, which changed everything again – suddenly London was just a train ride away, and Sawbridgeworth shifted from a working market town to a popular spot for commuters and families.
Fast-forward to the 20th and 21st centuries, and Sawbridgeworth has managed to strike a balance between past and present. The old timbered houses, churches, and historic buildings give it real character, while new developments keep it ticking over as a modern place to live. Today, it’s a pretty and vibrant town, proud of its heritage but always looking forward, with London close by and the Stort Valley countryside right on its doorstep.
Chipping Ongar – From Saxon Grasslands to Market Town Charm
Chipping Ongar’s roots go back more than a thousand years, right to the Saxon era when it was known simply as “Ongar” or “Ungar,” meaning grassland or pasture. The “Chipping” part came later and marked its status as a market town — and that’s exactly what set it apart for centuries.
By the medieval period, Ongar was buzzing as a market centre thanks to its prime spot on the route between London and East Anglia. Traders flocked in, stalls went up, and the town grew in both size and importance. The Domesday Book of 1086 even gave it a mention, noting its church and lively settlement. Over time it passed through the hands of feudal lords, but its role as a hub for farming and trade never wavered.
Agriculture kept the place thriving right through the medieval and early modern years, while its position on the London to Colchester road gave it a steady stream of passing trade. Ongar Castle, along with Tudor buildings like the mansion built by Sir Anthony Cooke (tutor to Edward VI), cemented the town’s status as a place of note. Even as the Industrial Revolution took off elsewhere, Ongar kept its rural character and pace of life.
The 20th century brought more change, with new housing and modern infrastructure reshaping the town. But Ongar made sure not to lose its heritage — many of its oldest buildings were conserved, giving the place a timeless feel. Today, Chipping Ongar is still a picturesque market town, blending historic streets and landmarks with the convenience of modern living. Its charm lies in that mix of old and new, making it a town where Essex history really comes alive.
Stansted Mountfitchet – Castles, Kings, and a Proper Village Feel
Stansted Mountfitchet might be best known today for its airport down the road, but the village itself has history going back centuries. The name comes from the Norman family who once ruled here — the de Montfitchets — and they left their mark in the form of a Norman motte and bailey castle, one of the best reconstructions of its kind in the country.
The castle is a real highlight, taking visitors straight back to the 11th century with its wooden fort, village, and farm animals. It’s a proper step into medieval life, giving Stansted a unique identity that few villages can match. The castle grounds were once a powerhouse of local life, with kings, knights, and nobles all connected to its history.
Beyond the castle, Stansted has always thrived as a traditional village. Medieval streets and timber-framed houses give it plenty of character, while landmarks like St Mary’s Church remind you of its long-standing role as a place of worship and community. Farming and trade shaped much of its early economy, and the village grew steadily over the centuries while keeping its old-world charm.
In the modern day, Stansted Mountfitchet strikes a balance between past and present. The village has shops, cafés, and pubs that keep local life buzzing, while the airport nearby means it’s one of the most connected spots in Essex and Hertfordshire. Despite all the movement around it, Stansted still feels like a village at heart, proud of its heritage and its place in the wider story of the county.
Theydon Bois – Woods, Rails, and a Village with Staying Power
Theydon Bois has been around a long time, with signs of people living here since ancient times. The name itself comes from Old French, meaning “wood,” which says it all really — the place has always been known for its trees and green surroundings. Life in the early days was simple and rural, with farming at the heart of the village.
The manor of Theydon even gets a mention in the Domesday Book of 1086, showing how important it was back then. Over the centuries, it passed through the hands of noble families, each leaving their mark on the village. The Church of St Mary the Virgin, dating back to the 12th century, is still standing proud today as a reminder of just how deep Theydon’s roots go.
Through the Tudor and Stuart years, Theydon Bois stayed peaceful and tucked away, its woodlands used by the gentry for hunting and leisure. Things really began to change in the 19th century, when the railway arrived. Suddenly the village was connected straight to London, bringing new residents and growth — though it still managed to hold onto its countryside character.
In the 20th century and beyond, Theydon Bois has carefully balanced progress with preservation. Modern homes and amenities have arrived, but the village has always made sure to protect its green spaces and rural charm. Today, it’s a vibrant, welcoming community — close enough to London for an easy commute, but far enough away to feel like a proper village escape.
Roydon – From Romans to Railways
Roydon’s been around a fair while, with signs of people living here since Roman times. Through the medieval years it stayed a small, rural spot, its life centred on farming, animals, and working the land. Like much of England, the Norman Conquest in 1066 put it under the control of Norman lords, and for centuries the village ticked along within the feudal system.
The heart of the community was, and still is, St Peter’s Church, which has stood since the 12th century. Generations of villagers have worshipped there, and it’s one of the clearest reminders of Roydon’s long and steady history. The Tudor years brought plenty of upheaval with Henry VIII’s Reformation, which would have filtered down even to a quiet farming community like this, changing religious life and local governance.
Roydon remained largely agricultural right into the 18th and 19th centuries, though the Industrial Revolution did bring gradual changes. New methods of farming improved productivity, while the arrival of the railway gave the village far greater links to nearby towns and even London. Suddenly, travel and trade became easier, and Roydon began to open up to the wider world.
The 20th century brought more growth, with new housing and modern amenities reshaping the village. Even so, care has always been taken to keep its character intact. Today, Roydon is still the picture of an Essex village – historic buildings dotted amongst modern life, surrounded by countryside, and full of charm. It’s a place that’s seen big changes through the ages but never lost its sense of identity.