Restaurant
Cod Father Fish and ChipsCod Father Fish and Chips is a takeaway restaurant on Finchley Road in Golders Green, serving traditional British food to the local area.
View Info →Things To Do In Harlow
Harlow is a town still developing its identity, acknowledging its post-war origins while building a contemporary feel. It’s a community-focused place, where you'll find locals enjoying parks and supporting neighbourhood businesses. The town blends planned spaces with evolving neighbourhoods. Harlow New Town offers mid-century modernist architecture and green spaces, a result of becoming a New Town in 1947, while areas like Old Harlow retain a traditional feel, with quieter streets and historical roots dating back to medieval times. You can experience this contrast moving between the town centre’s modern architecture and the lanes of Old Harlow, located roughly 1.5km away.
For things to do in Harlow, the focus is on accessible leisure and community events. Parndon Mill Park, 2km from the centre, is popular, offering nature, art, and local produce. You’ll find many families enjoying the open spaces. The High is where you’ll find the main shopping and dining, serving Harlow Town and neighbourhoods like Harlow Quarter and Barrows Farm. Beyond shopping, Harlow hosts a community-led monthly market on the second Sunday of each month, showcasing local produce and crafts. Also, look out for annual events such as the Harlow Summer Festival, bringing colourful parades and performances to the town.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the parks, catching a performance at Victoria Hall – which hosts the annual winter pantomime – or enjoying coffee in a town cafe, Harlow offers a relaxed pace of life. It’s a good base for exploring Essex further, with transport links via the M11 motorway and direct rail lines to London Liverpool Street, but also a place where you can spend a few days discovering local character. Consider exploring residential areas like Mark Hall or Netteswell for a sense of local life. Harlow rewards exploration and offers a fresh perspective on places to visit. Check listings on the site to find upcoming events and hidden corners of this evolving town. You might even enjoy Light up a life, an annual event at St Clare Hospice.
Navigating Harlow is straightforward. The M11 motorway offers easy access if you’re driving, and Harlow Town railway station provides direct links to London Liverpool Street, with Harlow Mill Railway Station also serving the area. Within town, walking is good for getting around the centre, but Beryl Bikes are available for longer distances. Consider where to base yourself – Harlow New Town is convenient for transport and amenities, while Old Harlow offers a village-like atmosphere. Neighbourhoods such as Mark Hall and Netteswell provide residential settings near the town centre.
Think about what you're after. A quick visit, or leisurely exploration? Events vary, so check listings beforehand. Harlow hosts the annual Harlow Summer Festival, with parades and performances. For a more solemn experience, consider attending Light up a life, a memorial event at St Clare Hospice. If you enjoy green spaces, prioritize time at Parndon Mill Park. Visiting on the second Sunday of the month? Look out for the community-led market offering local produce and crafts. Check listings for events at Victoria Hall, but note the closure of Harlow Playhouse Theatre. Tailor your visit to your interests and time, and be aware of potential parking congestion around The High and Harlow Quarter.
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Popular Places In Harlow
Food & Drink
Cafe Belle VieCafe Belle Vie is a cafe on Station Road in Harlow.
View Info →Fast Food Restaurant
fishnchicknFishnchickn is a fast food restaurant on Prentice Place in Harlow.
View Info →Takeaway Shop
Flames BBQFlames BBQ is a takeaway shop on Commonside Road in Harlow.
View Info →Restaurant
Harlow KebabHarlow Kebab is a fast food restaurant on Clifton Hatch in Harlow.
View Info →What Are The Best Things To Do In Harlow?
Harlow's story began with Neolithic and Bronze Age occupation, but its modern form evolved significantly in the 20th century. Designated a New Town in 1947, it was designed to relieve overcrowding in London. Frederick Gibberd’s masterplan established green wedges and neighbourhoods. Today, you can explore this legacy at Parndon Mill Park, offering nature and local art, and Victoria Hall, which hosts performances. For a family-friendly day, consider the parks and open spaces. The community-led monthly market showcases local produce and crafts, reflecting the town’s evolution.
What Is There To Do In Harlow This Weekend?
This weekend, you can explore the offerings at Victoria Hall. They often host a range of events, from performances to exhibitions. Parndon Mill Park is a good option for a relaxed day, with walking trails and art installations. Check local listings for the community-led monthly market, which takes place on the second Sunday of each month. It’s a great way to support local producers and find unique gifts. See local event listings for pop-up activities or seasonal events.
Where Can I Find Live Music In Harlow?
Check our nightlife category for the latest gigs. While the town doesn’t have many dedicated venues, Victoria Hall sometimes hosts musical performances, and the Harlow Summer Festival often features live bands. Local bars sometimes showcase local talent or host DJ nights – check their social media. For an evening out, consider Victoria Hall, which also hosts the annual Victoria Hall Pantomime, Harlow. The community-led monthly market, held on the second Sunday of each month, occasionally includes evening entertainment.
What Are The Best Areas To Visit In Harlow?
Harlow New Town is ideal if you want to be close to amenities and transport links. The High offers a central hub for shopping and dining, while Old Harlow provides a picturesque, historic setting. Parndon Mill Park is perfect if you’re seeking green space and relaxation. Templefields is another area to explore, offering a mix of commercial and leisure options. Netteswell and Barrows Farm provide residential areas, giving you a feel for local life.
Is Harlow Good For A Weekend Visit?
Harlow is a good choice for a weekend visit if you are seeking a relaxed and accessible destination. It offers a balance of green spaces, local markets, and cultural venues like Victoria Hall. It’s a place to explore at a slower pace, away from a larger city. With easy transport links to London, you can combine a visit to Harlow with a day trip to the capital. You’ll find a genuine sense of community and opportunities to support local businesses.
Events In Harlow This Weekend
Tiësto 2026 | Silverworks Island
Tiësto headlines an open-air festival at Silverworks Island in London, performing his first outdoor gig there in eight years.
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Events In Harlow This Week
The Shelter Drawings in Context: an Evening Exploring Henry Moore's Wartime Art
An evening discusses Henry Moore's wartime Shelter Drawings and Britain's artistic response to war.
Tiësto 2026 | Silverworks Island
Tiësto headlines an open-air festival at Silverworks Island in London, performing his first outdoor gig there in eight years.