Lifestyle

Harlow offers everything from arts, culture and theatre to sport, parks and fantastic shopping centres and retail outlets.

Visit the Harlow Playhouse theatre, a leading creative hub providing enjoyable cultural experiences for everyone; stage shows, comedy, music and studio classes for those wanting to try their own hand at the arts. Explore Harlow’s history at one of the town’s museums including the Time Machine, an amazing hands-on gallery for science and technology with over 50 interactive exhibits with links to history and inventions.

Shopping

Shoppers are spoilt with two complexes in central Harlow only a short walk from Edinburgh Way. Both The Harvey Centre and The Water Gardens are home to major high street brands. Located at The Water Gardens, Tessuli are purveyors of designer brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Vivienne Westwood and Ralph Lauren. Further afield the shopping centres of Cambridge are within easy reach up the M11 offering an eclectic mix of shopping experiences from premium labels to independent boutiques along with high street brands.

When you’re ready for refreshment, dine at one of many fine town centre restaurants such as Five Guys, Nando’s, Frankie & Benny’s or Pizza Express. Or take your pick of The Dusty Miller, The John Barleycorn or The Rainbow and Dove, just three of the many country pubs located on the outskirts of town. Located at the picturesque Marina Village at Roydon, Marco’s Italian restaurant offers a range of authentic Italian cuisine to enjoy whilst The Fox and Hounds just 3 miles away in Hunsdon is listed in the Good Food Guide 2019.

Michelin dining

In Great Waltham, near Chelmsford The Galvin Green Man, dating back to 1314 is an award winning destination having two rosettes, a Michelin Bib Gourmand award and is also mentioned in the Good Food Guide 2019. To the north of Harlow, The Cricketers is a 16th century inn owned and run by Trevor and Sally Oliver, parents of celebrity chef Jamie, located in Clavering.

The Queensgate Centre retail park, only a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Way, includes outlets such as B&Q, Wickes, Go Outdoors and Currys PC World as well as a Cineworld multiplex cinema.

Health & fitness

Harlow Leisurezone offers an all-around leisure experience for everyone including a 25m, 8 lane swimming pool, a Health & Fitness Club, fitness classes and a multitude of sports clubs and coaching sessions. Children can immerse themselves in Kidzz Kingdom, a medieval fairytale themed play centre. For those with a head for heights, try the very latest in indoor climbing challenges at VertiGO climbing experience.

PureGym Harlow offers a whole new approach to fitness. Whether you want to shape up as part of a fitness regime or reach physical perfection the UK’s leading chain welcomes members 24/7.

Relax the body and soothe the soul with a visit to nearby Eden Spa at Down Hall Hotel. Dating back to 1322, this impressive Italianate mansion is a historic setting.