Harlow Hotels

Arts and culture

Anyone who loves live music and entertainment is well catered for. Harlow Playhouse hosts an eclectic programme of events from concerts and drama productions to comedy shows and children's entertainment. Offering a more intimate experience is The Victoria Hall Theatre, capable of seating just over 100 people. Alternatively, you could get tickets for a gig at The Square and catch a live band.

Parndon Mill is a centre for the visual arts and its galleries showcase everything from ceramic work and sculptures to paintings and prints. Gatehouse Arts provides emerging artists with studio space and you can visit the group's East Gate Gallery to view new pieces of work.

Local attractions

Discover all about the history of the town and local area at Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens, home to exhibits that date back to pre-historic times as well as items from the present day.

Harlow is home to an impressive collection of sculptures and it's now possible for visitors to download the Harlow Sculpture Trail App onto a mobile device. This acts as a guide for a walking or cycling tour, providing information on the various pieces of art dotted around the town. You could also stretch your legs with a three-and-a-half mile stroll along the banks of the River Stort, a route that links Parndon Mill with the delightful Gibberd Garden.

Youngsters will be thrilled to meet the animals at Pets Corner in Harlow Town Park, or spend a few hours having fun at Harlow Bowl, the town's indoor 10-pin bowling alley.

Shopping

It was planned that Harlow should have a market as the central focus in the north of the town. Stone Cross Market opened in 1956 and is now held five days a week. Stalls sell a wide range of items from fresh produce and pet supplies to clothing and craftwork.

The Harvey Centre is another retail hub in Harlow. It is home to major retailers and department stores, as well as independent businesses. It attracts in the region of 240,000 people through its doors every week.