Harlow
Things to do in Harlow, Essex
Photo © ALPHA MadNETIC, Google Maps
Harlow is a town built for activity rather than lingering. The entertainment options cluster around indoor pursuits: two Cineworld cinemas serve different parts of town, TeamSport Indoor Karting offers competitive racing, and Wild n Wacky provides family-oriented amusement. Harlow Town Park, rated 4.6 from over 3,400 reviews, gives the town its main outdoor space. Pets' Corner rounds out the attractions, rated highly at 4.7 from around 500 reviews.
The restaurant scene is broad and casual. Chain establishments dominate—Wagamama, Wingstop (rated 4.7), and IKEA's dining areas sit alongside independent options like The Gardener's Retreat and River Palace Cafe. Most places score solidly in the 4.0–4.5 range, suggesting dependable, uncomplicated meals rather than fine dining.
Where to stay in Harlow(7)
All hotels in Harlow →About staying in Harlow
Accommodation runs to the familiar mid-range: Holiday Inn Express, Premier Inn (two locations), Travelodge, and The Harlow Hotel By AccorHotels form the backbone, all rated between 3.5 and 4.4. Pages Hotel and Guesthouse offers a smaller alternative. The town functions as a base for visiting Essex rather than a destination in itself—seven places to stay and an emphasis on entertainment venues suggest visitors are here for specific purposes, whether business, a day out with family, or a passing stop on a longer trip.
Green Man by Chef & Brewer Collection
Mulberry Green, Harlow
Holiday Inn Express Harlow
Crown Gate, Harlow
Pages Hotel and Guesthouse
17 Sheering Road, Harlow
Premier Inn Harlow East Church Langley
Church Langley Way, Harlow
Premier Inn Harlow North Harlow Mill
Cambridge Road, Harlow
The Harlow Hotel By AccorHotels
Southern Way, Harlow
Travelodge Harlow
Edinburgh Gate, Harlow
Things to Do in Harlow(11)
All attractions in Harlow →Where to Eat in Harlow(21)
All restaurants in Harlow →Attractions Near Harlow
All attractions in Harlow →Worth the trip — within 50 miles of Harlow.
2 mi
Redwings Ada Cole
Nazeing · ⭐ 4.7
4 mi
Rye House Kart Raceway
Hoddesdon · ⭐ 4.6
4 mi
Rye-assic Adventure Park
Hoddesdon · ⭐ 4.3
Rye House Laser Combat
Hoddesdon · ⭐ 3.8
4 mi
Rye House Gatehouse
Hoddesdon · ⭐ 4.2
5 mi
Henry Moore Studios & Gardens
Much Hadham · ⭐ 4.7
5 mi
North Weald Airfield and Museum
North Weald Bassett · ⭐ 4.6
5 mi
Lee Valley Boat Centre
Broxbourne · ⭐ 4.5
Camping in Harlow
All campsites in Harlow →
Roydon Marina Village
⭐ 4.3
Lee Valley Caravan Park, Dobbs Weir
⭐ 4.2 · from £25/night
Toad Abode
⭐ 4.9
Lee Valley Almost Wild Campsite
⭐ 4.5 · from £34/night
Great Hadham Country Club
⭐ 4.4
Dalmonds Camping
⭐ 4.9 · from £375/night
Hertford Camping and Caravanning Club Site
⭐ 4.5 · from £24/night
Debden House Camp Site
⭐ 4.1
Self-Catering Cottages in Harlow
All cottages in Harlow →Cutters Cottage
4 bed · sleeps 6 · from £1,092
Shepherd’s Retreat
1 bed · sleeps 2 · from £317
Bramley Cottage
1 bed · sleeps 2 · from £417
Russets
1 bed · sleeps 2 · from £373
The Herdwick Safari Tent
1 bed · sleeps 6 · from £2,222
The Chicken Coop
2 bed · sleeps 4 · from £2,174
The Highland Camping Pod
2 bed · sleeps 6 · from £2,174
Oak Cottage
2 bed · sleeps 4 · from £691
Common questions about Harlow
Where can I stay in Harlow?
We list 7 hotels, B&Bs and guest houses in and around Harlow.
What is there to do in Harlow?
We list 11 attractions and things to do in and around Harlow.
Where can I eat in Harlow?
We list 21 restaurants, pubs and cafes in and around Harlow.
Staycation ideas for Harlow
The Best Last-Minute UK Staycations
Six well-connected UK towns and cities worth booking at short notice, chosen for easy travel and a decent spread of accommodation once the school-holiday crowds have thinned.
Rainy Day Staycations: Best UK Breaks for Bad Weather
When the forecast turns grim, these UK cities and spa towns keep their appeal indoors, with museums, galleries and grand architecture to fill a wet weekend.
The Best Dog-Friendly Staycations in Britain
From Cornish coast paths to Lake District fells, these six British destinations offer the open beaches, moors and forests that make a staycation genuinely enjoyable for dogs and their owners alike.
The Best UK Staycations for Families with Young Kids
From New Forest ponies to Cornish rock pools, these six UK destinations combine easy logistics, safe beaches and family-friendly attractions for a stress-free break with young children.