Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens
Free local history museum and walled gardens in Harlow, Essex, covering over 1,000 years from the Iron Age to the New Town.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens tells the history of Harlow and its five former parishes, with galleries running from the Iron Age to the present day. Harlow's council opened the town museum in 1973 at Passmores House, a Grade II listed house on a moated medieval manor site, and the museum later moved to a former stable block near Mark Hall, where it stands today on Muskham Road. In 2019 it returned to the direct control of the local authority.
The collection of more than 40,000 objects has been donated mostly by Harlow residents. Highlights include finds from the Roman temple site, the story of Harlow becoming a New Town after the Second World War, fossils and rocks, and a collection of more than 40 bicycles, including penny-farthings. A library and research archive holds local newspapers from 1950 to the 2010s, maps, photographs and parish records.
The Walled Gardens next to the museum include a fruit garden, a 17th-century garden and a Peace Garden. The museum also offers learning sessions for schools, families and groups, and a winter Wassail festival.
Highlights
- Finds from Harlow's Roman temple site
- The story of Harlow as a New Town
- John Collins cycle collection with penny-farthings
- Walled Gardens with a 17th-century garden and Peace Garden
- Research library and archive
Permanent exhibitions
- Harlow history galleries – Over 1,000 years of local history from the Iron Age to today, including Roman temple finds and the story of the New Town.
- John Collins cycle collection – More than 40 bicycles, including penny-farthings.
- Founded
- 1973
- Operated by
- Harlow Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is on one level and step-free. Some garden paths have a shingle surface. There is an accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities. An access policy is published on the museum website.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
Explorer kits for children can be used around the museum and gardens; learning sessions are offered for families. The winter Wassail festival has free entry with some ticketed performances.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
First Avenue bus stop
Harlow has two railway stations, Harlow Mill (the nearest) and Harlow Town. The nearest bus stop is on First Avenue, served by routes 59, 508, 509 and 510.
By car
Free parking
Free car park with plenty of spaces. Cycle racks are in the museum courtyard.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
The shop sells local history books, postcards and souvenirs.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Tailored learning sessions are available for schools, families, groups and individuals. |
