Car Hire Harlow

Harlow is just over an hour from the bright lights of London. However, there’s plenty of small-town charm to explore within the vicinity and surrounding areas, with nature reserves, parklands and gardens in abundance.

Within the dynamic county of Essex, there’s always something going on. Chelmsford is only around 45 minutes’ away via the A414. Here you’ll find museums on everything from archaeology to the police – as well as picturesque manor houses, cathedrals and stately homes oozing in history.

Additionally, with a hire car in Harlow, Colchester is just over an hour away too. Explore its 11th century castle or enjoy a day at the zoo. You’ll find even more history in the iconic university cities of Cambridge and Oxford meanwhile. The former is only an hour or so’s drive away north, while Oxford sits 135km to the west.

Just off the M11, Harlow is easy to access and even easier to navigate. There’s plenty of parking available in the centre too, from street parking to pay and display car parks, with many offering low hourly charges to leave your vehicle there.

If you’re planning a day trip to the capital, head south from Harlow to join the M11, before merging onto the A13 east. It’s worth planning your journey and avoiding peak times, as traffic can become congested in and out of London, and you should be aware of toll roads and one-way systems too.

Much like Ireland, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road. However, speed limits will be displayed in miles per hour. When driving around Harlow or any other town and city, the speed limit is usually 30mph (48km/h) unless signposted otherwise, though some residential zones and areas around schools will be 20mph (32km/h).

Outside of built-up areas, many country roads have maximums of 60mph (96km/h), while this typically rises to 70mph (112km/h) on dual-carriageways and motorways. Always check signs however, as these can vary.

Small town doesn’t have to mean small adventures, and Harlow is jam-packed with exciting activities and landmarks.

Get up-close and personal with wildlife, from the farm to the safari, or explore an ancient woodland just minutes from the centre. Plus, with close links to the M11, excitement is never far away with a hire car from Harlow.

Woodland adventures

Less than 10 minutes from Harlow’s centre, Parndon Wood Nature Reserve is one of the UK’s best loved parks. Its surrounding forest has been here for almost a thousand years, granting it the title of ‘ancient woodland’ – and there’s an abundance of wildlife that calls this place home.

Follow the guided trail through this magnificent spot and find your own adventure among the trees. There are a number of observation hides along the way too, so try to catch a glimpse of a deer or bird in its natural habitat during your hike.

To learn more about the plants and wildlife which inhabit this space, visit the conservation centre or keep an eye out for the range of events held here during the school holidays.

Museums and manors

Around 20 minutes’ north of Harlow sits the former home of iconic artist Henry Moore, which has since been transformed into a sculpture garden and gallery. Henry Moore Studios and Gardens are open to the public, letting you can see some of his finest works. You can also opt for a tour inside his home, which displays some of his most treasured possessions.

Further away from Harlow, Chelmsford museum group features three unique museums that highlight the region’s heritage. Chelmsford Museum uses an array of interactive displays to tell the story of the city’s history, including its proud bygone industries. Just next door, Essex Regiment Museum celebrates the county’s infantry regiment through military artefacts such as medals, uniform and weaponry

A little further afield sits the last of the three museums, Sandford Mill. It’s a Science Education Centre, where visitors can discover science, nature and industry facts, as well as attend hands-on events throughout the year. For a further slice of local heritage and history, the glamorous Hylands House estate sits near to the town, opening to the public on select days (check in advance to plan your visit), and hosting a number of events throughout the year.

Furry friends

Harlow is home to several green spaces and parks. At Harlow Town Park, you’ll find the friendly Pets' Corner. Here there’s an array of traditional farm animals, including cows and pigs, as well as rabbits, reindeer and even more exotic species like llamas and turtles. You can even feed some of the animals along the way.

Just 15 minutes from Harlow, Ventura Wildlife Park is filled with safari and tropical wildlife, from kangaroos to zebras. Enjoy a tour around the globe as you visit the various animals and learn more about their homes and personalities. For an even closer view, check out their feeding times or animal encounter events.

Then there’s Colchester Zoo, just an hour or so’s drive away from your base. There are 240 species to see here in a variety of different habitats. See the giraffes and elephants, enjoy a family picnic or walk down to the deep as sea lions swim above your head.

With all this and more to experience, ensure you make the most of your trip with car hire in Harlow.