The villages around Harlow offer a wonderful contrast to the town’s modern, urban vibe. Each has its own unique character, ranging from quaint, historic hamlets with period cottages to larger villages with vibrant local communities and excellent countryside access. These villages are popular with families, commuters, and those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle within easy reach of London and East England hubs.

Location

Scattered around the edges of Harlow, a collection of historic villages—such as Matching, Sheering, Hatfield Heath, and Roydon all offer a rural counterpoint to the town’s urban character. Defined by open countryside, period cottages, and tight-knit communities, these villages maintain strong local identities while remaining closely connected to Harlow by road and rail.

Roydon

• Location & Character
  Roydon lies just West of Harlow and close to the M11, making it a very commuter-friendly village. It has a traditional English village feel, centred around a historic green and a 13th-century church (St. Peter’s). The village mixes charming cottages with some newer housing developments.
• Amenities
  Local amenities include pubs like The White Hart and The New Inn, a village hall, a post office, a primary school, and various small shops. Its proximity to Harlow means residents benefit from the town’s broader retail and leisure facilities.
• Transport
  Roydon railway station is on the West Anglia Main Line with direct trains to London Liverpool Street (about 40 minutes). The M11 offers quick road access north and south.
• Attractions & Leisure
  Nearby are Roydon Marina Village and the Lea Valley Regional Park, great for boating, walking, and cycling.

Matching Green

• Location & Character
  A quintessential Essex village, Matching Green is known for its large, picturesque village green (one of the largest in the country) lined with historic cottages and farmhouses. It retains a quiet, rural atmosphere with an active community.
• Amenities
  The village has a well-regarded pub, The Chequers, which is a social hub. For schools, residents usually rely on nearby areas like Harlow or Sawbridgeworth.
• Attractions & Leisure
  The green is often used for village events, fairs, and outdoor activities. The surrounding countryside offers excellent walking and horse-riding trails.

Gilston

• Location & Character
  Gilston is a small, peaceful village just east of Harlow, boasting beautiful rural landscapes and a close-knit community. It has retained much of its agricultural charm with period properties and farmhouses.
• Amenities
  Limited shops but a local gastropub (Plume of Feathers) and a short distance to The Moorhen pub and restaurant along the River Stort. Gilston has the historic Gilston Park estate nearby. Harlow and nearby villages provide shopping and schooling.
• Transport
  Easy access to the M11 and A414, making commuting straightforward.
• Attractions
  Quiet country lanes for walking and cycling, and proximity to the Lee Valley Regional Park.

Sawbridgeworth

• Location & Character
  Sawbridgeworth is one of the larger market towns near Harlow, located just over the Hertfordshire border. It blends historic charm with modern convenience, featuring a lively high street, schools, and community facilities.
• Amenities
  High Street shops, supermarkets, cafés, pubs, and several primary and secondary schools. Sawbridgeworth also has good healthcare facilities and sports clubs.
• Transport
  Sawbridgeworth railway station provides regular direct trains to London Liverpool Street (around 40 minutes) as well as Stansted and Cambridge. The M11 and A414 roads offer excellent road links.
• Attractions & Leisure
  The town has parks, a leisure centre and hosts seasonal events. The historic churches and the nearby Harlow Town Park add cultural interest.

Matching Tye

• Location & Character
  A small hamlet near Matching Green, Matching Tye is quintessential rural England with scattered cottages, farms, and open countryside. It’s ideal for those wanting privacy and scenic rural surroundings.
• Amenities
  Whilst having limited local amenities; residents often use nearby Matching Green or Harlow for shops and services.
• Transport
  Mainly accessed by road, with easy links to the M11 and local villages.
• Leisure
  Surrounded by farmland and woodland, popular for walking, riding, and outdoor pursuits.

Additional Nearby Villages Worth Mentioning

• Hunsdon
  Small village with a historic church and pub, popular for countryside living close to Harlow and the M11.
• Little Hallingbury
  Known for beautiful period homes and proximity to Stansted Airport, with village pubs and local schools.
• High Wych
  A small village set between Gilston & Sawbridgeworth offering a peaceful environment with good access to local amenities.

Lifestyle & Community

• Housing
  The villages tend to feature a mix of charming period cottages, farmhouses, and some modern developments. Property prices vary, generally higher than in Harlow town due to the rural charm and desirability. Many villages have conservation areas preserving historic architecture.
• Schools
  Many villages rely on nearby Harlow or Sawbridgeworth for schooling. Some have excellent local primary schools, but secondary education often requires travel to neighbouring towns.
• Transport
  Proximity to the M11 and London Liverpool Street rail line means these villages are popular with commuters working in London or Cambridge, offering a rural lifestyle with good connectivity.
• Community & Events
  These villages often have active parish councils, local clubs, and regular village fairs or markets fostering a strong sense of community.

If you’re moving from London and want to enjoy village life with easy access to the city, the areas surrounding Harlow offer an excellent balance of countryside charm, community spirit, and connectivity. Whether you prefer a lively market town like Sawbridgeworth or a peaceful hamlet like Matching Tye, these villages deliver a range of lifestyles suited to families, commuters, and those seeking tranquillity without losing touch with urban conveniences.