We understand that with high energy costs, keeping yourself and your family warm can be difficult. However, there are warm spaces in Harlow you can visit throughout winter. This page was last updated on 11 January 2024.
Harlow Playhouse
Harlow Playhouse will be providing a warm and inviting space in the bar and cafe areas during its opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday 10.30am to 5.30pm
- Friday to Saturday 10.30am to 10.30pm
The Playhouse is closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Harlow libraries
Libraries are open year-round for residents to keep warm, access the internet and free wifi.
There are also regular events in the libraries, including a Rhymetime in one of the branches every weekday and other events that are open to all, including Invitation to Play at Great Parndon library on Wednesday afternoons at 1pm to 3pm.
Opening times and locations of Harlow libraries:
All libraries are closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Butterfly Effect WELLbeing, Latton Bush
The Butterfly Effect WELLbeing CIC at the Latton Bush Centre will be open Tuesdays and Fridays from 11am to 2.30pm.
Harlow Baptist Church
Harlow Baptist Church run Toffee - a tots and coffee group which offers support, encouragement and social contact for parents and carers with under 5s - every Friday during term time from 10am to 11.30am (£1 per family). The group is run by volunteers and offers a safe and friendly environment.
St Clare Hospice
St Clare Hospice host Café Clare - a weekly coffee shop at their Hastingwood Road location every Friday morning from 10am to 12pm. The cafe offers a warm place to meet and connect with other local people. Free buttered toast, tea and coffee available to all. No need to book, just drop in.
St Paul's and St Mary's
St Paul's and St Mary's churches run an afterschool club for children and their families on Tuesdays during term time. They are also open for hot drinks and food for anyone vulnerable or in need of housing on Thursday evenings. The Bounty Club Cafe runs a drop-in at St Paul’s, with low cost food, drink and companionship between 10am and 2pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (soon to be available on Tuesdays from May 2024).
St Stephen’s Church, Tye Green
The church will be offering a light cooked lunch (such as soup) in the church hall every Wednesday from 11.30am to 12.30pm.
Streets2Homes, Wych Elm
The Streets2Homes day centre will be open between 9am and 2pm Monday to Friday.
Sumners Farm Close
The small lounge at Sumners Farm Close will be open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm throughout the winter with free tea and coffee available.