Harpenden Learning for Leisure
About us
Harpenden Learning for Leisure (HLfL) is a local voluntary body set up to run educational leisure courses for all members of the community. Courses cover diverse topics such as art, music appreciation, literature, history and current affairs. No qualifications or
prior experience are required to attend. There is no requirement to attend a Part 1
course to join a Part 2
course; each course is effectively free-standing. Lectures are participatory, and whilst some students may take notes, there are no tests or exams at the end. It is all about learning for leisure in Harpenden!
Courses run in the Autumn and Spring terms with one or two in the early Summer. In general they comprise of ten classes per term of two hours each or shorter courses of five classes.
Course Venues
The courses take place in rooms of the Harpenden Trust Centre Southdown Road Harpenden, and the Function room of the Plough & Harrow pub opposite. All venues are easy to access, light, well ventilated (via windows) and are sufficiently spacious to allow for socially distanced seating if desired. We decided on a maximum class size of 24 students and 20 for the Randall Room. More than that in a class may detract from individuals' learning for leisure!
Parking is available at the Co-op supermarket nearby. If you attend a course located at the Plough and Harrow there is limited space in the pub car park but it should not be used for students attending courses in Harpenden Trust premises. The Function Room at the Plough and Harrow has its own entrance, accessed from the Garden Area at the back of the building. Although it can also be accessed through the bar area during opening hours. The Small Hall is above the Co-op supermarket at 130a Southdown Road. Click here for the location.
Courses for Summer 2026
As previous years we are running just two courses for Summer 2026:
- Music Appreciation: Keyboard Music
- English Literature: American writing in the 20th Century (Part 3)
To view please click the Summer 2026 web page. Note that our operating costs continue to increase but we will hold course fees at the current level for as long as is viable.
If you have any further questions after reading the course details, please email us: info@harpendenlearningforleisure.org.uk. If you like what you see then please refer to the How to apply page to make your booking.