Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Essex, England

Welcome to the Imperial Bird of Prey Academy. We are the leading Bird of Prey Centre in Essex, based at Barleylands Farm & Craft Village, Billericay. We are open to the public 362 days of the year, where you can enjoy our daily flying displays in our purpose built flying arena. In addition, Barleylands Farm & Craft Village offers both indoor and outdoor activities for children, craft shops and tearooms, creating a fantastic day out in Essex for all the family. We offer a wide range of experience days, which are both fun and educational, catering for all ages and abilities, making them the perfect gift. Our friendly team will make your experience both personal and enjoyable giving you plenty of hands on time with our amazing birds of prey – making your visit to the Imperial Bird of Prey Academy truly memorable. A day you will never forget. For that special occasion, why not have our birds of prey come to you? At the Imperial Bird of Prey Academy, we are able to offer tailor-made school visits, static bird displays, educational talks and so much more.... We look forward to seeing you soon!

To encourage new, fresh and emerging talent and to provide creative, innovative and interesting theatre and arts entertainment to the people of Braintree and beyond. Opened in 2011, we host a varitey of different performances ranging from classic Shakespeare to The Beatles tribute act and everything in between.

Gardens, Nursery and take-way tearoom are open 5 days a week; social distancing measures are in place and advance booking is essential for garden visitors. Entrance to Nursery and Tearoom; no need to book. 7.5 acres of inspirational Gardens. Entrance fee varies depending on season. Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens began in 1960. From an overgrown wasteland with poor gravel soil and boggy hollows, using the principles of ecological planting, it has been transformed into 7 acres of informal garden comprising of the Gravel Garden, Water Garden, Reservoir Garden, Woodland Garden and Scree Garden all harmonising with the surrounding countryside. The gardens are an inspiration to anyone who visits them - the art of planting at its best. There is also an extensive Nursery with choice of over 2,000 different kinds of mainly herbaceous plants and bulbs.

125 acres in size and declared an SSSI due to the wildlife present with Hawthorn scrub, meadow and saltmarsh habitats. Attractions include a miniature railway, sculpture trail, visitor centre, refreshment facilities, birdwatching hides and an adventure playground for the children.

Established on the current Clacton site in 1899, and run independently by the West Cliff Trust, the West Cliff is the only surviving purpose-built theatre in Clacton, and plays host to professional touring shows and many local amateur dramatic and operatic groups, dance schools, and other youth groups. Its compact auditorium with just under 600 seats, a unique atmosphere and knowledgeable and friendly staff make it Clacton's theatre of choice for artistes and audiences alike. The Stage Door Bar is open prior to, during the interval and after each show, and provides pre-booked meals for selected shows. The lounge may be hired for private functions with or without bar and catering services.

Constructed in 1931, the Princes Theatre is an impressive purpose built theatre, with an 820 seat auditorium. With modern retractable tiered seating and large proscenium arched stage the flexibility of this venue is limited only by imagination. The Princes Theatre plays host to many celebrity acts.