The Creative Reset at Calderstones Park

A one-day writing retreat

Sunday 19th April 2026 | 10am – 4:30pm | The Mansion House, Calderstones Park, Liverpool (L18 3JB)

A story to start…

At the mouth of the cave, I paused. Inside, something shifted. A flicker in the dark, a presence half-hidden.

My creativity had been living here for months, maybe years, hunched against the cold walls, too shy to come forward. I called gently, promising there was space, warmth and light.

For a while, it trembled at the edge. And then, inch by inch, it stepped into the sun. What had at first seemed small and cowering grew taller, brighter and braver with each step.

It was then I realised, it hadn’t been hiding. It had been waiting for an invitation.

A person stands at the mouth of a cave holding a light, symbolising creativity emerging from the dark.

Hit the reset button on your creativity

When life gets busy, creativity has a habit of retreating back into the cave, waiting for the moment it’s needed again.

The Creative Reset is a day to coax it back into the light, dust it off, and let it breathe.

You’ll write, wander, and reflect. But mostly, you’ll make space: Space to think, to play, and to remember what it feels like when your ideas can move freely, and your imagination isn’t confined to the dark corners of your mind.

Writer Liam Marshall sits at a café table with a notebook and coffee, writing by hand.

What happens when you let your imagination out for the day?

By the end of the day, you’ll have written a bit, thought a lot, laughed, and will see things a little differently. Not because of what’s on the page, but because you’ll have given yourself the space to stop and notice.

And don’t be surprised if your mind’s still wide awake that night - ideas tend to keep talking once they realise you’re listening.

Here’s what else you’ll come away with…

  • A little more headspace, and a spark you recognise. A reminder that your creativity never really leaves. It just goes quiet sometimes.

  • A better relationship with your creativity. You’ll stop seeing it as something to chase or fix, but something to spend time with again.

  • A sharper way of noticing things. You’ll start to see stories in the small stuff - overheard conversations, the beauty of nature, passing thoughts, half-finished cups of tea.

  • A few new ideas and a few new friends. Writing’s even better when you don’t do it alone.

  • A dangerous amount of creative confidence. You might find yourself starting something before you’ve even put your goodie bag down at home.

The Mansion House at Calderstones Park in Liverpool, venue for The Creative Reset writing retreat.

Your day at The Creative Reset

You’ll spend the day writing, reflecting, and reconnecting - but not in a ‘sit quietly and take notes’ kind of way. Expect gentle prompts, moments to play, and the chance to wander, observe, and write what you notice.

There’ll be space to share your words if you want to, and no pressure if you don’t.

Good conversations tend to happen naturally, usually somewhere between the cake and a fresh cup of coffee.

Here’s what’s waiting for you on the day:

  • Morning pastries and fruit on arrival

  • Guided creative writing sessions throughout the day

  • A gentle, poetry-inspired walk through Calderstones Park

  • A buffet lunch

  • Afternoon cakes

  • Unlimited tea and coffee

  • A goodie bag to take home and keep the inspiration going

It’s a day to write, reflect, and reset - no performance, no expectations, just creativity, company, and caffeine.

Places are limited to keep the group small, relaxed, and properly looked after.

Booking & Payment

There are only 15 spaces available for this event!

You can choose to pay in full or pay a 50% deposit to secure your place.

Deposits are non-refundable, and the remaining balance will be due by Sunday, 29th March 2025 (don’t worry, I’ll remind you about this in plenty of time).

This day is designed around its attendees - the writing, the pace, even the little details.
The earlier you book, the sooner I can shape it with you in mind.

FAQs

  • Nope. Zero experience is needed. This is about the act of writing, not producing a masterpiece.

    But if you do write regularly, you’re welcome too.

    This event is structured to treat all levels of experience as equals.

  • Yes - the venue is fully accessible.

    If you have specific access or inclusion needs, just let me know when you book and I’ll make sure you’re accommodated.

  • That’s fine. It’s a small group (max 15) so the space stays safe and supportive.

    We’ll have some group discussiont, but there’s no pressure to divulge.

    You can share as much or as little as you like without judgement.

  • Anyone 16+. If you’re under 18, you’ll need to be accompanied by someone over 18.

    Beyond that? Creativity is for everyone.

    All ages, genders, and backgrounds are welcome.

    The mix of perspectives is what makes the day and its activities really interesting.

  • Oh yeah, that’s an important one.

    You’re getting a full day of guided writing, a mindful poetry walk, pastries, lunch, tea, coffee, cake (yes, cake), and a goodie bag.

    But the real value?

    Time and space that’s yours to disconnect from life and reconnect to creativity.

  • No need to worry about stranger danger.

    I’m Liam - I’ve got a BA in Creative Writing, I run a monthly writing club in Liverpool, and I’ve led storytelling workshops for years.

    I spend my days helping businesses find the right words, but I’m most passionate about making creativity feel accessible and joyful again.