Curiosity Retreat

Modern life is a non-stop stream of doing and rushing. We’re constantly pulled in different directions, expected to deliver, respond and push forward. But when was the last time you truly paused?

The Curiosity Retreat is a one-day creative reset for changemakers and community leaders who want to:

Reclaim their time and attention

in a world that demands constant output.

Reconnect with their purpose and values

to make an impact in a way that feels sustainable.


See their surroundings and themselves with fresh eyes

through walking, reflection and creative exploration.

If you feel stuck, overwhelmed or at risk of burnout, then this uplifting 
and inclusive retreat is for you.

why curiosity

playing with
creative
excercises

to unlock fresh ideas
and perspectives.

exploring
possibilities

so you can move
forward with intention,
not just urgency.

slowing
down

so you can hear
yourself think.

asking
better
questions

to gain clarity on
what’s next.

Curiosity is also an antidote to burnout. When you step back, you create space to regain focus, reconnect with your purpose and work in a way that is sustainable and true.

What to Expect

The Curiosity Retreat blends creative exploration, reflective practices, gentle walking and regenerative conversations.

Guided Reflection

Thought-provoking prompts to help you make sense of where you are and what’s next.

Creative Play

Low pressure, hands-on activities to rekindle your creativity (no artistic experience required!).

Mindful Walking

A way to reconnect with your environment, spark fresh ideas and feel reenergised.

Conversation & Connection

Time to share ideas and perspectives with like-minded creatives, leaders and changemakers.

Space to Think

Quiet moments to breathe, process and let new ideas unfold—without pressure or expectation.

This isn’t a day of sitting in a stuffy training room—it’s a dynamic, immersive experience that will help you shift your perspective and gain clarity. You’ll return to your work or project feeling energised, inspired and focused on what you need to do.

Hello, I’m Clare Barry. I'm a writer and creative facilitator based in Plumstead. Once upon a time, my creativity had melted into a puddle at the bottom of the career ladder. I had no time or headspace to think. Back pain, burnout and bereavements followed.

These days I help changemakers and communities across London through creative health workshops and events. My favourite things to do include messing about with inks, washi tape, torn paper and making zines. I created Mindful Art Session for people who want a fun, relaxing way to bring more creativity and connection to the every day. I hope you’ll join us.

Why Now?

Life can feel relentless — always busy, always noisy.

But stepping away to create, even for an hour or so, can restore your focus, 
reset your energy and reconnect you to what matters.

Life can leave us feeling isolated or lonely at times.

This gentle gathering is your invitation to pause, breathe and create — with no pressure 
to get it ‘right.’ Everyone is welcome at our friendly and inclusive community.

Who is the Curiosity Retreat For?

Leaders and changemakers

feeling overwhelmed, looking to foster creative confidence, fresh thinking and a renewed sense of purpose in their work

Community builders and organisers

who want to reconnect with their ‘why’ and explore new ways to make an impact.


Anyone feeling stuck, exhausted or in need of creative breathing space.

What You’ll Leave With

  • A renewed sense of purpose and direction.

  • Practical tools to bring creativity and reflection into your everyday life.

  • Fresh ideas and perspectives that open up new possibilities.

  • A feeling of spaciousness, ease and energy—ready to take the next step with confidence.

The World Won’t Stop Turning If You Slow Down

In a world that’s always moving fast, taking time out to slow down can feel hard – even impossible. This retreat is an opportunity to relax and reset your thinking.

The Curiosity Retreat gives you permission to pause and refocus, so you can return to your work and life feeling clear, energised and ready to create positive change. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for one of our open programme retreat, then sign up here.

Get on our mailing list to find out about upcoming dates.

For teams and organisations: If you're like to explore how we can bring a Curiosity Retreat or experience to your team, community or workshop, please get in touch.

  • “An opportunity to reset and tune into what’s really important in your creative practice and everyday life. What we explored that day has helped me navigate difficult emotions, such as feeling overwhelmed or creatively lost.”

    Stella Cecil,

    theatre designer and socially-engaged artist

  • "The retreat gave me a re-energising pause and the opportunity to share with others. It offered us an environment of calmness and an invitation to keep creating such pauses and nurture our inner life.”

    Drashti Shah,

    London Arts and Health Forum

  • “It reminded me how much creative outlets are important for me! I got some much needed me-time to connect and reflect on myself. I really enjoyed learning about everyone else's experiences."

    Shamoli Mustafa,

    community development manager