INTRODUCING
need time & headspace?
This uplifting one-day retreat is for anyone feeling overwhelmed or stuck. It’s an invitation to slow down, find inspiration and gain clarity about how to make a positive impact on the world - without burning out.
Upcoming
Wednesday 21 May, 10.30am - 3.30pm.
St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston St, London NW1 1DF.
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 in London 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?
When you reignite your curiosity, you open the door to:
Slowing down—so you can hear yourself think.
Asking better questions—to gain clarity on what’s next.
Playing with creative exercises—to unlock fresh ideas and perspectives.
Exploring new possibilities—so you can move forward with intention, not just urgency.
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.
Who is the Curiosity Retreat For?
This retreat is for anyone who needs time and space to reset:
✅ 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.

YOUR GUIDE
Who's running it?
Clare Barry (she/her)
Writer & Creative Facilitator
Since 2014, I’ve helped hundreds of Londoners learn how to work with more intention and self-compassion through my curiosity retreats, mindful walks and writing for wellbeing workshops. No raisins, not sitting still - just noticing our surroundings and making space for more delight, calm and creativity.
Burnout and multiple bereavements led me to leave my career in higher education. Now I help people build energy, focus and resilience for the work that matters. If you want more energy and confidence for your next project, then join us at this inclusive and uplifting Curiosity Retreat.
My work and ideas have been featured in publications like Stylist, Balance and Women’s Health, Vanity Fair and Psychologies. And for more than 15 years I held management positions in executive education, organisational behaviour and philanthropic partnerships at nonprofits, London Business School and the LSE.
SCHEDULE
SESSION OUTLINE
1: Curiosity Masterclass & Chocolate Meditation
Discover different types of curiosity, how to ask better questions and ways to harness curiosity at work to minimise stress, maximise compassion and empathy + boost your sense of calm with chocolate meditation.
2: Creativity & Digital Mindfulness
Be inspired to nourish your creative wellbeing and embrace the power of taking a daily walk to spark better ideas, find solutions and manage digital distractions. You’ll learn how to reclaim time, headspace and focus.
3: Values Review & Resilience Toolkit
Using reflective and creative writing for wellbeing exercises you will reconnect with your values and sense of purpose and explore what self-care means. You’ll gain clarity and confidence for uncertain times.
4: Make a Tiny Rulebook
You’ll make a tiny zine and create your own personal rulebook based on the values and resilience toolkit you’ve outlined. No special materials needed - just an A4 page and willingness to reignite your creativity.
5: Closing Ritual
Gather for a final session to create a reset and release ritual. You’ll develop a stronger sense of connection to the world around you and to your inner compass. Leave feeling refreshed and energised!
TESTIMONIALS
PEOPLE SAY
“
Urban Curiosity embodies all that creativity is and should be: collaboration, fun, openness to learning and a willingness to follow sparks that emerge from all these things. It will nurture your creativity for months to come.”
Rachel Connor
Academic
“
I found the session inspiring, rejuvenating and far more therapeutic than I had anticipated! I particularly enjoyed making my little book and thinking about the idea of self empathy.”
Terri Mullholland
Writer and researcher
“
This is like a ticket to Wonderland: great mentor, fantastic adventures and unexpected wisdom.”
Mylene Dosal
Student
“
What a hugely enjoyable, stimulating, worthwhile day! There's a lot to be said for giving oneself "permission" to have a day away from all the routines and technological noise of everyday life to explore the inner mind a bit. I can't recommend this workshop highly enough.”
Stephanie Zia
Social Entrepreneur
BOOK
REGISTER NOW
Expand your creative horizons and boost your mental health - one step at a time.
FAQS
GOT questions?
-
A full day of in-person or online group facilitation, coaching and training.
A Tiny Walkshop Toolkit.
All writing tools, zine-making materials and art supplies are provided for in-person retreats.
Snacks and hot drinks are provided for in-person retreats.
Chocolate/coffee beans are supplied for in-person retreats (for our chocolate meditation).
-
Yes, the venue is fully accessible.
If you need more information or support, please email: hello@urbancuriosity.co.uk
-
Taking time out to reflect, regain your sense of purpose and find clarity about what you need to feel more creative, energised and focus every day is time well spent. Here are a few reasons why curiosity matters:
→ Sparks better ideas
→ Boosts ability to focus
→ Strengthens emotional resilience
→ Encourages every day mindfulness
→ Supports positive mental health
→ Cultivates creativity and compassion.
-
Lunch is not provided. Feel free to bring your lunch with you to the retreat.
Tea, coffee, water and snacks will be provided at all in-person Curiosity Retreats. (Including vegan, GF, halal and lactose-intolerant options.)
-
Please consider applying for a scholarship. Complete this short scholarship request form.
-
We have designed these Curiosity Retreats to be gentle, flexible and fun. If you need us to make an adjustment for you, please get in touch at the time of booking. Email: hello@urbancuriosity.co.uk
-
Urban Curiosity has a no-refund policy. Please read it carefully before registering.
-
Got a different question or want a Curiosity Retreat for your team or organisation? Let’s talk →
PRICING
what it costs
We offer two pricing options:
£48 for Early Bird pricing
£60 for standard pricing