The Storybarn

The Storybarn is a magical, multi-purpose family space at The Reader’s home in Calderstones Park.

Perfectly positioned in the heart of the park (and crucially, next to the Ice Cream Parlour), little ones can let their imaginations run wild, discovering new stories to share, and taking part in unique experiences, alongside arts and crafts.

We love a good party here too, so celebrate your next birthday with us!

The  Storybarn  is a fully inclusive experience and all children are welcome. If you  have any questions about facilities and access, call us on 0151 729 2227. Read more about our accessibility here.

For under 1s

Tiny Acorns

Join us for six weeks of warm and welcoming sessions to enjoy exploring stories with your baby, alongside a small group of other new parents.  Led by one of our wonderful Storyhunters, you’ll get hints and tips on how to make reading with your little one fun, as well as allowing time for a little relaxing Shared Reading for grown ups.

Baby Drop-In

Come and enjoy the Storybarn at your own pace and simply join when you and your baby are ready (nap times and epic nappy changes permitting) and stay as long as you like.

For 1-4 year olds

Incy Wincy Rhymers

Our sessions for little ones and their families. We’ll explore classic stories, family favourites and nursery rhymes through storytelling and sing-a-longs.

Incy Wincy Wanders

Bring you pre-schoolers along for a wander-full Wednesday morning. Take a story-themed stroll through Calderstones park with one of our Storyhunters every week.

Weekend Fun

Storybarn Drop-In

If you find yourself enjoying the park and fancy reading a story, why not pop in for one of our drop-in sessions? Let your imagination roam and share the delights of reading for pleasure in our imaginative play space.

Storybarn Relaxed Session

We are opening the doors of the Storybarn especially for families with autistic children and families with sensory conditions so they can come and enjoy our wonderful imaginative play space in a stress free environment.

Hocus Pocus (PG)
Tuesday 28 & Friday 31 October, 4pm

Be spellbound with the iconic Halloween adventure for all the family. Expect crafty witches, talking cats, a race against the clock and a cauldron full of Disney magic. Book tickets.

Hotel Transylvania (PG)
Wednesday 29 October, 4pm

Take a trip to Hotel Transylvania in this heart warming and gorgeously animated film about family, growing up and embracing difference. Book tickets.

Addams Family Values (PG)
Thursday 30 October, 4pm

This mischievous and perfectly cast big screen outing for spooky seasons’ most famous family is packed with hilarious moments and unforgettable lines. Book tickets.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG)
Saturday 1 November, 4pm

As we say farewell to Halloween for another year, join Jack Skellington the Pumpkin King, as he schemes to steal Christmas in Tim Burton’s darkly heart warming masterpiece. Book tickets.

Mini Movies: Room on the Broom (U)
Tuesday 28 & Wednesday 29 October, 11.30am

Short and sweet screenings for the littlest cinema lovers inside our cosy Mansion House Theatre Room. Book tickets.

School Visits

Our diary is open for Storybarn on the Road visits to you, Storybarn Visits to us AND our new KS2 Heritage Visits. We also have Christmas packages on offer too!