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), the Storybarn is a one-of-a-kind reading retreat for children and their grown-ups.

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 for a truly memorable experience.

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.

Festive Family Fun

Will there be a white Christmas at Caldestones this year? We can’t be sure of that but what we can guarantee is sleigh loads of festive family fun! There’ll be

Brunch with Mrs Claus

An imaginative retelling of Cinderella by The Bookworm Players

An Elf-ish takeover at the Storybarn

Festive Incy Wincy Rhymer specials

For under 1s

Teeny Tales

These stand-alone sessions include Shared Reading for grown-ups, rhyme time for the little ones, and a chance to explore the beautiful surroundings of the Storybarn.

Tiny Acorns

A warm and welcoming space to explore sharing stories together over six weeks.  We’ll share hints and tips to make reading with your little one fun as well as allowing time for a little relaxing Shared Reading for adults!

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 (paused until Spring 2025)

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.

Birthday Parties

Whether you love to curl up and get cosy with a book, or you love getting loud with a silly story, we’ll make it a birthday to remember with one of our interactive story-telling parties.

Join us for games, dressing up, Shared Reading, stories, music and more! You get exclusive use of The Storybarn with two dedicated Storyhunters, a party snack box and a take home craft activity for each child.

• Prices start from £199
• Parties are for a minimum of 10 children and a maximum of 30
• Parties over 10 will be charged £15.95 per child
• A party snack box includes a Sandwich, juice box, crisps, and a treat

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!