England’s Historic Cities app is a new AR mobile guide that tells the stories of the country’s best loved heritage sites.
Using cutting edge mobile technology the app gives users new insights into the history of twelve locations including Bath, Chester, Stratford and Cambridge.
England’s Historic Cities app was launched on 31st March to celebrate English Tourism Week and has been funded as part of the £40 million Discover England Fund.
Information points are located around each site which reveal augmented-reality displays when activated with the visitor’s phone camera as well as 3D reconstructions and 360-degree panoramas.
In addition users will be able to listen to stories told by famous historical local figures such as William Shakespeare, Bede the Venerable, and the Seventh Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion.
It is hoped that the app will broaden the appeal of these historic cities for younger audiences as well as encouraging return visits. The use of AR technology is seen as a significant differentiation factor for attracting visitors, offering another layer of engagement.
The Bath Echo reports that Nicola Said, Head of Digital and Funding at Marketing Cheshire, who has delivered the project on behalf of the Heritage Cities, said, “This is one of the most exciting tourism products on the market – a true marrying of old and new and a completely innovative way to inspire an increasingly digital world to take a step back into the past.
“I cannot wait to see the app in action and watch people from all around the world take pleasure in England’s glorious, captivating history. It will enable all the cities in question to be able to reach new audiences and showcase the iconic cultural heritage we have to offer.”
The England’s Historic Cities App is available to download for free on Google Play, on the App Store or at www.historic-cities.com/stories.
Launch of augmented reality project set to bring new life to historic Bath
