Bath is one of twelve historic cities in England which have collaborated to develop an innovative augmented reality (AR) product that is set to bring heritage to life.
‘England’s Historic Cities’ app, a ground-breaking AR experience, was launched on 31st March to celebrate English Tourism Week and will transport the user back in time to unveil the hidden lives of some of history’s most fascinating characters at The Roman Baths.
The premise of the app is to capture significant historic moments in time whilst providing tourists the opportunity to explore England’s most historic cities.
It uses cutting-edge technology to give the historical moments a fresh perspective and make history’s fascinating characters come to life. It is set to transform The Roman Baths appeal by introducing it to a new, more technologically motivated and younger audience.
It also hopes to encourage return visitors by offering the opportunity to experience an attraction in a different way. In a rapidly changing and competitive tourist environment, the use of AR technology will offer a point of difference that will attract visitors and showcase the best of the city.
In Bath, the latest technology will help you unravel the history of the Roman Bath’s gradual discovery and evolution. With the app you can unearth the fascinating past of the Roman Baths and rediscover the ancient curiosities that lie just beneath the surface by joining one of the Bath’s most remarkable architects – Major Charles Edward Davis.
He will lead you on an expedition beyond the tourists’ well-worn path and with his expert guidance, you’ll bring to light some of the most fascinating artefacts found in and around the baths.
Learn of his vast contributions to the legacy of the site and the many struggles he faced all while standing in the very spot, where the history happened.
David James, Chief Executive of VistBath, said: “It is fantastic that, in working with Heritage Cities, we are able to adapt the way in which we present the fascinating history of the Roman Baths to new audiences.
“By using the latest technology to bring the attraction to life we will ensure that visitors remain engaged with its history and its significance to the city of Bath.”
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 app ‘England’s Historic Cities’ is available to download for free on Google Play, on the App Store or at www.historic-cities.com/stories.
The exciting new project is one of a number of projects to benefit from the by the £40 million Discover England Fund – a central government funded programme of activity administered by VisitEngland supported by match-funding from private and public partners.
