AR Trails

Our augmented reality heritage trails combine immersion and interactivity, offering visitors the opportunity to step back into the past and see each town through new eyes.

We offer a range of AR heritage trails: from bespoke trail apps with maps and GPS-tracking, to using simple QR-code technology to trigger experiences as users autonomously discover them along their historic walk. The public have fully embraced QR codes since COVID-19, meaning people often automatically engage with an augmented reality heritage trail when they spot their first QR code.

Whilst they aren’t the most attractive images, the recognisable shape acts as a teaser in itself for something worth seeing; after the first one, every visitor will recognise additional trail points via the printed image, providing an ‘Easter Egg Hunt’ that will keep visitors engaged.

This reduces the need for lengthy instructions, increasing accessibility for younger users.

The content in these kinds of AR treasure hunt are easily updated. We can add additional AR assets or seasonal content at a later date without needing to update signage by simply installing QR codes at any new locations.

We frequently use Spark AR as the engine for our AR trails.

Spark AR is a fantastic solution that prevents barriers to participation as it publishes content directly to Instagram and Facebook. AR treasure hunt users can access each experience on the AR trail through apps they likely already own, rather than downloading another app which will take up substantial space on user devices and consume data.

This means each AR treasure hunt is instantly available to over 1 billion users. Furthermore, users are immediately able to share selfies and screenshots of the AR trail to their feed and stories, promoting their experience and increasing public awareness of the area’s rich past.

Spark AR has comprehensive data possibilities including interaction statistics. You can see user impressions, views and captures to ascertain which AR experiences and locations are most popular.

There are no hidden costs.

We refresh and maintain the content of all our AR trails to keep them optimised as the technology advances as part of our complimentary SLA, and are happy to add additional assets post-project if additional budget becomes available.

Choose your favourite collections items or historic landmarks and create an immersive digital experience that appeals to all ages.

Our design team creates spectacular 2D and 3D assets for each AR treasure hunt, including accurate AR facades and interiors, 3D-modelled artefacts, and animated historical characters.

We specialise in making AR social media filters with 3D models, animated paintings and statues, wearable costumes, and hands-on experiences with museum objects like stamps or mini games.

We can also embed video and audio content to facilitate greater learning.

We’ve previously created AR trails for heritage/cultural organisations including Carrickfergus Castle, Visit Gravesend, Tower Bridge London, Battersea Power Station, the Pitt Rivers Museum, the University of Bristol Botanic Garden, and Bristol Old Vic.

Take a look at some of our past projects to find out more or get in touch to see what sort of augmented reality heritage trail or AR treasure hunt we can make for you.