Discover Hidden Treasure

Visitors to Minehead who have downloaded the Minehead Maritime Mile app can unlock bonus content as they walk along the mile-long seafront. 3D models of some of Minehead’s iconic maritime history are brought to life with Augmented Reality, and archive videos reveal how Minehead used to look in yesteryear.

The App also features a quiz, with a prize for those who complete it, and souvenir selfie frames to share with friends, family and followers.

“Working with Dan from Audio Trails has been a pleasure. The Minehead Maritime Mile Trail App has exceeded expectations! … we are delighted with all features especially the augmented reality, it offers more interaction and interest for visitors to Minehead.”

Nicki Maclean, Tourism & Economy Officer – Energy Infrastructure of Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset Council

“The Maritime Mile showcases Minehead’s history and heritage and is … Read More »

Looking for iOS and Android apps that will get you walking and exploring new places? Try out these five fabulous free apps:

1) This is Gower

Gower is the beautiful peninsula near Swansea in south Wales, and Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The app features 17 easy-to-follow trails varying in length and theme – from a quick visit to the remains of WW2 defences on Mumbles Hill, to a wild ramble out to Whiteford National Nature Reserve.

More info and download.

2) Discover Derbyshire & Peak District

The Peak District was the UK’s first National Park and its paths are some of the most walked across Britain. The 24 walks within this app aren’t the usual run of the mill honey pot trails. Use this app to discover hidden gems across the region.

More info and download.

3) Heart of Teesdale

What inspired local artists, such as Turner … Read More »

This month I decided to re-read Freeman Tilden’s seminal work “Interpreting Our Heritage”. All these years later it still underpins how we approach heritage interpretation. Yet, something occurred to me whilst I was reading the book, and it relates to audiences; more specifically those who come to a heritage site or museum to build on their extensive knowledge.

As interpreters we are encouraged to think of our target audiences as ‘window shoppers’ who are receptive to ‘learning’ if it captures their imagination. Tilden himself states, “To capitalise on this mood, even if it arises from pure curiosity of whim, is a challenge to the interpreter.” He adds, “The visitor is unlikely to respond unless what you have to tell, or show, touched his personal experience, thoughts, hopes, way of life, social position, or whatever else.”

This second quote suggests interpretation can appeal … Read More »

Audio Trails boast a rich back catalogue of location-aware native apps for heritage sites and tourist attractions. They have now launched a web equivalent. Creative Director Dan Boys explains the pros and cons of both approaches.

When it comes to software, location-aware apps are what we (Audio Trails) specialise in. For us, a location-aware app uses location (via a potential combination of GPS, mobile connectivity, wifi and/or bluetooth beacons) to automatically alert the user to relevant digital content (text, images, audio, video) within the proximity of a device. It will also tell you how far away you are from other content. This content may refer to a place of interest, an event or a walking trail.

For many years we have been building native apps – designed specifically for iOS and Android devices – on behalf of local authorities, charities and communities. … Read More »

During the course of my work I get to interview some wonderful people and get an intimate but short-lived window into their lives. My beautifully chaotic interview with the ‘Yorkshire Shepherdess’, Amanda Owen, has to rank as one of my favourites.

Driving to the Yorkshire Dales on a crisp early autumn morning brought back lovely memories of my time working on a moorland restoration project in the early 2000s. The uplands have a unique smell – a mix of fresh air, vegetation and peat – and my destination today was in the heart of the Upper Swaledale.

Amanda Owen, watched by millions on ITV’s The Dales, met me at the door with babe on hip and two young smiling toddlers in tow. She and her young family live a life that has almost gone in today’s modern world, a life ruled by her … Read More »