Virtual reality (VR) is gaining popularity and is more commonly seen than augmented reality (AR). In VR, a computer-generated version of a scene or location is created in such a way that the viewer feels they are at that scene. VR headsets are commonly used because they enable the user to be up close and experience the locale.
AR, along with VR, has evolved in recent years. It offers us unparalleled ways to enjoy different forms and types of entertainment. AR game Pokemon Go launched in 2016 and was responsible for getting many of us up out of our chairs and walking. It is still popular today, believe it or not. VR headsets have proven popular with users of all ages for gaming. If we know that even online casinos, like Luckyblock, and other entertainment websites, are looking for ways to further implement VR, it’s clear how far this technology has come.
Their impact is such that now you can even visit some famous sights without traveling (mostly through VR).
From the incredible standing stones at Stonehenge to the best-preserved original Magna Carta at Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire has a lot of sightseeing opportunities for travelers. And thanks to advances in technology, we can experience those opportunities in different ways. AR Stonehenge and AR Magna Carta, for example, are very modern realizations of the two most popular sites.
VR and AR can also offer great ways to see sites and explore areas you wouldn’t otherwise get to experience.
Salisbury Cathedral is home to the most in-tact of the four original Magna Carts, signed in 1215. You can book to view the document, but it is encased. The British Library, however, offers a VR presentation of the document that includes a short film detailing the people involved, the reason for the signing, and more information about the incredibly important historic document. But then again, Salisbury Cathedral has a VR tour, which is a great option for people planning to visit Wiltshire and this sight to prepare in advance.
And then comes Stonehenge. With the Stonehenge AR services, established by National Geographic, it is possible to mark the incredible standing stones. You can also “project” the megaliths on any surface in your home or another location and then interact with them. Users can zoom in and out, explore how they interact with the sun, and view the shadows they create. The display also includes captions about the site’s history. And, users can flip their camera to selfie mode and get a picture of themselves sat in, or even on the stones.
Some other places around Wiltshire also offer their VR experiences. The Bronze Age Roundhouse Virtual Reality Experience at Bitham Park that enables users to relive the Bronze Age experience, and Empire Soldiers VR is a Wiltshire Museum piece that explains the role and the experiences of Caribbean soldiers during World War II.
If you haven’t been to Wiltshire before, the highlighted tech tools can make your stay more amusing and enjoyable. And if this cosy county still isn’t a part of your itinerary, the VR tours explained above will make you change your mind.
