Explore Newcastle’s New Augmented Reality Heritage Trail at Blackfriars

Visitors to Newcastle can step back in time thanks to a new digital heritage trail being unveiled at Blackfriars.

The new augmented-reality walking trail brings the medieval site to life through a series of interpretation panels located around Blackfriars’ Cloister Garden. Each panel features a QR code linking to a specially created interactive trail app with audio guides, historical overlays, 3D reconstructions, and augmented reality features suitable for all the family.

The idea for the trail was developed by Andy Hook, owner of Blackfriars Restaurant, and Professor Giles Gasper, professor of High Medieval History at Durham University who collaborated with a team of academics, historians, archaeologists and digital experts on the project.

The trail app was created by Animmersion UK, leaders in immersive 3D content, alongside New Visions Heritage, known for historical engagement through storytelling and technology. Renowned local archaeologists Dr Eric Cambridge and Alan Williams were also brought in to ensure historical accuracy and develop new visual interpretations of the Dominican friary.

The project was supported by Durham University, the HITS Programme (funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority and delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative,Food and Drink North East, and NBSL).  This latest development follows the restoration of the Cloister Garden, now a vibrant, public space used for performances, markets, and community events at Blackfriars and St Dominic’s Brewery within the historic Chapter House which launched last year.  Events in the garden have included a Christmas market and beer festival with many more being planned in the future.

After the trail, visitors can enjoy one of Dominic Brewery’s beers or enjoy a bit to eat in the restaurant or Cloister Garden.

Andy Hook, owner of Blackfriars Restaurant, crowned Taste of the North East at the North East Tourism Awards in March 2025, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with our immersive heritage trail app. Despite the day-to-day pressures of running a busy independent restaurant, we’re deeply passionate about promoting Blackfriars’ unique Dominican story in engaging and accessible ways. This project has brought together historians, archaeologists, digital designers and immersive tech specialists to create something truly unique for the city for people of all ages. With schools breaking up soon, it’s also a new attraction or all the family”.

Professor Giles Gasper, Professor of High Medieval History at Durham University added:  “This trail is the culmination of a fantastic collaboration with Blackfriars. Heritage is one of Durham University’s most vibrant areas of research, and this project beautifully bridges the past and future. Through digital technology and academic insight, we’re helping new audiences visualise – and even taste – the past.”

To explore the trail, visit: Blackfriars Cloister Garden, Friars Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4XN