Recreo Headsets at the National Trust - Lake District
Visitors at the Aira Force site in the Lake District can now explore the stunning waterfall and the summit of Gowbarrow Fell through a seated VR experience offered in the welcome building. This immersive service (powered by Recreo VR) allows people of all ages and mobility levels to enjoy the beauty of the landscape without needing to traverse steep or uneven terrain.
Key Insights
Expanding Access: The VR system replicates four distinct trail routes, with two leading upward from Aira Green toward Gowbarrow Fell and two leading downward, each offering unique vistas and perspectives.
Welcoming and User-Friendly: Katie Douglass, the National Trust’s welcome manager at Aira Force, emphasised that the experience enables "anyone who’s curious" to be “transported to some of the incredible viewpoints” without needing “previous know-how.”
Extending Reach Beyond the Site: As part of the project, Recreo VR also provides headsets to care organisations and charities, enabling elderly adults and those with limited mobility to experience National Trust locations from their own surroundings.
This initiative shows that virtual reality can be an effective tool for broadening access to heritage sites and natural attractions like Aira Force. By delivering immersive, easy-to-use experiences, VR is helping turn challenging landscapes into places everyone can enjoy, whether on site or from afar.
