Hit the trails and enjoy a monster time while exploring the area

»

FAMILIES can enjoy two new free trails in Cheltenham throughout the summer, including a Monster Hero Safari trail.

The trails are being run by Cheltenham Business Improvement District and include an enhanced augmented reality version of the Hidden Cheltenham Trail.

The Monster Hero Safari is a town centre experience where families are tasked with hunting down 10 monster superheroes, displayed in public windows, and learning their names, origin stories and powers.

And for those who spot all 10, they will win a free e-book following the characters’ first team-up adventure.

The trail will lead groups to 10 locations (small independent traders and charity retailers) within the BID zone where Near Field Communication – a contactless communication technology – and QR codes will be used to identify the individual monsters.

The trail will also raise funds for NHS Charities Together, which supports NHS staff and volunteers caring for Covid-19 patients, through a minimum £2 donation from participants.

The other trail is an AR version of the Hidden Cheltenham Trail where participants can download an app which will activate the AR at the 12 permanent trail points with your phone.

This will bring up historic information, fun facts, sounds and interactive challenges and will then connect to around 48 Cheltenham BID businesses that will have coded QR stickers promoting the trail in their windows.

The app will link users to summer offers and discounts at the businesses.

Cheltenham BID is confident that both trails can be followed in a very safe and responsible manner.

Players will likely be in families or small groups and will not need to enter any buildings to play.

All displayed materials will discourage players from physically touching the windows or posters.

Where possible, social markings around the decals will be installed to give families space to interact with them one group at a time

The Monster trail runs from Monday, July 13, until Friday, September 4, and the Hidden Cheltenham trail will start on Monday, July 20, and be permanent, with enhancements and changes to follow during future school holidays.

For more on the monster trail, visit facebook.com/events/716473662442 445/ or for extra information on the enhanced Hidden Cheltenham Trail, see facebook.com/events/ 949225822199155/