Follow new magical tour app through our history
A new magical history tour app has been launched across Sunderland to help young people find out about their area's past.
Sunderland City Council have launched the North Sunderland Magical History Tour app to encourage youngsters to learn about the area’s past.
The interactive app is host to a trail of 17 points of interest across Sunderland where families can visit and collect characters at each destination by using a mobile device.
Running across five wards in Sunderland, the map includes areas such as Southwick, Castle, St Peter's, Fulwell and Redhill. Instructions will appear on the smartphone once participants arrive at each map point.
Children and families can follow the pinpoints on the map where an augmented reality character will be hidden and will reveal information about the hidden history when they arrive.
Characters along the tour include smuggler Spottee at Spottee's Cave in Roker, Alice in Wonderland and the White Rabbit at Southwick Green, a knight at Hylton Castle, a cavalier soldier at Downhill Skate Park and a monk at St Peters Church in Monkwearmouth.
During the hunt, the app recommends taking photos with the character which save to ‘your collection’.
The North Sunderland Magical History Tour is free to download on the Play Store (Android) and App Store (iOS).
Cllr Denny Wilson, Chair of the North Area Committee, said: "The north area of Sunderland is rich in its history and heritage. We wanted something that would be a fun way for children and families to find out more about their area's history and heritage as well as encouraging them to spend time together exploring the north area of the city.”
Locations on the app include: North Hylton riverside; Hylton Colliery in Castletown; Hylton Castle; Downhill Skate Park between Boldon and Hylton Castle; Redhouse housing estate; Southwick Green; Carley Hill News; Fulwell Windmill; Green area near Fulwell Community Library; St Peter’s Church in Monkwearmouth; Green area opposite Seaburn Inn; Lower Dundas Street; Seaburn beach near The Promenade; Roker beach near Roker pods; Roker beach playground; Roker Park.