Hull’s popular Fish Trail is going digital thanks to a free app that can turn your mobile phone into a virtual time machine.
The trail, which weaves its way through Hull’s Old Town, can now be enjoyed alongside an app that brings historic areas of the city back to life.
The What Was Here? app, developed by the East Riding Archives, features a number of heritage trails throughout the region.
The app allows people to turn their mobile devices into a virtual time machine.
The digitalised Fish Trail, developed by Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) alongside Hull tour guide Paul Schofield, will allow visitors to Hull’s old town to view historic images of the city as they navigate themselves along the trail.
Simply find a fish and the nearby yellow sticker, open the app and step back in time to see see what that street, building or area used to look like.
Many of the images are drawings from celebrated Victorian artist F.S. Smith, who was a familiar figure sketching on street corners in Hull in the late 19th and early 20th Century.
Councillor Dave Craker, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism at Hull City Council, said: “Hull’s Fish Trail is much-loved by both visitors and residents so I’m delighted that it can now also be enjoyed digitally through the What Was Here? app.
“Hull is rich in heritage so it’s brilliant that we can bring our historic past to life and celebrate it in ways like this.”
The What Was Here? app was a finalist at this year’s Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (REYTA).
Historical facts and information have been provided by English Heritage accredited guide Paul Schofield.
Paul said: “Since 1992, the Fish Trail has encouraged thousands of people of all ages to explore Hull’s fascinating Old Town. The app adds another dimension and will reveal more about the city’s rich and varied history to locals and tourists.”
The digital Fish Trail features locations such as High Street, Beverley Gate and Queens Gardens.
The What Was Here? app can be downloaded from Google Play and the App Store.
