Canterbury City Council has produced Time and Tides, a free augmented reality app for residents and visitors exploring Herne Bay’s history. The walking tour aims to draw people into the town and encourage them to support local shops while exploring on foot.
Using a smartphone or tablet, visitors follow a map and view computer-generated historical scenes at real-world locations. The app combines the phone’s live camera view with geo-tagged pictures and interactive animations. KentOnline reports that the two-mile route begins at Herne Bay clock tower and includes checkpoints along the promenade and Mortimer Street.
Manoghosts Studios Ltd developed the app with Crash Studios CIC, drawing on technology creatives from local universities. Funding came from Kent County Council’s councillor grant scheme, enabling free community access. Councillor Dan Watkins told KentOnline in October 2026 that development took two years.
