A Promenade Through the Past

What are you looking for?

Explore Vauxhall’s History with an augmented reality trail

The sumptuous Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens were arguably the birthplace of large-scale outdoor entertainment.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, visitors flocked to Vauxhall to be thrilled by the spectacles on offer – from balloon flights and tightrope walkers, to firework displays and concert premieres.
Now, with the help of some augmented reality magic, you too can step back in time and into to the Gardens’ heyday when it was the place to be, and be seen, in Regency London.

Instructions

Find the twelve QR codes located around the Gardens, scan with your smartphone camera and see iconic scenes and characters brought to life around you through the AR filters. Ensure the volume is turned up to enjoy atmospheric sounds, music and stories.
If you would prefer to explore the experiences at home or elsewhere, select them from the map or the list below. Please note, some experiences will only work properly on location.

Use the map to explore the rest of our filter trail

Madame Saqui

Madame Saqui was a famous tightrope walker who performed at Vauxhall Gardens in the 18th century. She was the

The Experiences

Madame Saqui

Imagine the burst of fireworks and bustle of the audience as you watch Madame Saqui perform above you in mesmerising AR.
Open here
Sarah Hengler

Sparkle like Sarah Hengler with her firework headdress selfie filter. Shine bright as the fireworks pop, crack and fizz in the background.
Open here
Mademoiselle Caroline

Choreograph your own dancing horse routine by trying out the different moves and watch your horse prance and dance!
Open here
Isaac Van Amburgh

Don’t forget to strike a pose as you put yourself in Van Amburgh's shoes and relive the American animal trainer’s daring trick!
Open here
Charles Green

Can you guide Green’s balloon through the skies while steering clear of the clouds in this soaring AR game?
Open here
Lily Savage

Celebrate the great Paul O’Grady with this iconic AR wall mural of Lily Savage, remember to keep your volume high!
Open here
William Henry Lane

Try and keep up with William Henry Lane’s footwork, as an animated AR version of the famous tap dancer performs before you!
Open here
C.H. Simpson

Embrace your inner Victorian as C. H. Simpson bows, tips his hat, and ushers you through to the Gardens in AR.
Open here
The Gardens in 3D

Explore the AR 3D model to see how the Gardens were once laid out with intricate avenues and archways, very different from today.
Open here
The Dark Walk

Launch the AR experience to cast your eye over the beautiful architecture revealed, passing high society families and would-be lovers.
Open here
The Orchestra

Launch our AR experience to see the facade of the orchestra sparkle and shine, day and night.
Open here
Balloon Mural

Try and resist joining the historical figures as they dance and fill up the street in an AR ball worth envying!
Open here