Nottingham’s caves: Virtually Real  

Project lead: Glyn Lawson 

Beneath Nottingham’s city centre lies a hidden world of over 800 caves, rich with untold stories. This project explored how immersive technologies, specifically Virtual Reality (VR), can be used to reanimate these spaces and deepen public engagement with their layered histories. Supported by City as Lab, we developed a VR prototype centred on a narrative of Robin Hood’s escape through the caves, using digital storytelling to create new interest in this distinctive heritage environment.  

The work was developed with input from key cultural stakeholders, including representatives from the City of Caves exhibition at the National Justice Museum. Initial research involved site visits and the development of storyboards, which informed the creation of a 3D immersive environment using Twinmotion software. The prototype was presented to local stakeholders and tested with members of the public, generating enthusiastic feedback and opening dialogue around future use cases.  

Beyond technical development, the project served as a platform for knowledge exchange between researchers, heritage professionals, and creative practitioners. It led to further funding via an Impact Exploration Grant and has inspired a student MSc project investigating accessibility in immersive heritage. A collaborative PhD proposal is now in development, building on the networks and momentum established.  

By combining historical research with digital innovation, this project demonstrates the potential of immersive technologies not only to enhance visitor experience but also to support sustainable, place-based cultural regeneration.