Storytelling trails invite communities to experience city in new way

Free to download and offering an immersive audio experience to anyone who wants to tour Southampton in a new way, seven trails have been created by talented undergraduates during their final year at Solent.

Created using Solent University’s industry-standard equipment, including spatial audio microphones which give listeners an atmospheric experience while they walk, these trails combine fictional storytelling with a trip through real landscapes, inviting listeners to see them through a new lens.

Lecturer Media Production, Paul Stevens, says:

“Imagine a museum or art gallery tour delivered via headphones, where a narrator tells you about exhibits or paintings. Take that and add sound from all angles, a blend of fact and fiction, and an outdoor setting in the heart of our great city, and you’ve got what our students are doing!”

The trails invite listeners to take a journey to different places across Southampton, as well as one based in Staunton Country Park, Havant which offers a moment of mindfulness through a leafy green landscape. Netley Military Cemetery and Southampton Old Cemetery both offer guided tours that blend fiction with history, while an experience at Robin’s Nest Emporium invites the listener to step inside the shoes of two friends as they guide you through second-hand treasures.

Elsewhere, residents and tourists alike are encouraged to visit the Old Town, guided by a fictional spirit, and experience binaural and ambisonic soundscapes on a reflective walk starting at Southampton Cenotaph.

While the trails are part of Solent’s Media Production degree, equipping students with practice-led experience that enhances their CVs, the trails themselves are a source of entertainment for anyone in the city who wants to enjoy a free walking experience in Southampton. Media Production student, Mason Lovegrove, says:

“Creating an audio guide tour has been an incredibly enriching experience. This project allowed me to explore more in-depth sound design, narrative, and immersive technology, helping me to develop a deeper understanding of spatial audio and how it can shape a listener’s perception of their environment.

“Throughout the process, I honed my skills in crafting engaging narratives that seamlessly integrate with real-world locations, making each chapter feel like a living, breathing part of the journey.”

Experience these trails here.