Blending myth with reality in the heart of Bristol
Giants AR binoculars at Bristol Observatory
Zubr partnered with Clifton Observatory to transform one of Bristol’s most iconic heritage sites into an immersive window into local folklore. Through an innovative augmented reality installation, Zubr reimagined the legendary tale of Bristol’s giants in 3D, bringing the myth to life directly within the landscape it was born from – the Avon Gorge.
Clifton Observatory, renowned for its panoramic views, now offers visitors more than just a scenic outlook. With the help of AR binoculars positioned at the mouth of the Giant’s Cave, guests can peer through Zubr’s binoculars and watch as the towering animated giants move through the landscape – playfully interacting, working the land, and revealing a mythical narrative embedded in the geography of the region.
Partners
This project was made possible through our collaboration with Clifton Observatory, a beloved Bristol landmark who shared our goal of making local folklore vivid and accessible through immersive technology. As part of the Bristol Venues group, the Observatory champions the preservation of historical spaces through innovative visitor experiences.
With essential funding support from Innovate UK, the national innovation agency, we were able to explore the full creative and technical potential of augmented reality in the Observatory setting, helping us push the boundaries of visitor engagement.
Many of our visitors aren't aware of the local lore and history surrounding the Giant's Cave. The addition of the AR binoculars will make the legend of the giants much more accessible and memorable.
Jade Rockett, General Manager, Clifton Observatory
Many of our visitors aren't aware of the local lore and history surrounding the Giant's Cave. The addition of the AR binoculars will make the legend of the giants much more accessible and memorable.
Jade Rockett, General Manager, Clifton Observatory
Making local legends tangible
The tale of Bristol’s giants, Ghyston and Goram, is well known to locals but often overlooked by visitors. Zubr was brought in to design an experience that would not only engage modern audiences but also make the folklore more tangible and memorable for a wide range of visitors – from tourists to schoolchildren.
Descending into the cave is already an adventure; emerging at the cliffside opening offers breathtaking views across the Avon Gorge. Zubr’s mission was to elevate this experience by layering in digital storytelling that doesn’t distract from the natural beauty, but rather deepens the viewer’s connection to it.
Characterful animation in AR
At the heart of the experience is a pair of our augmented reality binoculars – a bespoke installation that overlays animation into the real-world view of the gorge. Through the lens, visitors encounter the giants of local legend as they roam the landscape, each animated with exaggerated features and distinct personalities.
Zubr’s 3D artists had fun breathing life into these mythical figures. “I wanted to give each giant a sense of personality,” shared Selwyn, Senior 3D artist. “Goram has a beer belly and a flushed face, nodding to his pub-namesake in Lawrence Weston, while Ghyston sports wheel trims for buttons and wears a motorway-sign name badge.” These imaginative details give visitors an intuitive sense of scale and whimsy, adding a certain charm to the animated characters.
The giants’ designs reflect not only their lore but also the environments they are tied to. Disproportionately large ears, feet, and hands emphasize their magical nature, while playful gestures and environmental interactions – such as climbing, throwing rocks, or simply lounging – make them feel alive within the gorge.
The myth reawakened
The aim for this innovative experience centres around a fusion of education, entertainment, and cutting-edge technology. Visitors can emerge from the cave not just with a photo, but with a story – one they saw unfold before them in larger-than-life fashion.
This collaboration with Clifton Observatory stands as a testament to how immersive technology can deepen public engagement with local history. As Zubr continues to pioneer digital storytelling in real-world spaces, projects like this one serve as a blueprint for connecting communities with their cultural roots through innovation, imagination, and immersive design.
