A historic stone castle stands prominently in the center of the image, its tall rectangular tower rising above a solid defensive wall with narrow slit windows typical of medieval architecture. The walls are weathered, showing signs of age yet still imposing in their stature. A flag can be seen flying above the structure, adding a touch of color to the otherwise muted stone. The castle is framed naturally by tall evergreen trees on either side, their branches arching inward and partially obscuring the view, creating a sense of depth and enclosure. The foreground is a wide expanse of neatly kept green grass, suggesting a parkland setting, while a pathway leads towards the fortress. The clear blue sky with patches of white cloud provides a bright, calm backdrop to the scene, enhancing the contrast between the castle’s rugged stone and the soft greenery surrounding it.

Case Study

Caldicot Castle – Destination For All

Caldicot Castle, a historic landmark in Monmouthshire, is a site rich in heritage and cultural significance. As part of the Destination For All initiative led by Monmouthshire County Council, ANI Group was commissioned to create an immersive digital twin of the castle, aimed at improving accessibility, enhancing visitor engagement, and providing a fully inclusive experience for all users.

A close-up of a Matterport 3D scanning camera mounted on a tripod inside a historic bedroom. The camera is in focus at the center, while the background shows a large four-poster bed with deep red curtains trimmed with tassels and embroidery. Behind the bed, the stone walls are aged and textured, with a large open fireplace visible to the right. The patterned rug on the floor adds detail to the historic setting, contrasting the modern scanning technology with the centuries-old interior.

Objectives

The project sought to:

Provide a detailed, navigable 3D model of Caldicot Castle for public access online.
Support accessibility planning and ensure visitors with mobility, sensory, or cognitive challenges could better understand the site before visiting.
Offer a tool for educational, marketing, and heritage purposes, allowing remote users to explore the castle interactively.
Preserve a digital record of the castle’s architecture and interior layout for ongoing maintenance, restoration, and compliance purposes.

The Process

ANI Group employed advanced 3D scanning and Matterport technology to capture every corner of the castle, including:

Exterior grounds and fortifications.
Historic interiors, including halls, chambers, and exhibition areas.
Accessibility features, entrances, staircases, and pathways.

The scans were processed into a fully interactive digital twin, providing a high-resolution, immersive experiencethat can be accessed online from any device. Additional informational overlays and navigation aids were integrated to support users with disabilities.

Outcomes & Impact

Enhanced Accessibility: Users can explore the castle in advance, identifying accessible routes, entrances, and facilities, reducing anxiety and improving confidence for first-time visitors.
Inclusive Visitor Engagement: The digital twin allows schools, community groups, and tourists to engage with the castle remotely, supporting educational initiatives and widening participation.
Marketing & Tourism: The interactive model serves as a promotional tool, encouraging visitation and enhancing Monmouthshire’s profile as a destination for all.
Digital Heritage Record: The 3D capture provides a detailed, permanent record of Caldicot Castle, useful for restoration, maintenance, and long-term preservation planning.

Conclusion

By combining immersive technology with accessibility expertise, ANI Group delivered a solution that goes beyond traditional marketing. The Caldicot Castle digital twin provides equal access, enhanced engagement, and a lasting digital record, aligning perfectly with the Destination For All mission to make Monmouthshire’s heritage sites welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

Explore Caldicot Castle virtually and experience how ANI Group transforms heritage, accessibility, and engagement through immersive digital solutions.

A historic stone hall with high arched ceilings and exposed wooden beams, lit by natural light streaming through narrow stained-glass and arched windows. The room features long wooden benches arranged in rows facing a raised platform at the far end, where two carved wooden chairs sit beneath the arched window. Against the side walls are simple wooden tables and benches, while a red-and-green tapestry hangs near the center. The terracotta tiled floor and thick, aged stone walls give the space a medieval atmosphere, suggesting it was once used as a dining or gathering hall within a castle or fortress.

Take a tour of the immersive Caldicot Castle

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