Should Weybridge Go Virtual with Its Landmarks?

Not every town gets to say it once held the fastest racetrack in the world. Or that its green still features a monument that once stood in the heart of London. Weybridge is the kind of place where the past sits in full view, though not everyone passing through stops to notice. As technology moves on, the question worth asking is whether it’s time for towns like this to start digitising the heritage we already have.

This doesn’t mean tearing anything down. It’s not about replacing walking tours or closing museums. It’s about building a version of Weybridge that people can experience in more ways than one’ even if they’re halfway across the world. That might sound like a stretch for a Surrey town, but take a look at what’s happening in the world beyond Elmbridge.

Virtual reality and AI are no longer reserved for big tech labs or movie studios. They’re being used in everyday settings. House hunters tour properties through headsets. In the gaming world, casinos are already using AI to shape how people play. These systems track preferences, betting patterns, and in-game choices to tailor what each user sees, from bonuses to suggested tables. A non UK based online casino, for example, uses AI to create smoother experiences that feel more in tune with each player’s habits, recommending games like slots, poker, or tailoring bonuses based on player habits. 

Others have begun experimenting with virtual spaces that go beyond the screen. Immersive lobbies and dealer tables, designed to look and feel like real-world venues, are no longer reserved for specialist setups. They run on everyday devices, bringing that experience into homes without the need for travel or expensive hardware.

The same principles apply to tourism and local history. Larger heritage sites across the UK have already begun investing in virtual tours. From Roman baths to Tudor palaces, many now offer interactive walk-throughs where visitors can explore buildings as they were centuries ago. These aren’t just tools for education. They attract digital visitors from other parts of the world’ people who may eventually want to visit in person. And they also preserve what’s already here. No one knows what time, weather, or changing landscapes will do to historic buildings. A digital record ensures they won’t be forgotten.

Weybridge has the material. The Brooklands Museum is a prime example. Its collection of vintage aircraft, racing cars, and engineering artefacts could be turned into a 3D experience with international appeal. Mercedes-Benz World, just next door, already uses simulators and interactive displays. A full virtual setup wouldn’t be a major leap. Then there’s Monument Green, the London Bus Museum, St James’ Church sites with real character, local value, and architectural depth. These places may not have global headlines behind them, but they deserve a platform beyond the local footpath.

There are practical benefits, too. Not everyone can easily access heritage sites. Whether due to age, distance, or cost, many people are left out of cultural visits entirely. A virtual version offers a second way in. Local schools, libraries, and care homes could all make use of it. The same goes for those curious about the town’s history but not ready to book a trip. A virtual version sparks interest. It turns passive scrolling into active learning.

Weybridge doesn’t need to become a tech hub. That’s not the point. What it can do is take a step forward without losing sight of what it already has. Digitising landmarks is not about turning the past into a gimmick. It’s about letting it travel further than it ever could before.