Become a virtual tourist

BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC – 21ST AUGUST

The world is, quite literally, at your fingertips as technology gives you the chance to trek all over the world… without leaving your armchair

The early-summer breeze is whispering through the tall, brooding trees fringing the vast expanse of the lake. The morning sun casts shadows over the lush, grassy bank and glistens on the gin-clear water as gentle ripples lap against the shore. Light, wispy clouds drift lazily across the powder-blue sky which is already taking on a cobalt hue over the distant hills.

Yes, it’s going to be another beautiful day on Lake Windermere.

The first of the day’s visitors have arrived, chattering excitedly as they unhook their orange dinghy from the back of their SUV, their breakfast feast already spread over the picnic tables and attracting the attention of ravenous ducks, jostling for position.

Filing the scene under idyllic holiday vistas in your memory bank, you pause and breathe deeply, ready to relish the sweet tang of the open water and freshness of a sultry Cumbrian morning… but the only whiff you’re getting is from last night’s takeaway, a faint hint of furniture polish and the none-too favourable aromas from the leftovers in the cat’s dinner bowl.

Because, contrary to what your brain might want you to believe, you’re at home, sitting in a comfy chair having logged on to a virtual tour of the Lake District on your laptop. Already one of the top tourist destinations in the country, the Lakes have become something of a hit in the cyber universe too, as webcams at the likes of Windermere, Coniston Water and Ullswater bring the beauty and atmosphere of the national park to a computer screen. lakedistrict.gov. uk/visiting/webcams-videos-andphotos/webcams

Webcams add a different dimension to the virtual tours of museums, galleries and landmarks which have become increasingly popular during days of isolation and self-confinement throughout the Coronavirus lockdown.

sets you were recommended but only waded through because you couldn’t think of anything else to do, they are also educational.

For instance, while you are mooching around Buckingham Palace, enjoying the 360-degree tours of the Throne Room, Grand Staircase and the White Drawing Room you can click on information points to learn about their history. royal.uk/virtual-toursbuckingham-palace

For sheer spectacle, step out on the Great Wall of China where, with just a series of clicks, you can walk the stretch from Jinshanling to Simatai

Similarly, Stonehenge, where their virtual feature offers panoramic views from the centre of the iconic stone circle and an interactive feature which allows you to click on specific points to learn more about the history. It’s like having a personal tour without the accompanying howl of traffic from the nearby A303. english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/places/stonehenge/

Technology also helps to bring out the best in Bath where their most visited attraction, the Roman Baths, offers a virtual walkthrough where you can explore the Great Bath, heated rooms and plunge pools as well as visiting some of their exhibitions. romanbaths. co.uk/walkthrough

And you can avoid the crowds with a panoramic tour – at sunset – of the Giant’s Causeway, in County Antrim (nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway/features/take-a-virtualtour-of-the-giants-causeway) as well as unlock the treasures at the National Gallery (nationalgallery.org. uk/visiting/virtual-tours) and the British Museum, where you can visit the rooms and wings, and zoom in on most of the exhibits (britishmuseum.withgoogle.com)

But, in these digital times, the world is your oyster, and although foreign travel has been suspended, there is nothing to stop you taking in some of the world’s most culturally-important sites – all from your own front room.

Always fancied trekking to Machu Picchu but can’t stomach the threat of altitude sickness as you climb through the Andes? No problem, you can take the virtual tour of the stunning Incan citadel with sweeping views and a detailed commentary. youvisit.com/ tour/machupicchu

You may have to negotiate a few visitors, but Google Street View’s footage of the Taj Mahal takes you up close and personal with the beautiful domed monument to a love lost, while AirPano offers breath-taking aerial shots of the grounds and surrounding area. google.com/maps and airpano. com/360photo/Taj-Mahal-India/

For sheer spectacle, step out on the Great Wall of China where, with just a series of clicks, you can walk the stretch from Jinshanling to Simatai, taking in stunning views of the barren landscape. thechinaguide.com/ destination/great-wall-of-china

And it may be one of the wonders of the ancient world, but the team at Petra in Jordan have embraced the digital age by offering a live feed from the jaw-dropping site – although, like the Lake District, streaming has been suspended while lockdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic are in place. petralivecam.com/

But, as far as immersive experiences go, Angkor Wat in Cambodia takes some beating. There are 3D simulations of temples, plus 360-degree videos of the landmarks which, if you have a VR headset, almost places you in the middle of this mind-blowing complex. virtualangkor.com/360