We worked with Merchant Adventurers’ Hall to develop a cohesive interpretation strategy for York’s Two Rivers Trail, focused on the city’s defining waterways, the River Ouse and River Foss. The aim was to reveal the layered history of these rivers and create a clear, engaging narrative that connects visitors more meaningfully to York’s heritage.

Our role centred on structuring the visitor experience and shaping a strong interpretive framework. We established the overarching identity, “A Trail of Two Rivers,” providing a unifying concept that reflects both the physical landscape and the stories that run through it.

The interpretation was designed to work across multiple touchpoints. A series of carefully considered lectern panels combine concise, accessible text with maps, imagery and graphic elements to support quick understanding in situ. Alongside this, a digital layer extends the experience through an interactive web app, enabling users to explore locations and stories in greater depth before, during and after their visit.

To broaden engagement, the project was supported by a coordinated digital presence, using social media to introduce themes, highlight stories and encourage participation, helping to bring the trail to a wider audience.