Fingerpost Signs – Classic Design with a Modern Purpose

Fingerpost signs are a timeless form of public realm signage that can easily guide visitors through open spaces. 

Far from being relics of the past, these iconic directional signage elements blend tradition with contemporary design, proving their value across parks, heritage sites and urban landscapes.

A Brief History of Fingerpost Signs…

Originating in England in the late 17th century, the earliest fingerposts were legally sanctioned highway markers. One of the oldest surviving examples, near Chipping Campden, dates back to 1669 and points to Oxford, Warwick, Gloucester and Worcester.

Over centuries, they became ubiquitous along rural roads and paths. Despite mid-20th-century pressure to replace them with standardised road signs, many councils retained them as historic features and restoration campaigns, particularly after 2005, encouraged their preservation.

Why Fingerposts Remain Effective Outdoors?

• Clear and Intuitive Wayfinding – Their multi-armed design makes informational signs direct and intuitive, guiding people at a glance to multiple destinations.
• Highly Customisable – Modern versions, like our WAY2GO fingerpost signs, allow for bespoke designs that include local materials (e.g., Cumbrian stone), council crests, historical details or branded aesthetic elements.
• Built to Last – Robust materials like aluminium, painted steel, FSC-certified timber and powder coated elements deliver resilience in outdoor conditions. User experiences also support durability; aluminium composite panels (e.g., Dibond) are recommended for long term outdoor use.

Versatility in Design and Application.

• Public Parks and Leisure Projects – Whether navigating leafy pathways or pointing to park features, fingerposts are ideal for wayfinding in open air environments. Their design blends into the landscape, like the information signs we created for Peel Park, Salford and South Cliff Gardens, where signage materials and colours were chosen to complement the setting.
• City Centres and Cultural Trails – In urban areas, directional signage helps maintain clarity and cohesion. Carlisle City and Tewkesbury Council, Gloucestershire benefited from WAY2GO fingerpost signs (and totems) combining stone, glass mapping, and local heraldry to improve public navigation and add heritage value.
• Public Realm Signage – In shared urban spaces, signage must be both functional and durable. isGroup’s broad experience in public realm signage shows that well designed fingerposts enhance public understanding and complement communal environments. Our work for the Historic Royal Palaces at the Tower of London required us to enhance visitor experience and streamline navigation, but also ensure signage was suitable for a variety of uneven surfaces.

Durability and Sustainability – Built to Withstand the Elements!

Durability is non-negotiable for outdoor information signs. isGroup often uses durable substrates like FSC certified oak, aluminium, powder-coated steel and weather resistant printed panels. From broader industry insights, park signage commonly relies on aluminium, aluminium composite, or Dibond panels combined with UV-resistant inks or vinyl for longevity.

Moreover, sustainability is woven into modern signage design. isGroup has embraced eco-friendly materials – recycled plastics, bamboo, solar lighting – and promotes long lifespan, minimal upkeep and eco-friendly production methods.

Where You’ll Spot Fingerposts Today…

Timeless, Tailored, Today.

Fingerpost signs continue to stand as enduring, functional and elegant fixtures in our public realm signage landscape. Their unrivalled ability to blend style, heritage, and practicality ensures they remain indispensable, especially in public park signs and outdoor wayfinding environments. 

With modern materials, sustainability focus and customisable design, they’ve evolved far beyond their origins and remain relevant tools for intuitive directional signage and information signs in today’s settings.

Ready to explore how fingerposts can enhance your next project?
Reach out to WAY2GO by isGroup Signs to discover bespoke solutions tailored to your landscape’s character and visitor experience.

See how we’ve helped the UK in finding the right WAY2GO…