Swindon is a popular stop for canal boats along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. The town high street is hidden from the towpath, and therefore so are many of the towns services.

British Waterways requested orientation panels positioned at the mooring point for canal boats to assist visitors in identifying their location within Swindon, and allowing them to quickly find services within the town. In addition to these two panels, an interpretation panel was added along the towpath to inform visitors of the historical sites to be seen in and around the market town.