The Looe Valley Line’s May 2025 improved timetable is a story of community rail and the tourism sector working together to deliver greater value for the rail network, visitor economy and local communities.

The project began when a hotelier in Looe reported to Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership (DCRP) that her guests would benefit from quicker connections with the main line at Liskeard and improved stopping patterns at intermediate stations. DCRP liaised with Great Western Railway, who were able to turn these local transport priorities into a reality. The timetable changes meant that journeys to Looe from Plymouth, the nearest city, were now up to 20 minutes quicker than before.

DCRP took the initiative further, working with a range of tourism partners across a variety of media to promote the timetable and Looe’s leisure offer. Leaflets, guided walks, digital content and station posters were created encompassing four main themes: quicker journeys, coastal walks, evenings out and local heritage. Nearly 50 social media posts saw the campaign reach 1.2 million people, attracting 17,000 likes, including eye-catching Instagram videos posted simultaneously to followers of DCRP, Great Western Railway, South West Coast Path, Visit Cornwall, Visit Looe and Welcome to Looe & Polperro.

This translated into ‘bums on seats’. More than 60,000 journeys have been made on the Looe Valley Line since the May timetable was introduced; late June to mid-September registered the line’s busiest summer on record, and 2025 is firmly on track to be the line’s most successful year ever.

‘Make and Trade’ was a project developed by the Heart of Wales Line CRP to connect and promote independent businesses along the scenic railway between Swansea and Shrewsbury. The initiative was set up to showcase over 100 artisans, producers, shops and attractions that define rural towns such as Llandovery, Knighton and Llandeilo, while encouraging sustainable leisure journeys by rail.

The CRP produced ‘Goods Along the Line’, a 48-page directory of makers and traders. Copies were distributed along the route and in tourist destinations across Shropshire, Wales and further afield, and the CRP also hosted a networking event with an accompanying marketing masterclass for those businesses featured.

The impact has been significant. More than 6,000 booklets have been distributed, guiding visitors to towns, trails and businesses along the line. Over £1,000 of products were sold at six community events, directly benefiting makers, and social media campaigns reached over 500,000 visitors in the three months around the booklet launch. Businesses reported new customers, shared learning and stronger community connections.

By linking tourism, small enterprises and sustainable travel, ‘Make and Trade’ demonstrates the Heart of Wales Line as a vital route for visitors seeking distinctive experiences while strengthening rural economies and community resilience. The brochure will be refreshed and expanded annually through advertising and sponsorship, ensuring ongoing support for local businesses – and the railway that connects them.

Southeast Communities Rail Partnership, Horsham District Council and Whistlestop Arts created an innovative audio‑visual guide to promote sustainable travel and celebrate the people who make the Arun Valley Line so special.

Moving beyond traditional leaflets, the team produced a feature film, podcast series and short visual reels highlighting attractions easily reached from seven railway stations. Themes such as sustainable transport, wellbeing and local economic benefits were woven throughout, supported by the campaign strapline: “The Arun Valley Line – where the journey is as beautiful as the destination.” Creative filming, including drone footage of the Arun Valley and South Downs, and engaging interviews with rail staff, visitors and attractions helped bring the line to life.

The content was launched in March 2025 and supported by extensive marketing from Govia Thameslink Railway, Gatwick Airport and local tourism partners. QR‑coded promotional cards distributed at stations made the podcasts easy to access, while coverage across social media, national and local media, and tourism platforms helped reach wider audiences.

This combined coverage resulted in strong engagement, including hundreds of podcast downloads, YouTube views and webpage visits. Feedback from passengers, tourism forums and community events has been consistently positive, confirming the value of the project for both residents and visitors. Its success has led to funding for a second series covering six additional stations, due to launch in spring 2026. This next phase will extend the project’s reach and reinforce the Arun Valley Line as a gateway to accessible, sustainable and memorable days out by rail.