Looe Pirate Trail
Swashbuckling treasure hunt to encourage families to visit Looe by train
Our pirate treasure hunt attracted more than 300 children to visit Looe by train and explore the town’s shops.
Everyone loves pirates. Especially children. So what better way to entice families to take a train journey to the Cornish resort of Looe – complete with its atmospheric harbour and narrow winding streets – than with a pirate trail?
The Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership worked with local businesses to create a self-guided treasure hunt starting at Looe station that took in shops and restaurants throughout the town, helping to support the local economy.
Families picked up their free trail booklet from Plymouth or Liskeard station and followed clues to find loveable pirate characters displayed on window stickers in each establishment. Once they had found the crew lost in Looe they could claim their own treasure – a bag of chocolate coins and a sticker of their favourite pirate from the trail.
The trail was promoted on social media and in local newspapers and proved a swashbuckling success.
Families flocked on to the train and 300 children completed the trail. Participating businesses were thrilled:
It’s been wonderful to be part of. It’s drawn people in and brought income into the business.
– Sardine Factory restaurant, Looe
