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Welcome to my food and travel website

Martin Hesp

Martin Hesp: Food and Travel Writer & Journalist
Discover Travel Tales and Culinary Delights from Around the World
Steep Holm, Difficult To Reach Even Outside The Lockdown
Apr 5

Apr 5 Steep Holm, Difficult To Reach Even Outside The Lockdown

Martin Hesp
Travel

In this Lockdown Diary Martin recalls a visit to the island of Steep Holm in the Bristol Channel

More Wild Garlic - Plus Recipes
Apr 4

Apr 4 More Wild Garlic - Plus Recipes

Martin Hesp
Food

In this Exmoor Lockdown Diary Martin revisits the subject of wild garlic after so many people contacted him

Shrubs: How To Make Them and Drink Them
Apr 3

Apr 3 Shrubs: How To Make Them and Drink Them

Martin Hesp
Drink

in this Exmoor Lockdown Diary Martin Hesp learns all about remarkable drinks called ‘shrubs’ - which you can easily make at home

Making Your Own Sourdough - A Lockdown Treat
Apr 2

Apr 2 Making Your Own Sourdough - A Lockdown Treat

Martin Hesp
Food

In this lockdown diary Martin Hesp discusses the art and the delights of making your own sourdough bread

The Garlic Man, The Happy Village and The Potter
Apr 1

Apr 1 The Garlic Man, The Happy Village and The Potter

Martin Hesp
Food, Devon Cornwall & Somerset

In this Exmoor Lockdown Diary Martin puts together a podcast in which he visits one of the UK’s top garlic growers, he visits the “happiest village in England” and he calls in to see a famous potter called John Leach

Foraging Wild Food in Estuaries
Mar 31

Mar 31 Foraging Wild Food in Estuaries

Martin Hesp
Food, Devon Cornwall & Somerset

In another Exmoor Lockdown Diary, Martin learns how to forage for wild food in an estuary

The Loneliness of the Lighthouse Keeper
Mar 28

Mar 28 The Loneliness of the Lighthouse Keeper

Martin Hesp
Podcast, Travel, Devon Cornwall & Somerset

In this Exmoor Lockdown Diary Martin considers the loneliness of the old lighthouse keepers and we feature a podcast interview with one of the men who used to serve on some of the loneliest lights of them all…

Wild Food Foraging With The Experts
Mar 26

Mar 26 Wild Food Foraging With The Experts

Martin Hesp
Food

Foraging for wild food in springtime is a good idea during the lockdown IF - and only if - you live in the countryside and can walk out into unpopulated areas locally to find the right plants

Importance of Local Grown Food
Mar 25

Mar 25 Importance of Local Grown Food

Martin Hesp
Food

In the latest Exmoor Lockdown Diary, Martin talks about the importance of locally produced food - he’s been writing about it for years but the subject is really coming into its own right now

All About the Chicken and the Egg
Mar 24

Mar 24 All About the Chicken and the Egg

Martin Hesp
Food

As we all worry about food scarcity during the lockdown you have to envy those who keep chickens - or who live near enough to buy fresh eggs from their country neighbours

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Martin Hesp: Award-Winning Food and Travel Writer

© 2026 Martin Hesp. All rights reserved. Original journalism and photography based on real-world experience. No AI-generated content.

Welcome to the digital home of my culinary and travel explorations. As a journalist and author with over 20 years of experience—including my extensive work with the Western Morning News and Western Daily Press and my "Hesp Out West" series—I have dedicated my career to uncovering the stories that make a place truly special. From the rugged coastlines of Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset to the hidden culinary gems of the Caribbean and Europe, this site is a collection of my journeys and a guide for fellow travellers.

On these pages, you will find travel tales, detailed hotel reviews, and local food guides. I am particularly passionate about the heritage of the South West of England, covering everything from the best walks in the West Country to the rise of artisanal food producers in our region. As a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, I strive to provide high-quality, independent journalism that offers a deep sense of place through long-form storytelling and photography.

Whether you are seeking inspiration for a weekend hotel stay in Switzerland, a challenging hike through a National Trust estate, or a deep dive into local beer and drink culture, my goal is to provide insights you won't find in a standard brochure. Thank you for joining me on this adventure through the world of food and travel.

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