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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
Celebrating VE Day in Roadwater
May 8

May 8 Celebrating VE Day in Roadwater

Martin Hesp
Media, Devon Cornwall & Somerset

In his 51st Exmoor Lockdown Diary Martin Hesp remembers the last time his village had a big celebratory event - such as the one we should have ben enjoying this VE Day

Exmoor Walks: Roadwater
May 7

May 7 Exmoor Walks: Roadwater

Martin Hesp
Walks, Devon Cornwall & Somerset

In his 50th coronavirus lockdown diary Martin Hesp takes a walk around his own parish of Old Cleeve

Hot Smoking
May 6

May 6 Hot Smoking

Martin Hesp
Food

In today’s Exmoor Lockdown Diary Martin Hesp looks forward to some hot-smoked food - easy to do and absolutely delicious

Asparagus
May 5

May 5 Asparagus

Martin Hesp
Food

In this Exmoor Lockdown Diary, Martin Hesp consider’s England’s greatest spring season pleasure - fresh asparagus.

Desert Dreaming
May 3

May 3 Desert Dreaming

Martin Hesp
Travel

In his 46th consecutive lockdown diary Martin Hesp begins to dream of the many hot deserts he’s visited down the years.

Remembering The Manor
May 1

May 1 Remembering The Manor

Martin Hesp
Travel

In this Exmoor Lockdown Diary Martin Hesp recalls living at a local manor house for a decade-and-a-half

Cider Songs at the Manor
Apr 30

Apr 30 Cider Songs at the Manor

Martin Hesp

Today’s Exmoor Lockdown Diary contains a podcast full of songs about… Well, what else, but cider…

Roadwater Station and the Mineral Line
Apr 29

Apr 29 Roadwater Station and the Mineral Line

Martin Hesp
Devon Cornwall & Somerset

In this lockdown diary Martin Hesp looks at the old railway line which played a major role in the valley where he lives

Wood Fired Cooking
Apr 25

Apr 25 Wood Fired Cooking

Martin Hesp
Food

Another lockdown diary and this time it’s all about barbecuing food

Dorest Walks: the Great Dorset Ridge Walk
Apr 24

Apr 24 Dorest Walks: the Great Dorset Ridge Walk

Martin Hesp
Walks

Martin Hesp recalls making an 18-mile walk with poets James Crowden and Catherine Simmonds

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Martin Hesp: Award-Winning Food and Travel Writer

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 a curated selection of 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 post-Christmas 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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