When in Rome... well, you know the rest. In the spirit of embracing local culture, when I was down in Cornwall last week, I did as the locals do—I bought some fresh, local fish. Why wouldn't I? Cornwall, with its coastline jutting into the Atlantic, is teeming with an abundance of fabulous, fresh, and sustainable seafood, arguably the finest in the UK. It would be a shame not to take some home! One of the best places to source fresh seafood in Cornwall is the Great Cornish Fo

An article describing how journalist Martin Hesp met an interviewed Tony Hibbert who founded Trebah Gardens in Cornwall

Hidden among glorious subtropical gardens near Falmouth, Hotel Meudon is one of Cornwall's best-kept secrets. Discover my review of this elegant luxury hotel with its own private beach, peaceful woodland setting and easy access to the beautiful Helford River.

Perry is one of Britain's oldest and finest drinks. Meet the people behind its remarkable revival and discover why traditional perry deserves to be celebrated alongside the world's greatest wines and ciders.

Some people have an incurable curiosity when it comes to the landscape. For example, if they see an interesting or picturesque place from afar, they automatically think: “Right… One day I’ll go to that place and see what it’s all about.” This article relates to exactly that sort of journey. But there was a reason why it took me so long to embark on the particular journey of discovery, even though I had several times found myself being attracted to an obscure corner of the So

The 450-year-old Rock Inn - as mentioned in the neighbouring article - stands just a few feet from the young River Tone. Travel a few miles upstream, higher and deeper into the hills, and you will come to Clatworthy Reservoir, which is not only one of the oldest drinking water lakes in the region, but one of the prettiest. Two facts which perhaps go hand-in-hand. The building of a giant reservoir causes a major disruption to the ecology and environment, and it takes many year

It’s not quite a case of “if you go down to the woods today you’ll be in for a big surprise”, but this story has that kind of vibe about it. Let’s put it this way… There are a great many well-known parts of the much-visited West Country and, conversely, there are even more hidden, out-of-the-way, corners which very few tourists ever get to see. Given that this is the case, you might imagine that someone wishing to expand a new concept in the world of food and hospitality wo

Explore East Devon's secret coast on a 4-mile circular walk from Salcombe Regis, taking in secret smuggler chasms, the 520ft chalk precipices of Rempstone Rocks, and coastal farming history high above Sidmouth.

The Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth is one of Devon's grandest seaside hotels. I spent a relaxing break enjoying its new Source Spa, elegant sea-view rooms, award-winning dining and the timeless charm of one of England's most traditional coastal resorts.

From the red-deer-haunted hills surrounding Dulverton to the medieval splendour of Dunster and the sheer maritime drama of Lynton and Lynmouth, Exmoor’s towns tell extraordinary stories. Journalist Martin Hesp takes a closer look at three famous West Country settlements, uncovering historical poachers, royal sieges, and heroic sea rescues along the way.

Looking across Penzance harbour, Chapel House is one of those rare places where historic character and modern luxury sit comfortably together. This beautifully restored Georgian townhouse combines stylish rooms, exceptional breakfasts and warm Cornish hospitality with an enviable location close to the seafront, galleries and St Michael's Mount. Here's why I think it's one of the most memorable boutique hotels in West Cornwall.

Imagine a small coastal town where you can have one of the best dinners in the entire region and know for a fact that you could carry on dining extremely well during a week-long stay if you were to visit other venues dotted around the local harbour. I was fortunate enough not to have to imagine such a thing. I knew I had found a genuine foodie-hot-spot as I looked out of a restaurant window while dining out in Porthleven. For those who don’t know it, the old fishing village o

In this weekend's newspapers, my Hesp Out West feature is all about the wondrous food you’ll find in the little harbour town of Porthleven, down there on the Lizard’s north-western shoreline. I first went there to write about the place nearly 25 years ago in an article for an old newspaper series called Hesp’s Harbours, in which I visited over 50 West Country ports. So here’s the article I wrote all those many long years ago… There's a famous photo of the Bickford-Smith Inst

Porlock Bay is one of the most exquisite jewels on the West Country coast. Join travel writer Martin Hesp as he visits the historic harbour at Porlock Weir, samples fine Portuguese-inspired dining at the Porlock Weir Hotel, shares chef Miguel Tenreiro’s signature prawn rissole recipe, and tackles the dramatic 7-mile circular coastal hike to Culbone—home to England’s smallest parish church.

A grand afternoon tea is a wonderful thing - there are people in this world who’d survive on it and nothing else if they could - but most of us like to ring the changes. And when we’re somewhere as maritime as Cornwall, we like to eat as much seafood as we can. Cornwall’s seafood capital, Newlyn, sits snug in the most sheltered corner of Mount’s Bay just a mile or two west of Greg’s high tea. It is one of the largest and most important fishing ports in England, and I love the

Few afternoon teas can match the magic of dining on an island reached by an ancient causeway. Join me as I discover why St Michael's Mount serves one of Cornwall's finest afternoon teas, complete with breathtaking views and outstanding local produce.

I began the last Hesp Out West article by saying that sometimes it’s a good idea to climb a mountain or hill in order to get a better view of the world that surrounds you. Being up high can literally lift your spirits and somehow help to put the complexities of life into perspective. The South West region has a variety of summits which will do the job, but some are better than others when it comes to supplying the drama of that all-round 360-degree panorama… Five West Countr

High on the Quantock Hills lies a landscape of ancient hill-forts, lonely combes, and haunting place names like Dead Woman’s Ditch and Walford’s Gibbet. These dramatic, real-world locations served as the backdrop for my historical novel, The Last Broomsquire. Starting from Crowcombe Park Gate, this easy four-mile circular hike pairs sweeping views across the Bristol Channel with dark local lore and centuries of West Country history.

We had all endured weeks of dark skies leaking copious amounts of rain - but in our case the weather, and indeed the season, seemed to change in one startling, blinding, beautiful moment. I was lying on a large, comfortable bed, about to have a snooze after a long day out in Cornwall, and suddenly the hotel room was filled with the brightest sunlight we’d seen since last summer. So bright that my wife was forced to put on her sunglasses. It was that bright, even indoors! Mull

Easter walks offer a healthy, enjoyable alternative to intense fitness regimes. With longer days and warmer weather, walking in the UK's beautiful landscapes is a perfect way to increase fitness. It's a popular, simple, and social activity, suitable for all ages and abilities, with no special equipment required. This article highlights three easy, scenic springtime walks in the West Country, each under three miles, ideal for beginners and showcasing spectacular views