A journey through the Dordogne and Limousin reveals a quieter, more beautiful France – where luxury hotels, timeless villages and river landscapes echo the West Country of old.

Paphos remains a reliable corner of the Mediterranean where history sits quietly beside the sea. Our recent visit with the British Guild of Travel Writers centered on the Asimina Suites, a Constantinou Bros property that has just emerged from a major revamp. Now featuring a new top floor of deluxe suites and the St Andrews Rooftop Bar, the hotel has refined its adults-only appeal without losing its sense of calm. It is a place designed for those who value space and a sea view

"I was thinking this one evening last week just after I had popped a humble cockle into my mouth. A small shellfish I’ve enjoyed all my life, but this cockle was different. It was a super-cockle. It was as if the most cockly cockle in the world had been produced especially for this moment of personal enjoyment. It tasted of the essence of ocean. Its velvety texture was salty, sweet and creamy all at the same time. It was so sublime, it brought a little tear to my eye."

A spontaneous stop on Dorset’s dramatic coast road leads to a bracing walk along Cogden Beach to West Bexington. Tough underfoot but richly rewarding, this stretch of Chesil Beach offers wild scenery, quirky beach art and a memorable meal at The Club House.

Bath remains one of England’s most beautiful cities — a “big village” of golden stone, Georgian grandeur and hidden corners. On a recent return visit, I explored the Royal Crescent, stayed at Hotel Indigo Bath and enjoyed the city’s evolving food scene. With walkable streets and timeless charm, Bath continues to cast a powerful spell.

The Lizard Peninsula is Cornwall’s most dramatic and distinctive landscape — a windswept headland stretching into the Atlantic and home to Britain’s most southerly point. From the turquoise waters of Kynance Cove to the timeless fishing village of Cadgwith, this remarkable corner of the West Country feels more like Brittany than Britain.

Planning a UK road trip? The right alloy wheels can make all the difference—improving fuel efficiency, handling and comfort while adding a stylish edge to your vehicle. From motorways to winding country roads, choosing quality wheels helps ensure a smoother, safer and more enjoyable journey across Britain.

Move over Loch Ness—Loch Lochy offers a magnificent, serene alternative. From the shores of the Whispering Pine Lodge to the jagged peaks of the Black Cuillins on Skye, Martin Hesp explores the wilder edges of the Highlands.

Is it possible to travel abroad while staying in the UK? Martin Hesp flies from Bristol to Inverness to explore the "Costa Del North," stay in a revamped 19th-century boutique sanctuary, and drive the wildest roads in Britain.

From the sun-soaked peaks of the Isle of Skye to the rugged northern coastline of Thurso, our recent journey through the Scottish Highlands has been nothing short of spectacular. Staying at the welcoming Ambassador Hotel in Inverness and the serene Whispering Pines, we've discovered the perfect bases for exploring the wild beauty of the north. Here is a first look at our fabulous long drives and Highland highlights—with much more to come.

A stay at the luxurious Farncombe Estate reveals the magic of the northern Cotswolds. Travel writer Martin Hesp explores Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden and Broadway while experiencing Dormy House and The Fish Hotel.

The Isles of Scilly sit far out in the Atlantic, where fishing remains part of everyday life. Here lobster, crab and the day’s catch move quickly from sea to plate, offering visitors a true taste of Cornwall’s island seafood traditions.

Exploring Denmark: How to Travel the Country in Comfort Denmark and comfort go “hand in glove”. Defined by its concept of hygge (coziness), this Scandinavian gem often ranks among the world’s happiest countries, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re traveling to Denmark soon, expect slow-living, sustainability, and first-class amenities. Crowds dining outdoors in Copenhagen Whether you’re exploring the vibrant capital, Copenhagen, or veering slightly off the beaten path to the

A dozen years after fishing with chef Alex Aitken, I visit The Jetty at Harbour Hotel Christchurch to see how this Dorset waterside restaurant continues to thrive.

Madeira’s annual wine festival provides a wonderful time to visit the beautiful Atlantic island

A stay at the classic Cobbler’s Cove resort in Barbados could be one of the most relaxing and satisfying things you could do in the Caribbean

I wouldn’t put this up in summer—many of these beaches can get crowded. But in spring autumn you might visit any of these ten spots and find yourself entirely alone. From the rope-climb descent of Pedn Vounder to the fossil-filled pavements of Doniford and the Caribbean-white sands of St Martin’s Bay, this is my personal shortlist of the West Country’s finest stretches of sand. Whether you are looking for surf, silence, or a sense of history, these are the places that haunt t

Listen to a podcast in which Martin Hesp explores Tokyo, meeting with an old Somerset friend - Adam Kennedy - who has lived in the city for the past 17 years

The last of the British salmon netters

An introduction to Porthgwarra on the South West Cornish Coast - part of the inspiration for the first Cornish Snapper novel