Moving to a new country is a big step. Settling in Britain involves more than just finding a place to live. It requires a thoughtful approach to daily life and health.

The Forest of Dean had somehow escaped me for nearly 70 years. A few days exploring its ancient woodland, panoramic viewpoints, superb cycling trails and outstanding food at the Tudor Farmhouse Hotel proved just how wrong I'd been.

Looking for a sun destination untouched by Northern European crowds? Martin Hesp explores Porto Santo, a quiet Atlantic paradise of golden sands, sleepy squares, and authentic island life just a short flight from the UK.

Need a walk to lift the spirits? This magnificent 6-mile circular from Coleton Fishacre explores Kingswear, the Dart Estuary, Froward Point and one of the most beautiful stretches of the South Devon coast.

For a bloke who has spent 50 years chasing stories and good suppers, Funchal’s dining scene is a revelation. At Three House and Akua, the ultimate experience means bagging a seat right at the bar. Perched at these informal chef’s tables, the barrier evaporates. It is pure theatre. You can watch the team work and chat with the chefs as they serve up spectacular local flavours, from crunch-perfect scabbard fish to daring sardine and passion fruit pairings.

Hidden high in Madeira's misty mountain valleys, ancient apple orchards are enjoying an extraordinary revival. Martin Hesp discovers how entrepreneur Márcio Nóbrega has transformed the island's traditional "poor man's drink" into internationally acclaimed sparkling cider while rescuing thousands of heritage apple trees from abandonment.

The right wheels and tyres can transform a driving adventure, improving safety, comfort, fuel economy and confidence on every journey.

Looking for a coolcation destination away from the heat of southern Europe? Martin Hesp explores Lithuania's Amber Coast, discovering elegant seaside resorts, outstanding food, shifting sand dunes, fascinating history and one of the most remarkable landscapes in the Baltic region.

As a summer heatwave sends thousands flocking to the coast, Martin Hesp reflects on humanity's ancient connection with the seaside and shares a personal selection of his favourite beaches across the Westcountry.

Finding these quiet, untamed corners of the island brought back a flood of memories from a trip I took to Cyprus nearly 35 years ago. It was February half-term, and back in the UK, it was cold, grey, and raining. Desperate for a bit of sun and warmth, we booked a last-minute deal to Paphos. But Cyprus has a way of surprising you. On one of our day trips, we found ourselves waist-deep in snow.

What makes halloumi different from every other cheese? A chance encounter in rural Cyprus reveals the secret behind its famous squeak and resistance to melting, leading into an unforgettable journey through mountain villages, wineries, artisan food producers and authentic Cypriot culture.

Parkland, Porcelain History, and a Vanished World For those arriving by air, La Chapelle Saint Martin serves as a sublime pastoral gateway to southwest France. Located just minutes from Limoges airport, this elegant 19th-century manor house was originally built as the country retreat for a wealthy porcelain manufacturer. Today, it offers a completely different flavour of rural charm, trade-marking the expansive, rolling parklands of the Haute-Vienne. The house sits within a f

Here is a short, high-impact extract that captures the peak of the story's atmosphere and that classic, grounded reaction: There is a moment on the approach to Château de la Treyne that stays with you forever. As you drive across a narrow suspension bridge spanning the Dordogne River, you look up to see a dramatic 14th-century fortress perched high on a limestone cliff. Its beautifully proportioned towers cast perfect reflections on the water below.

The real delight of this place is found in the quiet details. It is the soothing sound of the ancient mill leat trickling through the grounds, the architectural precision of the boxwood gardens that resemble a green velvet tapestry in the sunshine, and the cosy interiors that smell faintly of woodsmoke and beeswax. Unlike retreats that sit dreamily tucked away from society, Le Vieux Logis is deeply integrated into the life of Trémolat, a small, living, working community.

Fresh back from an unforgettable press trip to Lithuania's breath-taking Baltic coast, I’m sharing the essential, practical travel tips you need to plan your own adventure, ahead of my full feature report.

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.

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.