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Unforgettable Scottish Escapes with Black Heep Hotels: Inverness & The Highlands (So Far!)
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.
Martin Hesp
2 days ago2 min read


Exploring England’s “Fair and Pleasant Land” in the Northern Cotswolds While Staying at the Farncombe Estate
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.
Martin Hesp
Mar 158 min read


Catch of the Day in the Isles of Scilly: Seafood from Britain’s Atlantic Edge
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.
Martin Hesp
Mar 135 min read


How to Travel Denmark in Comfort: A Guide to Hygge, Transport and Easy Touring
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
Martin Hesp
Mar 65 min read


The Jetty Christchurch Review: Alex Aitken’s Waterside Restaurant at Harbour Hotel
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.
Martin Hesp
Mar 16 min read


Magic of Madeira Weaves an Even Bigger Spell at the Island's Annual Wine Festival
Madeira’s annual wine festival provides a wonderful time to visit the beautiful Atlantic island
Martin Hesp
Feb 265 min read


Bountiful Barbados as Seen From the Classic Cobbler's Cove
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
Martin Hesp
Feb 266 min read


10 Great West Country Beaches
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
Martin Hesp
Feb 253 min read


Exploring Tokyo
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
Martin Hesp
Feb 241 min read


The Ancient Art of Netting Wild Salmon
The last of the British salmon netters
Martin Hesp
Feb 246 min read


Peaceful Perfect Porthgwarra
An introduction to Porthgwarra on the South West Cornish Coast - part of the inspiration for the first Cornish Snapper novel
Martin Hesp
Feb 242 min read


The Loneliness of the Lighthouse Keeper
In this article we hear about the loneliness of the old lighthouse keepers and we feature a remarkable podcast interview with one of the men who used to serve on some of the loneliest lights of them all…
Martin Hesp
Feb 248 min read


A West Countryman’s Guide to a Luxury London Escape: From Paddington to Belgravia
Most of us pass through Paddington Station with a single, urgent goal: to get out as fast as possible. But step south of the platform and you’ll find a London far removed from the 'concrete canyons' and the sardine-can crush of the Bakerloo line. From the quiet grandeur of Lancaster Gate to a 'secret' pub tucked away in the mews of Belgravia, I discovered that a 40-minute stroll through the green-lung of Hyde Park is the perfect antidote to the culture shock of arriving from
Martin Hesp
Feb 163 min read


St Lucia Travel Guide: The Emerald Jewel of the Caribbean
You could take a beating on the cricket pitch every day of the year on this wondrous isle and still never feel defeated. From the towering volcanic peaks of The Pitons to the rhythmic chaos of a Gros Islet 'Jump-up', Martin Hesp explores why St Lucia remains the ultimate Caribbean emerald—an island so beautiful it makes your eyes ache and your heart soar.
Martin Hesp
Feb 123 min read


The Hidden Challenges of Travelling Abroad With a Newborn
Planning a trip with a baby? Discover the overlooked challenges of traveling with a newborn, from infant jet lag and feeding concerns to navigating healthcare abroad.
Martin Hesp
Feb 124 min read


A Taste of the Tropics: Uncovering the Hidden Food Markets of the West Indies
A quick guide to the markets of the Caribbean
Martin Hesp
Feb 73 min read


From Alpine Peaks to Atlantic Shores: My Definitive Summer 2026 Travel Guide
A quick guide to some of the places we think will be influential and important for leisure travellers in 2026
Martin Hesp
Feb 43 min read


Is Your Car Road Trip Ready? The Benefits of a Pre-Travel MOT Check
Why a Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection is Essential for Stress-Free Travel The excitement and anticipation of planning a road trip often take over, shaping every part of the process. Car travel gives you freedom, the ability to choose your route, and the opportunity to take your time exploring. However, long drives put a lot of stress on the car, especially when it is loaded with luggage and passengers for extended periods. It is a must to be well-prepared for hassle-free trips, t
Martin Hesp
Jan 202 min read


New Adventures in Journalism Podcast
A quick guide to the Adventures in Journalism Podcast which is available on the Libsyn platform and theref[re every other podcast platform and also linked to this website
Martin Hesp
Jan 112 min read


Winter Sun in Gran Canaria: Why Las Palmas is the Ultimate January Escape
A guide to the joys of visiting Gran Canaria in Europe's winter time
Martin Hesp
Jan 84 min read
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