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

Strange how trends come around. The classic afternoon tea has had its ups and downs over the years - there were times when it seemed to have passed almost completely out of fashion, holding on in just a few upmarket traditional haunts like The Ritz. When I was a boy, a posh afternoon tea was the ultimate dream for people like my mother and her Westcountry friends but, decades later working as a food writer, I somehow managed to ignore the existence of these very British and g

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

Discovering the Quantock Hills 🌳 There are times when it’s a good idea to climb a mountain in order to get a better view of the world that surrounds you. The right kind of hill will do. Or a ridge, escarpment or, indeed, any eminence that is capable of giving you an overview of the world in which you live. The point is that 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

Some years ago, we travelled to Venice in the depths of winter because my stepdaughter Emma was having a major exhibition of her jewellery in the city. What follows is the newspaper article I wrote at the time… The Silent City. That’s what I call Venice now that I’ve been there in the back end of February. As a countryman, the thing I dislike most about any urban environment is the general, all-pervading, mind-numbing, noise. I have never been to a city that doesn’t shake wit

Exploring the Majestic Beauty of Castelluccio and the Piano Grande Plain Many years ago we were staying with friends in Umbria and we all went up into the Sibillini Mountains to visit the old town of Castellucio and the famous Piano Grande Plain. You’ll find all this in the very heart of Italy. This enchanting and captivating locale offers a tranquil escape with its stunning landscapes. The Village of Castelluccio: A Glimpse into Pastoral Elegance Castelluccio, the highest se

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! But

<p class="">Martin Hesp recalls the occasions when he’s been fortunate enough to ride on the Bernina Express</p>

<p class="">Martin Hesp looks back on several visits to the town of St Moritz in eastern Switzerland</p>

<p class="">The first in the Hesp Out West series</p>

Travel is a word laden with ambition. There are so many places and things to experience on this amazing planet of ours that one of the only ways of thinking about how to enjoy a fraction of what’s out there is to put together a wish-list of things you really must see and do. Driving Highway One along the Pacific Coast from Los Angeles to San Francisco is up there in many people’s Top 10 – it’s been on mine ever since I read Steinbeck’s Cannery Row as a boy, and now I’ve done

It was the way the woman flew through the air some 100 feet above the Pacific waves that cast a magical spell. But then, everything I had done over that past week had put the patent Wow-o-meter deep into the red. America’s Far West held me enchanted.  Which wasn’t really unexpected because California is about excitement. California is where “stuff” happens. It is world renowned as a “can-do” kind of place where the weird is wonderful, and the wonderful nearly always thrills. 

<p class="">Explore the scenic trails of Guernsey, with its diverse landscapes, from the rugged cliffs of the southern coast to the historical pathways enriched with WWII remnants. This guide covers the exhilarating walks across Guernsey, revealing its unique history and natural beauty, perfect for hiking enthusiasts and history buffs.</p>

<p class="">Venture into Gozo's weird landscapes, where ancient, still-functional salt-pans sculpt the coast into otherworldly scenes. This article takes you on a brief yet captivating journey through these unique geological features, revealing the haunting beauty and enduring charm of Gozo's natural wonders</p>

<p class="">Discover Mahon, a hidden gem in Menorca with one of the Mediterranean's largest natural harbours. Known as Maó, this town is famed for its rich history and influenced by British and Spanish architecture. Wander through its old town's narrow streets, immerse yourself in a laid-back atmosphere, and explore vibrant waterfronts lined with diverse eateries and shops. Indulge in local cuisine like the renowned Mahon cheese, encapsulating the island's rich heritage.</p>

<p class="">Explore the dramatic Imbros Gorge in Western Crete, a scenic and less crowded alternative to the Samaria Gorge. Starting from the quaint village of Imbros, this 8 km hike features striking rock formations, the narrow "Iron Gates," and diverse flora and fauna, including the Cretan Wildcat. Rich in history and natural beauty, the trek ends in Komitades with stunning Libyan Sea views. Ideal for average fitness levels, it's a must-try for hiking enthusiasts seeking a

<p class="">Stavros, the beach from 'Zorba the Greek... This tranquil beach, famous for Anthony Quinn's dance in "Zorba the Greek," offers more than cinematic history. Experience the charm of Stavros, with its distinctive mountain backdrop, soft sandy shores, and clear, shallow waters perfect for family swimming - a natural haven, unspoiled by commercial tourism. </p>

<p class="">Nevis, a hidden gem in the Caribbean. Explore its rich history and experience its vibrant culture and festivals like the Nevis Culturama. Embrace nature with hikes to Nevis Peak and strolls through the Botanical Gardens. Indulge in local cuisine and relax on pristine beaches like Pinney's Beach. Choose from luxurious resorts or quaint inns for a memorable stay. Nevis, with its natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere, is a must-visit Caribbean destination.</p>

<p class="">Explore the Swiss Alps on the Jungfrau Railway, an engineering marvel taking you to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station. Starting from Interlaken, this scenic journey offers breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier, Eiger and Mönch mountains. At Jungfraujoch, experience the Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory, and alpine activities. With stops at Eigerwand and Eismeer for stunning vistas, the Jungfrau Railway is an unforgettable adventure, perfect for those

<p class="">An article first published in the Western Morning News and Western Daily Press allows you to discover the enchanting Isle of Man, a unique blend of familiar comforts and exotic allure. Located in the Irish Sea, this self-governing gem offers a fusion of Manx folklore, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant cultural heritage. Explore its mythical Fairy Bridge, marvel at the majestic Laxey Wheel, and traverse historic railways like the Manx Electric Railway. Perfect f