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Cornish Walks: the Scenic Mawnan Smith Peninsula
Discover a wonderful walk around the coastal parts of Mawnan Smith in Southern Cornwall
Martin Hesp
Jun 12, 20255 min read


Northern Sri Lanka: Trincomalee, Jaffna, Mannar & Wilpattu
Northern Sri Lanka remains one of Asia's most overlooked destinations. Join Martin Hesp as he explores Trincomalee, Jaffna, Mannar and Wilpattu National Park on a journey filled with history, wildlife and unforgettable encounters.
Martin Hesp
Jun 9, 20258 min read


Learning to Cook Cornish Fish with My Fish Kitchen | Stay at Budock Vean Hotel
Learning to Cook Cornish Fish with Annie Seabourne of My Fish Kitchen This week we were in Cornwall for a few days so that I could attend some fish cookery classes led by my new pal, Annie Seabourne, of My Fish Kitchen . In short, she is a walking encyclopaedia of anything and everything to do with British seafood . The excellent instruction focused on basic seafood preparation techniques and I will be writing all about the experience in my Hesp Out West feature in the West
Martin Hesp
Jun 8, 20253 min read


What to Eat in Sri Lanka: My Favourite Traditional Dishes
It is as tasty as it is healthy, as exotic as it is diverse." Join Martin Hesp as he explores the vibrant flavours of Sri Lanka—from the coconut-infused curries of the south to the sun-dried wild prawns of the northern lagoons.
Martin Hesp
Jun 3, 20256 min read


Spiritual Encounters and Wild Roads: A Sri Lanka Travel Adventure Part One
The secret is to know the moment." From a life-changing encounter with a Buddhist guru in a remote jungle cave to a 2,000km journey across "the road less travelled," discover the spiritual and wild heart of Sri Lanka in part one of this extraordinary adventure.
Martin Hesp
Jun 1, 20258 min read


Sri Lanka's Batik Revival: A Journey Through Culture, Colour and Craftsmanship
Rediscovering Batik in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka's embrace of batik, a craft with a rich and colourful history, is undergoing something of a reawakening. From the coastal towns to the island's verdant interior, the sight of wax and dye, once a fading echo, is now to be seen just here and there. Having recently witnessed this resurgence firsthand during a British Guild of Travel Writers tour, an extensive and interesting journey into the heart of Sri Lankan creativity, the depth of
Martin Hesp
May 27, 20253 min read


Sri Lanka Road Trip: A Journey Through Chaos, Beauty and Humanity
A 1,000-mile journey through the chaotic, beautiful, and warm-hearted roads of Sri Lanka. Learn how local traffic works, what to expect on long-distance drives, and how to plan your accommodation along the route.
Martin Hesp
May 27, 20255 min read


Cider, Ridges and Hidden Tales from West Dorset’s Marshwood Vale
The Enchanting Landscape of West Dorset Certain corners of the landscape somehow hold or retain a greater air of mystery and intrigue than others. There’s no real reason for this - maybe something to do with the curvature of hills or a sense of intimacy promoted by the lay of the land. But somehow, when the contours combine and the geology and the flora and fauna all come together in one glorious orchestration, you can find yourself in a place that is not only different from
Martin Hesp
May 12, 20258 min read


Discovering the Best English Tea-Gardens: A Unique British Tradition
There is nothing quite like the unique British tradition of the English tea garden. From hidden coastal gems to quiet sanctuaries tucked behind historic ruins, we explore the very best spots to enjoy an authentic cream tea in the fresh air.
Martin Hesp
May 10, 20256 min read


The Classic English Cream Tea: Discover the Best Somerset Tea Gardens and a Timeless West Country Tradition
Nothing captures the flavour of the English countryside quite like a traditional cream tea. Discover the history of this much-loved West Country tradition, the secrets of the perfect scone, and some of the finest tea gardens in Somerset where you can enjoy this timeless British treat.
Martin Hesp
May 2, 20255 min read


Springtime Foraging in the UK: Wild Garlic, Hogweed & Edible Spring Greens
Why don't we have an ancient rural tradition of gleaning food for free in the countryside?" From wild garlic to the elusive St George's Mushroom, join Martin Hesp on a revelatory foraging expedition through the hedgerows of the South West.
Martin Hesp
Apr 28, 20258 min read


Razor Clams, Delicious Shellfish Sometimes Found In The Scillies
Razor clams are among the Isles of Scilly's most unusual natural treasures. Discover where to spot them, how they're caught and why seafood lovers prize this underrated shellfish.
Martin Hesp
Apr 23, 20254 min read


Private Chef Experiences in Cornwall
Experience one of Cornwall's finest private chefs as Martin Hesp discovers Indulgence Catering, where fresh local seafood, seasonal produce and restaurant-quality cooking are brought straight to your holiday home.
Martin Hesp
Apr 21, 20255 min read


The Fallen Angel, Mousehole: Inside Cornwall's Most Striking Luxury Retreat
Perched above the picturesque harbour of Mousehole, The Fallen Angel is one of Cornwall's most distinctive luxury retreats. This first-hand review explores its striking architecture, breathtaking coastal views, exceptional design and why it makes an unforgettable romantic escape in one of Britain's most beautiful fishing villages.
Martin Hesp
Apr 21, 20256 min read


Authentic Italian Cuisine at Masseria Il Frontoio, Puglia
Authentic Italian Cuisine at Masseria Il Frontoio, Puglia Slow Food, Farm-to-Table Dining, and True Puglian Hospitality I’m in the mood to talk about proper Italian food. Partly thanks to an old Rick Stein programme I’ve ust watched. Not just any Italian food, but the kind that makes you want to pack your bags and head straight for the heel of Italy's boot. I'm referring to Masseria Il Frontoio , a place that's not just a restaurant—it is something of a shrine to the Slow Foo
Martin Hesp
Apr 18, 20253 min read


Quick Stay in Malmo, Sweden
Exploring Malmö, Sweden: A Scandinavian Gem Just Minutes from Copenhagen Malmö is in Sweden—but it is what you could call a cross-border destination. That’s because the region encompassing both Malmö and Copenhagen sometimes markets itself as a single, seamless travel experience. At least, that was what happened a few years ago when I was planning a press trip to Copenhagen and I was put up in Malmo. And why not? With one of the most efficient train services in the world conn
Martin Hesp
Apr 17, 20253 min read


Cornish Walks - Luxulyan Valley
Cornwall is famed for its beaches, but inland lies a mysterious, lush ravine steeped in history. From the breathtaking 89-foot granite arches of the Treffry Viaduct to the quiet ancient woodlands of Prideaux, the Luxulyan Valley is one of the county's best-kept walking secrets.
Martin Hesp
Apr 16, 20253 min read


Have You Seen The Netflix Show About La Palma?
Have you watched the new Netflix mini-series La Palma? It’s a show that is highly likely to put thousands of people off visiting this most beautiful of islands. . Yes, there is a volcano threat, and that could cause a giant landslide into the ocean resulting in the biggest tsunami ever seen, but why let that put you off? It is one of the most dramatically scenic islands I have ever visited… Here’s a travel piece I wrote after staying there 20 long years ago… The massive backb
Martin Hesp
Apr 15, 20256 min read


St Ives, Cornwall: Why Britain's Most Beautiful Harbour Town Still Captivates Visitors
From golden beaches and artistic heritage to a bustling fishing harbour and winding granite streets, discover why St Ives remains one of Cornwall's most captivating seaside towns.
Martin Hesp
Apr 14, 20259 min read


Two Cornish Discoveries - Fantastic Brewery and Equally Good Pizza Place
Cornwall Road Trip Delights: Award-Winning Beers, Butchers, and Harbour-Side Sourdough Pizzas We are creatures of habit, and one example we discussed recently in these pages is the regular port of call people make when they are travelling to certain places. I mentioned calling into Appledore on a drive back from Cornwall. If I’m going the other way I’ll often make a point of leaving the A30 at Launceston so that I can visit the truly excellent Philip Warren butchers’ emporium
Martin Hesp
Apr 13, 20257 min read
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