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…

On March 21st, Sandford Orchards in Crediton is turning its cider works into a concert hall with a mission. Partnering with the charity Edukid, the award-winning cidermaker aims to fund a borehole in Uganda, providing 800 children with clean, safe water.

The Cornish coffee scene has a new champion, and it’s one that’s roasting, pouring, and proving its worth on the national stage. Dark Pony Coffee , tucked away in the heart of Falmouth, has just been named one of the 44 Greatest Coffee Shops in Britain  by Time Out . In a significant coup for the West Country, the Falmouth roastery and cafe has earned the distinction of being the only establishment in Cornwall or Devon  to make the prestigious 2026 list. The Rigorous Road to

Winter BBQ: Why the Best Roasts are Made in the Rain Think barbecuing is just for summer? Think again. From succulent pork loin to rich ox cheek ragu, discover why cooking over a live flame in a Westcountry winter is the secret to unbeatable flavour. Featuring expert tips from Sue Stoneman and Marcus Bawdon, we explore how to defy the elements, master the "Maillard reaction," and turn a cold afternoon into a gourmet feast.

Can a press photographer be the modern-day Sherlock Holmes? Award-winning journalist Martin Hesp introduces 'The Cornish Snapper', a new mystery series born from a BBC debate and set in the rugged landscape of West Penwith. Meet Veryan Lammoran and Thomas Hamilton—the most unlikely investigative duo in the West Country.

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

After a month of heavy roasts and carnivorous delights, the body begins to cry out for something light, easy-going, and plant-based. But how do you eat seasonally in the depths of winter without relying on tasteless supermarket salads? The answer lies in the humble pulse. From protein-packed Sicilian lentils to warming Moroccan tagines, I’m taking the healthy Mediterranean route to bridge the gap between midwinter and spring—without breaking the bank.

Exmoor’s ancient builders had a problem: no big rocks. While Stonehenge got the glory, our local ancestors had to make do with "micro-monoliths." From the "napping floors" of Hawkcombe Head to the mysterious stone circles near Porlock, I explore why these tiny stones still hold a 7,000-year-old secret about who we really are.

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.

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.

There are things in life that just don’t change. They are permanent fixtures. You expect them to be there and, when you turn up, you’re somehow comforted to find they’re doing what they’ve always done. It could be anything, from a local hilltop with a memorable view to a favourite pub - but in this particular case I want to talk about a grand old hospitality establishment. The Castle Hotel, Taunton Whenever I think of Taunton’s Castle Hotel, set in the heart of Somerset’s cou

A quick guide to the markets of the Caribbean

A quick guide to some of the places we think will be influential and important for leisure travellers in 2026

Boscastle is a place that hits deep. In this latest Hesp Out West adventure, Martin returns to the "fjord-like" indentation of the North Cornish coast to explore the wild beauty that has captivated him since boyhood. From the dramatic blow-hole at Penally Point to the historic hallways of The Wellington Hotel, this journey blends personal nostalgia with a review of St Austell Brewery’s latest refurbishment. Discover the literary links of Thomas Hardy, the maritime history of

Looking for the perfect Cornish day out? I’ve rounded up 5 of my favorite circular coastal walks that start and end near a great local pub. From the hidden creeks of the Helford to the rugged cliffs of Fowey, these tried-and-tested routes offer the very best of the West Country landscape.</p>

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

Is Kingsbury Episcopi the true heart of the cider world? Martin Hesp joins poet James Crowden to explore a landscape of 'ghost' apple varieties, Somerset oak brandy, and the proper old-fashioned cider houses of the Levels.

<p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true">After the festive slump, a simple stir-fry and a coastal walk might be the best medicine. I catch up with health coach Rebecca Farrington Turner to share three grounding recipes—from butternut soup to turmeric shots—designed to nourish the body without the 'detox' misery</p>

a quick guide to six first class walking routes in the county of Somerset

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