A quick and easy guide to some of Cornwall's specialities

For more than twenty-five years Martin Hesp has written about the landscapes, people and traditions of the West Country. In this episode he reflects on growing up in West Somerset, the shadow that war cast over his childhood, and how local history — from Viking raids to Alfred the Great — shaped the imagination of a generation.

An overview of the walks which can be enjoyed in and around Exmoor National Park - the article introduces you to various walks and areas within the national park

A guide to the Dunkery Beacon walk on Exmoor, including where to park at Webber’s Post, the best views over Porlock Vale and the legends surrounding Exmoor’s highest hill.

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

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.

International travel usually depends on stable mobile data access for maps, bookings, and communication. Airports, transit systems, and unfamiliar streets can make reliable connectivity feel essential. Digital SIM technology offers an alternative to physical cards that require swapping. A bit of preparation helps reduce avoidable issues before departure. Device Compatibility Comes First Phone compatibility should always be the first checkpoint before any purchase. A global eS

Madeira’s annual wine festival provides a wonderful time to visit the beautiful Atlantic island

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

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

Our little island plane dropped off two local passengers at Carriacou before heading north across the dreamy isles to arrive at the green, green jewel of Bequia. Here, life moves at a deliberate ten miles per hour, mostly from the back of the island's ubiquitous pick-up truck taxis. From the sublime luxury of the Bequia Beach Hotel to the chewy excellence of a conch salad in Port Elizabeth, this is a Caribbean escape that feels like a discovery.

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

It might sound crazy to cook on a beach in midwinter - but a day out with Devon’s Dan the Fishman is just what’s needed to blow away the Christmas cobwebs

Join the last of the River Exe salmon netters as a thousand-year-old West Country tradition comes to an end. A fascinating story of heritage, conservation, exceptional seafood and the people determined to preserve one of Britain's oldest fishing customs.

An introduction to Porthgwarra on the South West Cornish Coast - part of the inspiration for the first Cornish Snapper novel

Here is an evocative excerpt for your website and social media. I’ve designed this to hook the "old school" reader with a strong seasonal opening while subtly hinting at the expert advice contained within. Wild Garlic: The Pungent Herald of Spring 2026 The distinctive scent of garlic is once again wafting through the West Country woods, marking the true start of the foraging season. From the simplicity of a butter-rich omelette to the vibrant kick of a fresh pesto, wild garl

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.