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Martin Hesp Food & Travel
Discovering
New Destinations
and Flavours
Welcome to a deep-dive archive of award-winning journalism. Curated by Martin Hesp, who has spent over 40 years exploring the world’s landscapes on behalf of leading newspapers, This site brings together a lifetime of travel and food writing with regular updates. Explore everything from the rugged coast paths of the West Country to the hidden culinary gems of Europe and beyond.
Martin Hesp's Novels
Discover atmospheric novels inspired by the landscapes, history and people of Britain and Europe.
The Cornish Snapper: The Granite Mystery
A clean and compelling Cornish mystery featuring veteran reporter Thomas Holmes as he investigates an ancient secret hidden among Cornwall's rugged coast.
The Lemon Tree Forest
A sweeping novel of love, family secrets and redemption that journeys from Exmoor through the Greek islands to the snow-covered Swiss Alps.


Switzerland Travel Guide: Unspunnen, Alpine Culture, Historic Rails & Mountain Flavours
Switzerland is far more than high-priced ski resorts and glossy brochures. From the 12-yearly Unspunnen festival and 40-cow alpine dairies to historic mountain railways and lakeside Christmas markets, discover the authentic heart and living traditions of the Swiss cantons with travel writer Martin Hesp.
Martin Hesp
8 hours ago4 min read


Denmark Coolcation Guide: Why This Feel-Good Country Is My Favourite Summer Escape
scape Mediterranean heatwaves with this comprehensive guide to the ultimate Scandinavian ‘coolcation’. From car-free islands like Tunø and Alrø to Skagen’s luminous artist colony, Viking strongholds, and world-class Copenhagen cuisine, travel writer Martin Hesp brings together his complete collection of dispatches exploring Denmark’s coastal light, feel-good hygge, and rich culinary culture.
Martin Hesp
13 hours ago3 min read


The Flavour Revolution: Why Great BBQ Starts with Local Charcoal
Why supermarket briquettes spoil your BBQ: Martin Hesp visits traditional woodsman Chris Silverwood to discover the ancient craft of coppiced charcoal burning, plus a glazed pork chop recipe from Marcus Bawdon of the UK BBQ School.
Martin Hesp
1 day ago8 min read


Five Great Cornish Smuggler Hikes: Secret Coves, Wild Headlands and Coastal Inns
Wix Excerpt (Post Summary / Card Feed)
Walk the wild, windswept smuggling coast of West Cornwall and the Lizard with travel writer Martin Hesp. Discover five classic circular coastal hikes featuring secret coves, sea-carved tunnels, dramatic headlands, route fact files, and traditional local pubs.
Martin Hesp
3 days ago6 min read


Great Places to Stay in North Cornwall with Walks
I've stayed and walked in some of the finest corners of North Cornwall. Here are four places I recommend for combining a comfortable stay with spectacular coastal walks.
Martin Hesp
5 days ago8 min read


Denmark Coolcation Guide: Why This Feel-Good Country Is My Favourite Summer Escape
scape Mediterranean heatwaves with this comprehensive guide to the ultimate Scandinavian ‘coolcation’. From car-free islands like Tunø and Alrø to Skagen’s luminous artist colony, Viking strongholds, and world-class Copenhagen cuisine, travel writer Martin Hesp brings together his complete collection of dispatches exploring Denmark’s coastal light, feel-good hygge, and rich culinary culture.
Martin Hesp


Which Suitcases Are Easy to Manoeuvre in Airports?
Navigating busy airport terminals, tight queues, and sudden gate changes requires luggage that moves effortlessly. From 360-degree spinner wheels and sturdy telescopic handles to choosing between compact cabin bags and versatile travel sets, here is what makes a suitcase easy to manoeuvre on the go.
Guest Contributor


Coastal Terroir and Island Vineyards: Exploring Ancient Mediterranean Wine Traditions
From Santorini’s wind-sheltered basket vines to the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, the Mediterranean’s ancient wine heritage is uniquely tied to its coastlines. Exploring these historic islands and shores by sea reveals centuries of viticulture shaped by salt air, sun, and stone.
Guest Contributor


The Wisdom of Booking an MOT Before Your Next Driving Adventure
There’s a unique freedom in heading out on a UK road trip, whether it’s coastal drives through Cornwall or scenic runs in the Highlands. But before hitting the open road, getting your car adventure-ready with an MOT and pre-trip check ensures peace of mind so you can focus entirely on the journey ahead.
Martin Hesp


Top Security Tips for Digital Nomads
Working remotely offers ultimate freedom, but untrusted public Wi-Fi, weak passwords, and international data risks can quickly derail your trip. Here is a practical, straightforward guide to keeping your devices and client data safe on the road.
Martin Hesp


Plan Your Company Retreat at Hotel Alpenrock
Planning a company retreat that balances focus with inspiration? From flexible meeting spaces to year-round Rocky Mountain outdoor adventures, discover why Hotel Alpenrock in Breckenridge provides the perfect backdrop for corporate gatherings.
Martin Hesp


"Better Way" Affordable Overnight Stay Service Launched to "Benefit Everyone"
A new UK community travel platform, bed4night, has launched to connect cyclists, hikers, and off-the-beaten-track travelers with local hosts offering affordable spare rooms and garden spaces.

Chris Page


Global ambassadors are flying the flag for field-leading UK travel brands' memorable tourism adventures
Broadcasters Janet Ellis and Penny Smith share their personal travel experiences and top reasons for exploring the world with UK lead touring brands Just You and Travelsphere.

Chris Page


How Smart Guest Management Systems Are Transforming the Hospitality Industry
The hospitality industry has always been built around one simple promise: creating exceptional guest experiences. Today, that promise depends as much on technology as it does on service. Travellers expect quick check-ins, personalised experiences, digital room access, and secure stays. Hotels that continue relying on manual processes often struggle to meet these expectations while also managing growing security concerns. The numbers highlight just how quickly the industry is
Guest Contributor


Turn Trips Into Lasting Keepsakes
We return from our travels with hard drives full of photos and pockets full of ticket stubs, only for them to sit forgotten. Here is how to rescue those fleeting moments and transform your journeys into beautiful, tactile keepsakes you will cherish forever.
Guest Contributor


How to Pack for Adventure Vacations
Generic packing lists consistently fail adventure travellers because they assume flat terrain and predictable weather. Real adventure demands gear capable of surviving rapid temperature swings, rough handling, and multiple activities packed into a single day. True packing mastery isn't about fitting more into your bag—it’s about planning smarter. Discover how trading your traditional outfit rotations for an intentional, activity-based layering system can keep your pack light,
Guest Contributor


China Adventure Tips for Every Traveller
Venturing into China offers an unforgettable mix of ancient wonders and hyper-futuristic cities, but it can also be a bewildering landscape to navigate. From unlocking the digital world behind the Great Firewall to mastering local transport and mobile apps, here are the essential adventure tips every traveler needs to know before they go.
Martin Hesp
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