Ben Lerwill
Ben Lerwill is an award-winning freelance writer based in Oxfordshire, England. He has spent much of his life living near the Thames, in London and Oxfordshire. He finds the river fascinating and in 2017 wrote an award-winning feature for BBC Countryfile magazine on walking from the source to Oxford.
Recent articles by Ben Lerwill
Steam trains, Viking castles and sea views: Here's where to stay, what to eat and what to visit on the Isle of Man
From sea crossings and heritage railways to standout seafood and coastal castles, here’s how to get to and around the Isle of Man – plus where to stay, eat and explore once you arrive
I plunged into icy seas and found hidden glens: Discover the wild side of the Isle of Man
The Isle of Man is not just Victorian promenades and TT racing. This outdoor playground is brimming with natural wonders and ancient history... and a wildlife surprise or two
Explore the rolling hills and quaint honey-stone villages of the Cotswolds with these 14 charming walks
The Cotswolds’ softly contoured countryside, elevated pastures, and golden limestone villages make it an inviting place to roam throughout the year. Our guide leads you through some of the AONB’s most beautiful walking routes.
The best of 2026: Fill your year with nature festivals, stunning walks, and historic anniversaries
Prepare your diaries! From hiking the Scilly Isles to stargazing in Galloway and seeing the Bayeux Tapestry, here are the things not to miss in 2026.
“I’ve wandered into an oil painting.” Walk in the unspoiled English landscapes that inspired John Constable
Few artists are as synonymous with a place as John Constable. To celebrate a major Tate Britain exhibition marking 250 years since his birth, Ben Lerwill ventures to the open skies and slow waters of the idyllic Essex-Suffolk border
“Nicknames for the island included the Madeira of Scotland, the Costa del Clyde and the Naples of the North.” This unsung isle is Scotland’s best-kept secret
Less than two hours from Glasgow, the Isle of Bute is a peaceful haven of sweeping bays and dramatic views. A smitten Ben Lerwill enjoys quiet solitude along the West Island Way
Unsolved mysteries, German battleships and Henry VIII’s favourite war vessel: Discover 10 shipwreck sites in the UK
Uncover the shipwreck sites found along Britain's coastline – no dive suit required
River Windrush walk, Cotswolds
This beautiful Cotswolds walk follows the Windrush Valley from Swinbrook to Asthall and then on to the hamlet of Worsham.
Bourton-on-the-Water walk, Cotswolds
This circular walk begins among the pubs and hotels of Bourton-on-the-Water, passing through Greystones Nature Reserve to reach pretty Wyck Rissington.
Minchinhampton Common walk, Cotswolds
Call in at several pubs on this short circular walk around Minchinhampton Common on the edge of Nailsworth in the Cotswolds.
Tyndale Monument walk, Cotswolds
Follow the Cotswold Way from Wotton-under-Edge to NIbley Knoll and the dramatic Tyndale Monument.
Cleeve Hill walk, Cotswolds
This moderate-length walk climbs over Cleeve Common to the top of Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds.
Cooper's Hill walk, Cotswolds
Climb the famous Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling hill on this short, circular walk from the village of Cranham in the Cotswolds.
Where did Rupert Bear come from? The story behind the beloved character and his magical world
Who was Rupert Bear? Where did he come from and just why was he loved by millions?
Rollright Stones: meet the Oxfordshire warlord who was turned to stone
Whether it's the legend of the petrified warlord or the archaeological theories that excites you, the famous Rollright Stones on the Oxfordshire-Warwickshire border is one of Britain's most fascinating ancient sites
Rollright Stones walk, Oxfordshire
Enjoy a 5-mile circular walk through the Cotswolds to one of Britain's most intriguing groups of standing stones
Uffington White Horse, Oxfordshire walk
Enjoy a short family-friendly walk to one of Oxfordshire's most magnificent landmarks, the Uffington White Horse, in this step-by-step guide
Walk Britain's Amazon: the River Dart
The River Dart runs through Devon from its source on wild Dartmoor to the sea at Dartmouth. Travel upriver by boat, train and on foot over three dreamy days with Ben Lerwill
Land's End, Cornwall walk
This short coastal walk from Sennen Cove to Land's End is the perfect way to experience Britain's most westerly point
Oxfordshire travel guide: things to see and do
From Uffington White Horse to Blenheim Palace, the magical county of Oxfordshire is full of charm and character. Explore Burford, Oxford and Henley-on-Thames, and discover where to go, what to do and great pubs to visit, in our guide to Oxfordshire
Castle Combe walk, Wiltshire
From the old packhorse bridge to the picturesque English cottages, visiting this gorgeous Cotswolds village is like stepping back in time.
Walk: Dover’s Hill, Gloucestershire
Named after the creator of the Cotswold Olimpick Games, Dover’s Hill not only offers a brisk, thigh-burning climb but also majestic views across the Malvern and Cotswold hills
Discover the royal River Thames
From its spring in the Cotswolds, a wild river winds past dreaming spires and palaces to the city and the sea. Ben Lerwill marks Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee by exploring the rich, regal heritage of a great river.
