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Lesley Gillilan

October 2023

  • The sun shines through clouds over a distant hill with boulders in the foreground

    Cornwall’s Bodmin Moor: a land of megaliths, ghosts, solitude – and literature

    Miles from cities and motorways, the Cornish backdrop to Louis de Bernières’s latest novel is a place for spooky hikes and a real escape from the 21st century

September 2022

  • Buildings on a walled, cobbled street in Mertola, with a river on the left and hills behind it

    In and out of Spain and Portugal: a road trip up the Guadiana River

    Bristling with castles and old port towns, the river that forms much of the Iberian border is peaceful and characterful – and you don’t have to start off on a zipwire

June 2021

  • Some rooms feature hotel room with black-and-white images from the Telegraph’s archives

    Press for room service: Coventry’s new newspaper-themed hotel

    As Coventry begins its stint as UK City of Culture, we find both the town centre and the Telegraph Hotel full of surprises

December 2020

  • The King’s Arms, Dorchester

    The return of Thomas Hardy's favourite haunt, the King's Arms, Dorchester – review

    This newly-restored 16th-century hotel and inn, immortalised by the novelist, had a rocky start due to the pandemic. But, unlike most of his stories, there is hope of a happy ending

August 2019

  • The village of Jorquera on the mountain and the river Cabriel surrounding it. Jorquera, Castilla la Mancha, Spain.<br>MCEJXD Panoramic of the village of Jorquera on the mountain and the river Cabriel surrounding it. Jorquera, Castilla la Mancha, Spain.

    The Júcar gorge: Spain’s very own grand canyon

    This dramatic 40km limestone gorge, off the tourist track in rural Castilla-La Mancha, has historic villages and troglodyte dwellings and, now, a chic new cave hotel

September 2017

  • one of the cabins on legs at Kudhva, Cornwall

    Comfortable up there? Tripod glamping in north Cornwall

    Sleeping options at this new retreat in a former Cornish quarry range from tree tents to pods on legs. It’s perfect for surfers, coastal walkers and anyone who loves ‘roughing it’

August 2017

  • Sunshine returns to Dorset coast, Chesil Beach

    UK road trip: Dorset to Cornwall

    It’s golden beaches, epic views and fine seafood all the way along this lazy week-long route from the Jurassic Coast to foodie Falmouth

July 2016

  • Two people outside and Airstream caravan with bikes in the foreground at Airstream Europe trailer park in France.

    10 of the best hotels, cottages and B&Bs in Europe for cyclists

    If you like tough cycling challenges, but have a partner who prefers poolside lounging and gazing at views, our selection provides stylish stays and cosy retreats

July 2015

  • People enjoying the sun at Fistral Beach on June 30, 2015 in Newquay, England.

    Britain's best budget eats
    Top 10 budget restaurants and cafes in Newquay

    Catching the waves in Cornwall – or just enjoying the coast – requires regular refuelling, and with Newquay’s food scene welcoming several new arrivals there’s a greater selection than ever to choose from

November 2014

  • Salty dog… a wintry walk on the beach at Tynemouth.

    Sand, sea, … snow? The best UK seaside holidays in winter

    Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to avoid the British seaside. Here’s where to head for blustery coastal walks, quirky museums and cosy hotels

August 2014

  • Bedroom at Malutka's Andalucían Grotto

    Keep your cool in Spain: holiday in a cave

    Before there was aircon, Andalucían peasants kept their cool in homes cut out of the rock. Now visitors can do the same. Lesley Gillilan finds new life in old caves
  • England Dorset Bridport West Bay

    Cycling breaks in England
    Cycling Dorset: clear of congestion from Axminster to Bridport

    Pedalling in peace along a scenic segment of the Tour de Manche cycle route

  • View over Ilfracombe, Devon, England, United Kingdom, Europe

    Cycling breaks in England
    A cross-channel cycling odyssey

    Go coast to coast in Devon to get a taste for the 870‑mile Anglo-French La Vélodyssée route

  • The Tinside lido, Plymouth.

    Cycling breaks in England
    Cycling Plymouth: from harbour to hoe

    Lesley Gillilan takes a relaxed ride around Plymouth's historical hotspots

March 2014

  • Number Thirty Eight bristol

    Bristol city guide
    Top 10 hotels and B&Bs in Bristol

    Grand townhouses, pubs with rooms, characterful B&Bs … Bristol has hotel and guesthouse options for those who want to be close to the city or enjoy its villages and countryside, says Lesley Gillilan

April 2013

  • Miller's Hideaway at Great Brampton House, near Hereford.

    Miller's Hotels: the perfect place to sling your gin

    As well as antiques guides and his own gin brand, Martin Miller now has a group of hotels. And, says Lesley Gillilan, they're all packed with quirky stuff

March 2013

  • Cyclists on Tour of Wessex, climbing through Exmoor

    Exmoor travel tips: cycling trips to take your breath away

  • Broad Oak community orchard, Dorset

    Dorset cider tour: a taste of core values

August 2012

  • Punch and Judy on the beach at Weymouth, Dorset

    Old-fashioned fun: 10 traditional UK seaside breaks

    Not all British seaside resorts have to go the way of Brighton and Whitstable … Lesley Gillilan seeks out 10 of the most gloriously traditional, with all the fun of the fair

May 2012

  • The Somerville, Torquay

    A holiday guide to Devon
    10 of the best hotels and B&Bs in south Devon

    Lesley Gillilan has rounded up some of the most welcoming and stylish B&Bs and hotels in south Devon, from cool seafront rooms on the Jurassic Coast to an award-winning luxury pad in Torquay

About 65 results for Lesley Gillilan