Couple go down Dale for short-haul holidays

While thousands jet off to sunnier climes, pensioners Betty and Gordon Whitham have been packing their suitcases to head to their favourite holiday destination only a short distance from their home in Silsden, West Yorkshire. Over the years the couple, who ran a photographic business, have notched up scores of stays at the Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton.

Mrs Whitham said: “We have holidayed all over Europe but we like to go near home. We love Yorkshire; we are Yorkshire people and that’s it. I am proud to be from Yorkshire, we both are. We have been all over but we are settling down.”

The couple have visited the hotel for special occasions and their most recent trip marked their 48th wedding anniversary and a stay to celebrate Mr Whitham’s 80th birthday.

Mrs Whitham, who works part-time in her local Co-op, said she and her husband need travel no further for a complete get-away. Mrs Whitham first visited the hotel to attend Co-op annual meetings over 10 years ago.

“We simply love staying at the Rendezvous. The minute we walk in, we feel like we’re on holiday,” she said.

The pair also share their love of the hotel with their friends and family, buying them overnight stays as Christmas gifts.

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “Gordon and Betty clearly have great taste and it’s wonderful to know that they’ve been enjoying holidays on their doorstep for all those years.

“Skipton’s reputation as a visitor destination is growing fast – I hope Gordon and Betty have many more wonderful holidays near home.”

Malcolm Weaving, who runs the hotel with his wife Karen, said: “It proves that if you live in Yorkshire, the best place to holiday is right on your doorstep.”