I have been holidaying at seaside hotel every year for two decades

A HOLIDAYMAKER from East Yorkshire has found a hotel she loves so much she has returned there every year for two decades.

Audrey Goulden, 82, is familiar with the route from her home in Willerby down to the Rutland Hotel in Torquay – because she has visited several times a year for more than 20 years.

She has been returning to the picturesque seaside resort ever since losing her husband Gerald.

Audrey said: "We're taken out everyday on the coach and we get to see different places, with different entertainment every evening.

"I love going out and seeing everything. It is a home from home for me really.

"It never bothers me what I do, I'm just so comfortable.

"I fall in with the crowd and I've become friendly with a few of the other regular guests.

"If you find something you like – why not keep doing it?

"It's better than sitting at home and talking to four walls."

Coaches are organised to the hotel from Hull.

Guests are then treated to day trips out to country houses, castles, stunning cliff-tops and beautiful countryside.

Such is Audrey's devotion to her south west coastal travels, she was even invited to meet the Mayor of Torbay.

Gordon Oliver met guests of the Rutland Hotel and other venues in the bay to support the busy coach trade they all rely on.

Eve Walley, who runs the hotel with her husband Tom, said during the mayor's visit: "It is wonderful he came – we believe in what we are doing and this shows confidence in our businesses."

Audrey says the beautiful scenery and regular friendly faces are what keep her returning to the area.

She said: "There is some beautiful countryside.

"Last week we went to Dartmouth and went out walking.

"We go out walking, enjoy something to eat and drink and then return to the hotel.

"There are usually two or three people that are regular faces who come down too.

"Funnily enough, I think this area is very popular with Hull – there were five people from the city last week when I stayed."

But it isn't just the day trips that keep Audrey entertained.

She says the hotel's location is another enjoyable bonus.

She said: "I can sit in the lounge and look out at the gorgeous views outside.

"The hotel has changed a lot over the years and have different renovations and rooms added.

"But the town hasn't changed at all – I love it.

"The managers are absolutely brilliant and they always look after me.

"I couldn't wish for better people – they are one of the reasons I come so often."

But despite returning to the area time and again for two decades, Audrey never bothers to take a camera with her, instead preferring to soak up the atmosphere without feeling the need to capture the moment.

And when pressed for a favourite memory, she says all of her holidays in Torquay have been enjoyable.

She said: "I never know how long I am going to stay for when I come down, but each time is very enjoyable."

Eve and Tom Walley have been managing the hotel on behalf of owner Carol Hamlin for the past ten years.

Eve said: "Ever since we've been here Audrey has been coming down to visit.

"Like everyone else, they aren't just coach passengers, they are friends and we do everything possible to make them comfortable."