The Case of the Honeymoon Mix-Up at Thisledo

21st September 2025

Running a holiday cottage is usually a calm and happy business: keys in the lockbox, welcome pack on the table, kettle at the ready. But every so often, the phone rings and you just know it’s not going to be about where the nearest fish and chip shop is.

That was exactly the case one Tuesday afternoon when my mobile lit up.

“Hi, could you just give me the keycode? We’re outside the cottage now.”

Cue instant panic.
What do you mean you’re outside the cottage? There are already guests staying there! Have I done the unthinkable? A dreaded double booking?

Visions of explaining myself to two sets of disappointed holidaymakers flashed through my mind. “Sorry, you’ll have to share… there’s one sofa, one bed, but the Dales countryside is very spacious!”

But after a quick rummage through the booking system, the mystery began to unravel. The caller was booked in… only their stay was meant to begin on Sunday, not Tuesday. They had simply turned up two days late, blissfully unaware.

Once the confusion cleared, relief set in on both sides. Luckily, by some miracle, the cottage was free for the days they actually wanted. With a swift amendment to the booking, order was restored.

And the best bit? This wasn’t just any holiday. This was their honeymoon.

The poor couple were equal parts thankful and embarrassed, but after all, what’s a honeymoon without at least one memorable story? Instead of “we lost our luggage” or “we argued over directions,” theirs will forever be: “Remember when we turned up two days late for our honeymoon cottage?”

From my side, the heart rate eventually returned to normal. From their side, there was laughter, gratitude, and a promise never again to argue over dates while planning a getaway.

In the end, everyone got what they wanted: a cosy cottage, a happy honeymoon, and one slightly frazzled owner with a good tale to tell.

Because if there’s one thing life in Skipton teaches you, it’s that sometimes the best stories start with a little mix-up.