Family holidays

The abandoned Pontins resort in Prestatyn seems to have been left to decay since its closure in November 2023

A beloved entertainment hotspot has been left dormant for years and now looks a far cry from its former glory. Pontins in Prestatyn was once a thriving holiday destination, drawing families in droves with its private beach, swimming pools and children’s play areas. Now, the site sits largely deserted and crumbling, with many residents branding it a significant eyesore.

After over half a century of welcoming guests since it first opened its doors in 1971, the resort shut permanently in November 2023. The closure marked the end of a lengthy era in the town’s story, leaving behind a sprawling site that has since become a stark symbol of its deterioration.

Speculation has been rife in the three years since about its future. Rumours range from plans for a rejuvenated tourism venture to suggestions it may be bulldozed to make way for housing.

Images of the location continue to surface online, revealing boarded-up structures, unkempt grounds and clear signs of decay throughout the former holiday park. Once beaming with holidaymakers, large swathes of the resort now look abandoned, with several buildings visibly crumbling.

At the time, the closure of Pontins sent shockwaves through the entire local community. Britannia Hotels, which owns Pontins, had also shut down its Camber Sands resort in East Sussex.

Local residents previously shared their thoughts on the future of the site with North Wales Live. Among those to speak out was Pete Davis, who runs a cleaning firm that once worked with Pontins.

He said: “It ought to be used for something. I think it should be a holiday camp again. The council could issue a compulsory purchase order (to help that happen).”

A fellow resident shared the same view: “It’s empty and I’d rather it was a holiday camp again. We moved here in 1973 and it was never any trouble to us. I don’t want it knocked down for more houses as I don’t feel there are enough doctors’ surgeries and schools, not enough infrastructure to support them.”

A grandmother and grandson described the site as “decrepit” and an “eyesore”, saying: “It’s quite decrepit and an eyesore for the local community. Something needs to be done. It should be reborn as a holiday camp or used for modern apartments. Something needs to be doing to it otherwise it’s going to become a drug den or a place for fly-tippers.”

Residents aren’t the only ones calling for change at the derelict holiday park. Prestatyn’s Mayor, Cllr Adrian West, added his voice to the chorus, stating: “I want to see the site brought back into some form of productive use again.

“For it just to be lying idle is doing nobody any good. I would not want it used for some sort of industry, given that it’s right next to the waterfront.”

Not everybody is mourning the closure of Pontins, however, with one scathing TripAdvisor reviewer writing: “Thank god this rancid filthy cesspit has shutdown. Awful, worn out and really dirty. and it needed knocking down years ago.”

A further disgruntled visitor declared: “As time has gone by all the rooms are filled with mould, vomit, worse than a dog kennel. It looks like a rubbish dump,” while another pulled no punches, stating: “There are no words to describe how awful this place is. A prison cell would be preferable to the chalet.

“The areas outside are overgrown, potholes in the car park, pavements cracked and overgrown. Concrete on stairs broken, support for stairs rotten, nails sticking out.”

Cabü by the Sea in St Margarets, Kent, is a luxury coastal cabin staycation for city dwellers seeking coastal charm without a long journey – and it’s less than two hours’ drive away

At Cabü by the Sea, baby rabbits hop playfully across the grass. “They’re quite used to us,” our host explains as she guides us towards our cabin.

“But they dig everywhere, so do watch out for burrows.”

It’s a fitting welcome to our time at this wonderfully wholesome retreat. Cabü consists of a grassy expanse dotted with luxurious one, two and three-bedroom cabins, nestled against the sea wall in St Margarets, one of those tranquil coastal villages in Kent’s overlooked corner, where Dungeness extends a languid arm into the English Channel.

Uncomplicated and serene, the atmosphere washes over you the moment you arrive, reports OK!.

Discovering the ideal seaside cabin

This spot is defined by thoughtful touches. The log burner is already stacked and primed to ignite with just one match.

Plush, generously soft towels hang in the bathroom, with striped versions on the upper shelf – designated for beach and pool. In the kitchen, there’s a picnic hamper ready should you wish to prepare something for the shore.

If you’d rather not have to do it yourself, simply order from the onsite shop.

Each designer lodge resembles something plucked straight from the pages of a cabin lifestyle book (I know, because they’ve left a copy beside the kingsize bed). It’s difficult not to instantly embrace the notion that owning a modest cabin of your own could be the solution to life’s pressures. It certainly seems that way while you’re here.

Making the most of your time at Cabü

Cabü is a spot where simple pleasures take centre stage, with a handful of added treats thrown in. There’s a pool (fenced off, so you needn’t fret about little ones wandering), and alongside it sits the sitooerie – a space blending indoors and out, where families can bond over the pizza oven and toast marshmallows side by side.

Without children in tow, we hired our own barbecue, grilled burgers on the decking, and gazed at the stars instead.

There’s also the spa facilities you can reserve by the hour – generous wooden hot tubs, a sauna and an icy plunge pool complete with a bracing bucket shower. Steel yourself and give them all a go – it’s absolutely brilliant.

What to explore in the surrounding area

We left the car untouched throughout our visit, opting instead to borrow bikes for the seven-mile ride to Dungeness (the Fish Roll at the Dungeness Snack Shack is essential), where the 21st Century seems to dissolve amid the stark, post-apocalyptic stretch of shingle and weathered boat hulls. Head the opposite way and Dymchurch (3 miles) offers classic seaside charm with fairground rides, fish and chips and ice cream, plus superb meals at Coffee Lounge.

Can’t manage the distance? Fear not, because there’s an authentic miniature steam railway covering the entire route, with a station just a 10-minute stroll away.

How to book your own cabin getaway

Prices start at £375 for a 2-night break in a studio cabin. Studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom cabins are on offer, including dog-friendly choices and one featuring a private hot tub.

Visit cabu.co.uk or ring 01303 669033.

A hotel that’s set to open next week will join the list of the largest properties in Europe with a whopping 1,240 rooms, and it’s the perfect base to explore a lesser-visited coastline

This month will see the opening of a vast hotel just a couple of hours from the UK, and it’s already making records due to the sheer size of the brand new property.

On Wednesday, June 17, Gołębiewski Pobierowo will open its doors to the public, with 1,240 guest rooms set over 13 floors to choose from. While it won’t be the largest in Europe: narrowly beaten by the Royal National Hotel in London which has 1,630 rooms and the Rin Grand Hotel in Bucharest with 1,459 rooms, the new hotel will come in at third place.

Gołębiewski Pobierowo will be set on the banks of Plaża w Pobierowie, a two-and-a-half mile long beach that offers soft white sands and the clear blue of the Baltic Sea. The shallow waters are ideal for swimming, and it’s a popular spot for families during the summer season.

The beach isn’t the only place to go for water-based fun. The hotel will feature a waterpark with indoor and outdoor pools and slides, as well as plenty of wellness activities including a salt cave. It also promise a range of fun activities and entertainment for kids, and will have an outdoor terrace with live pianist performing on those long summer evenings. Other facilities include four themed restaurants, each serving different types of international cuisine.

A half-hour walk, or short drive away, is the seaside town of Pobierowo. In the summer, it has an outdoor inflatable park and treetop climbing experience, and it’s a popular destination for active breaks.

Down the road you’ll find the charming Park Miniatur i Kolejek, a cute model village, and Bałtycki Park Dinozaurów i Rozrywki, which features lifesize models of dinosaurs alongside rides and animal experiences.

Follow the pretty coastal roads to explore traditional Polish villages such as Trzęsacz, famous for its 15th-century church and its interactive museum, which gives you the chance to feel like you’re stepping back into the past. Trzęsacz also has incredible white sand beaches and steep cliffs offering broad views across the sea.

Niechorze is another popular seaside town near the hotel, offering family-friendly attractions such as the Oceanarium Niechorze aquarium, and the Victorian-era Lighthouse Niechorze where you can see views across the dense forest on one side and the sparkling sea on the other.

It also has the charming, quaint Museum of Sea Fishery which tells the history of the area’s once thriving fishing industry, and gives you the chance to climb onboard some of the small boats.

Pobierowo is about an hour from Solidarity Szczecin–Goleniów Airport, which offers Ryanair services from Liverpool and London-Stansted. With flight times of under two hours from London, this Polish seaside gem could become popular with Brits looking for a short break.

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What should have been the start of an exciting family holiday to Greece turned into a nightmare, after a mother of three was unable to board the plane due to a passport mistake

A mum was banned from boarding an easyJet flight with her family and was left £700 out of pocket after being caught out by a crucial passport rule.

Bolaji Omisade, 35, was filled with excitement as she headed to London Gatwick Airport with her husband and three sons ahead of their family holiday to Greece. But on arrival at the airport, she was told by easyJet staff that she wouldn’t be allowed to board the plane.

Confused by the situation, the social worker and content creator from Rainham in Essex was told at check-in that while her passport had not expired, it had been issued more than 10 years earlier, meaning it did not meet EU entry requirements. “Until that moment, I had absolutely no idea this rule existed,” Bolaji told creatorzine.com.

All UK passports must have been issued less than 10 years before the date of entry when travelling to most European countries under post-Brexit travel rules. Bolaji checked that her passport hadn’t expired before heading to the airport, but wasn’t aware of the crucial rule regarding the issue date.

It was a devastating moment for Bolaji as the reality of not being able to go on holiday with her husband and their three sons hit home. “I had to hold back my emotions because my children were watching everything unfold,” she said. “As a parent, that was one of the hardest parts. They were so disappointed.”

With no refund option and their planned departure time approaching, the family decided that Bolaji would return home with their youngest son, while her husband and two older boys would board the easyJet flight to Greece. Amid the holiday nightmare, Bolaji said she saw another holidaymaker being turned away at the airport for the same reason. “That was the moment I realised this wasn’t an isolated incident,” she said.

In an attempt to salvage the holiday, Bolaji swiftly booked an appointment to secure a new passport by using the one-day premium service through His Majesty’s Passport Office. While there were no suitable appointments available in London due to the bank holiday weekend, the mum managed to secure a 9.30am slot in Newport, Wales, and travelled up the night before.

After waiting several hours, Bolaji was finally issued a fresh passport, and she booked new flights. Bolaji and her youngest son joined the rest of the family in Greece on Thursday, but it meant they had only two days left of the holiday before flying home on Saturday.

While it was a stressful time for the family, it also resulted in an expensive mistake. With the cost of the emergency passport, hotel stay in Wales, travel expenses, and extra flights, the family ended up spending an additional £700 on top of their already prebooked getaway.

Since the ordeal, Bolaji has shared her experience on social media, warning other travellers and urging booking platforms to clarify the rule. “I believe airlines and booking platforms could do much more to highlight this rule,” she said. “If sharing my story helps even one family avoid being turned away at the airport, then something positive will have come from what was a very upsetting experience.”

To renew or replace your passport, online or at the HM Passport Office, visit the government website.

EasyJet has a dedicated page on its website to warn passengers of passport rules and requirements, including for the EU. As part of these warnings it explains: “Please check your passport’s expiry and issue date before you travel. If you’re a UK passport holder travelling to the EU (except Ireland), or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican City or Switzerland, your passport will need to meet the following criteria:

• It must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to depart from the EU or above countries*
• It must be no more than 10 years’ old on the date of travel to the EU or above countries.

“Visit the UK government’s advice page for more information.

“Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland may travel within Europe using a valid EU/EEA/Swiss National Identity Card or Passport Card.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Rafaela Kuzenc was staying at TUI’s new Holiday Village resort in Tunisia, and from the moment she arrived, everything seemed geared towards making family holidays as easy as possible

Travelling alone with a five-year-old sounds simple on paper. In reality, it’s usually a mix of logistics, snack management, emotional negotiation and carrying more things than you thought physically possible.

So when I booked a sizzling half-term trip to Tunisia with my daughter, I had two possible outcomes in mind: either it would be smooth and surprisingly easy or completely exhausting from start to finish. It didn’t feel like a third option existed.

The holiday began with a 3am alarm and an early morning flight. By the time we’d landed, navigated the airport and reached the resort, I already felt like I needed a holiday from the holiday.

As any parent travelling solo will know, there is nobody to hand responsibility over to. Every suitcase, every snack request falls entirely on you. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I started to relax.

Do you have a story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

We were staying at TUI’s new Holiday Village resort in Tunisia, and from the moment we arrived, everything seemed geared towards making family holidays as easy as possible. Constant sunshine and 30C all week also didn’t hurt.

Check-in was smooth, staff were welcoming, and within minutes we were being shown to our suite. It had separate sleeping areas, and my daughter was thrilled to discover she had her own room. She barely stopped talking about it for the rest of the day.

Then came the pool. And honestly, seeing it was the moment I stopped worrying about entertainment schedules. Before arriving, I had imagined we’d spend our days trying lots of different activities and making the most of the organised entertainment. Instead, my daughter became completely obsessed with the pool. If it had been entirely up to her, she would have spent the entire week pretending to be a mermaid.

The water slides quickly became the highlight. On one afternoon, she went down the same slide so many times I lost count. I just sat there watching, occasionally wondering if I was meant to be doing something else, and then deciding I wasn’t.

For once, I wasn’t responsible for inventing fun every 10 minutes. The kids’ club took that even further. I went to check on her after about half an hour, expecting hesitation, clinginess, or at least a “stay with me”. Instead, she barely looked up.

She was too busy drawing, playing games and joining in with activities. In fact, she enjoyed it so much that she stayed for the full three-hour session.

As a parent travelling alone, that kind of independence is priceless. The staff were warm, friendly and engaging, and the children’s programme was well organised. Knowing there were trained staff, lifeguards and structured activities around gave me confidence to actually relax.

I even booked a massage for myself and later one for my daughter. It was her first professional massage and she absolutely loved it. Would I normally book a spa treatment for myself when travelling alone with a child? Probably not.

But that’s exactly what surprised me about this holiday. For brief moments, it didn’t feel like I was travelling solo at all. Meanwhile, my daughter was happily entertained elsewhere, which felt almost surreal.

Meal times were another area where the resort made life easier. There was no planning, no shopping and no cooking. Whenever my daughter announced she was hungry, there was always something available, whether that was pasta, sandwiches, fruit, snacks or desserts. The toasted sandwich station became particularly useful.

Of course, travelling solo with a child is never completely stress-free. Early mornings were still early mornings. Bags were still heavy and there were moments when I felt like a walking luggage depot. Some activities were also better suited to older children, although my daughter didn’t seem particularly bothered because all roads eventually led back to the pool.

One of our favourite moments came during a boat trip when we spotted dolphins swimming nearby. Seeing her face light up reminded me why travelling with children can be so rewarding despite the challenges.

By the end of the week, my daughter didn’t want to leave. Normally, after a few days away, she starts talking about seeing her dad again and returning home. This time she was trying to negotiate staying in Tunisia indefinitely.

That, more than anything, felt like a successful holiday. I arrived expecting to spend the week entertaining my daughter. Instead, I found myself enjoying the holiday too.

Book it

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to Skanes, Tunisia, staying at the 4T+ Holiday Village AQI Skanes Resort on an all-inclusive basis from £830 per person. Price is based on two adults and two children sharing a 1 Bedroom Family Room with Balcony or Terrace. Includes TUI Airways flights departing from Newcastle on

5th July 2026 with 25kg hold luggage per person and transfers included. Package includes one free child place.

A new Eurocamp in a location just a couple of hours from the UK offers easy access to a Blue Flag beach and one of the biggest waterparks in the entire country – and the perfect day trip is just a short drive away

Already looking for your summer 2027 holiday? A new Eurocamp opening could be the perfect choice if you like a beach and pool holiday, but also want to be in close proximity to an incredibly popular city break destination.

Set to open in May 2027, hu Eraclea Mare is a brand-new camping village on the Adriatic coast near Venice, covering over 100-hectares and set on a spectacular long stretch of Blue Flag beach. Bookings are already open on the Eurocamp website from May 1 next year, just in time for a half-term trip to Italy.

And according to Eurocamp, at the heart of its newest site will be a nine-hectare water park – the largest ever built in an Italian holiday village. It’ll have six pools, including Olympic and semi-Olympic sized options, lagoons, waterslides, and a 40,000 square metre solarium.

But the pool won’t be the only place to make a splash. The park is being built on the long sandy Spiaggia Pannolenci where you’ll find calm, shallow waters for swimming and basking in the Italian sunshine. Or you can enjoy the shaded wooded trails that lead you to the nearby small town of Eraclea Mare.

Back on dry land, you’ll find activities including a tree experience and zip line, mini golf, paintball, and a huge variety of sports to enjoy with the whole family.

The mega-park will also include “30 food and drink outlets” according to Eurocamp’s website, including authentic Italian and Venetian restaurants, gelato shops, and bars. At night, a 1,500 outdoor theatre will host a range of family-friendly entertainment including music and lively events.

The new Eurocamp will also be well-located for day trips to Venice, so you can combine a sightseeing city break with a family holiday. The ferry port of Punta Sabbioni is just a 40-minute drive away, and you can park your car and take a boat in to avoid the traffic. The ferry is a picturesque 30-minute journey and an amazing way to arrive in the city. It docks close to the iconic Piazza San Marco, where you’ll find many of Venice’s top sightseeing spots just a short walk away.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also be able to visit the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, otherwise known as the Dolomites, a vast range of mountains and dense, unspoilt forest popular for hiking, sailing on serene lakes, and canyoning your way through its incredible landscape.

The Adriatic coast has a huge range of holiday parks along sparkling sea, and if you’re looking to visit this summer you can choose from existing accommodation options such as the 4-star Holiday Center Pra’ Delle Torri. This site has camping, a holiday village with mobile homes, plus an onsite hotel, with all guests enjoying access to a waterpark with slides.

If you prefer a hotel, you’ll also find the Park Hotel Pineta in Eraclea Mare. Set on a private sandy beach and surrounded by dense pine trees, this relaxed accommodation offers spacious family rooms and apartments.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Expiry dates aren’t the only passport detail holidaymakers need to check before flying – another overlooked rule could derail your travel plans

Preparing for a trip abroad can be stressful enough. From making sure you’ve packed everything you need to checking airport liquid restrictions and ensuring your passport is still valid, there is plenty for holidaymakers to think about before they travel.

However, some holidaymakers could face an unwelcome surprise at check-in even if their document have months to years left before it expires.

This relates to the number of blank pages remaining in a passport. While many people focus on expiry dates, some countries require visitors to have one, two or even more completely blank pages available for entry stamps or visa stickers.

Travel experts warn that passengers who fail to meet these requirements could be denied boarding by airlines or refused entry on arrival.

Airlines are often responsible for ensuring passengers meet a destination’s entry requirements and can face penalties for transporting travellers who do not qualify for entry.

According to travel guidance published by Schengen, some destinations require at least two blank passport pages for visas and border stamps. The guidance warns that airlines may refuse boarding if passengers do not have sufficient space remaining in their passport.

The requirement can catch out frequent travellers whose passports are filled with entry and exit stamps from previous trips. Experts say many people mistakenly assume a passport is suitable for travel provided it remains in date.

For travel to the Schengen Area, for instance, passport rules already require Brits to ensure their passport was issued within the previous 10 years and remains valid for at least three months after their planned departure date. Some guidance also notes that travellers may need at least two blank pages available for visas and stamps where applicable.

A recent travel warning highlighted that a lack of blank pages can become a particular issue for frequent flyers and those taking multi-country trips. Countries may require empty pages for visa stickers, while immigration officials also need room for entry and exit stamps.

Travel experts recommend checking passport validity, issue dates and the number of remaining blank pages well in advance of departure. Unlike an expired passport, extra pages cannot simply be added to a modern British passport, meaning travellers who are running out of space may need to renew the document before travelling.

According to guidance cited by travel experts, some countries require between two and four blank pages depending on the destination and visa requirements. Travellers planning complex itineraries involving multiple countries are therefore advised to check entry rules carefully before travelling.

An airline pilot has shared advice for anyone who deals with anxiety on flights

Anxious travellers could enjoy calmer travel days by following three pilot-approved tips. An airline pilot has revealed several steps nervous passengers can take to calm their nerves before boarding.

The advice was shared by Simon Belmont, who describes himself as an airline pilot, Airbus A350 Captain and a fear-of-flying coach. With over 130,000 followers on TikTok, Simon regularly shares tips and tricks for passengers on social media as @Flyman_simon. In a recent video, the pilot shared his top recommendations for holidaymakers feeling anxious about upcoming trips.

He wrote: “Holiday travel can feel extra intense when you are already a nervous flyer. Crowded airports, delays, noise and rushing around can make anxiety feel even bigger.” Fortunately, the pilot identified three steps passengers can take to help alleviate their stress.

In the post, Simon urged passengers to give themselves plenty of time on travel days, be polite to staff, and ensure they’ve packed properly. As he explained, making sure you “keep fed, watered, and entertained” is key to a good flight. “A calmer flight often starts before you even board. Small changes really do help,” the expert pointed out.

In his video, Simon told viewers: “I’ll give you three top tips to try and make it de-stressed. If you’re a fearful flyer, de-stressing that journey really does lower your levels, and it stops you peaking, maybe overthinking, and doing all that doom thinking that gets you worried about flying.”

Simon said: “Number one, give yourself plenty of time. That is one of the biggest things. If you’re up against the clock, wondering whether that gate’s going to close and you’re going to make the flight, it’s stress from the second you leave your home or the hotel, sat in traffic. So give yourself that extra bit of time.”

He continued: “When you get to the airport, be really courteous, really nice and friendly. Remember all of those staff, all the security staff, and everyone else, they’re not trying to hold you up. They’re trying to do their job. They’re not going to cut corners on safety, and they are going to try to get you through as soon as possible.”

The pilot also advised people to pack entertainment. He explained: “Keep entertained and keep fed and watered. So keep things to keep you busy when you are sat around waiting.”

“Make sure that you have got some snacks, you’ve got some things to eat to keep that blood sugar level up, and that will again de-stress you, put you in a much happier mood, and give you a much better chance,” Simon explained.

He continued: “Keep hydrated because at the other end you want to be able to enjoy the holiday, the business trip, seeing family and friends. Dehydrated, you’re going to feel groggy and crappy.

“So yeah, give yourself plenty of time. Be courteous, remember the people are working hard, and keep yourself fed, watered, and entertained. So download those videos, take little games, card games, whatever you can.”

She shared how to make the most of your luggage allowance when travelling as a family

TV star Stacey Solomon shared a handful of essentials parents should pack before a flight in a previous partnership with Jet2. She said: “When I’m packing hand luggage, it’s one of those things that I really need to think about because I know, when you’re on a flight with kids, you just want to be prepared for any eventuality.”

Stacey’s hand luggage “staples” when travelling with kids include a variety of things that can keep little ones occupied and make the flight go a lot smoother for the parents and other passengers.

Packing your own snacks is an excellent way to keep kids occupied, save money on airport prices, and avoid limited options once in the air. Make sure that it follows airport security rules (such as no liquids over 100ml).

Bringing any games to play can help keep little ones occupied without the need for devices. Stacey suggested card games, as they avoid the need for fiddly plastic pieces or dice flying about the cabin.

She said: “Another thing I love bringing in [the kids] hand luggage is sticker books. My kids will sit and do sticker books for ages. They love colouring, but if you don’t want to pick up pencils from under everyone’s seat the entire flight, go with stickers – it’s a better option!”

Another thing to remember for a fun memory is a cuddly toy. Stacey said that Jet2 has a “really cute” offer for a free ‘Teddy Passport’ that can be filled out in the airport.

The scheme was launched in October 2023, and it’s still offered in 2026. Simply ask one of the check-in agents at the desk when you arrive to drop off your bags, and they will provide you with a complimentary passport.

A Jet2 spokesperson said: “After receiving a teddy bear passport, holidaymakers can then give their teddy’s passport to Cabin Crew when boarding. As well as being a fun start to the holiday, parents have reported that it has helped their children feel a sense of independence and given them some understanding about the process of travelling overseas from a young age.”

Stacey’s top tips for packing

Make a list: Stacey says to keep a list of everything you want and need to take away with you. Following a list means you will not forget things, overpack or potentially leave something behind at home. She said: “I know exactly what I’ve got if I refer to my list.”

Use packing cubes: Stacey said that she “genuinely swears by these” and they can be bought from places like Amazon, Argos, Dunelm, Primark and more. In her Jet2 video, the mum of five had her items sorted into categories such as cosmetics and sun safety.

Plan crease-free outfits: By not worrying if clothes will end up wrinkled, Stacey said items can be packed much tighter in a suitcase and can therefore mean extra room. She joked: “Stop going on holiday in linen – you’ll be ironing the whole time!”