I went on holiday to iconic UK seaside town - I only lasted five minutes in one attraction

The Brits love to be beside the seaside - and this old-school favourite has been a top choice for generations of families. But the reliably unreliable British means the beach is not always an option, and there are only so many 2p coins you can put into those addictive machines.

But, luckily, leisure giant Merlin has come up with a host of ideas to magic away a few days in Blackpool. The theme park group has several weather-proof attractions in the town, including the Sea Life Centre, Madame Tussauds and (if you have a head for heights) the imposing .

For children, there's plenty to enjoy such as Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play and the Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse located on the promenade. Meanwhile, the Sea Life Centre is a hit with all ages, and Madame Tussauds provides great fun, even if some of the waxworks are eerily accurate!

An unexpected highlight for my family trip was the Blackpool Tower Circus. Despite the cheesy jokes, my seven year old girls were mesmerised by the trapeze artists, contortionists and stunt performers from around the globe.

However, a word of caution - the Tower Dungeons proved too spooky for us and we lasted only five minutes, so it might not be suitable for younger visitors.

For those seeking a thrill, Blackpool Tower and its Skywalk offer an adrenaline rush like no other. The glass-bottomed viewing platform, perched 380ft high, provides panoramic views that stretch out to the Irish Sea and seemingly endless depths below.

While my children were enthralled by the experience, I found myself keeping a safe distance from the glass floor. For those without a fear of heights, the vistas are said to be spectacular - but I spent the time with my eyes firmly shut.

Things to do in Blackpool

To maximise your adventure in Blackpool, Merlin's Pick 'n' Mix Passes are the way to go. Starting at £35 for a single day or £45 for two days, these passes are essential for the energetic visitor (and booking entry times online can save you from long queues, which I learned the hard way).

Our family opted to stay at the newly opened Holiday Inn Blackpool, a beacon of modernity amidst some of the town's more weather-worn areas. The hotel shines with its bright and inviting atmosphere.

Our rooms were spacious and comfortable, complete with a superb self-service breakfast served in the Marco Pierre White-branded "New York Italian" restaurant.

Ideally situated, the hotel is a mere five-minute walk from the iconic promenade, yet distant enough from the lively nightlife to guarantee a peaceful night's sleep for the little ones.

And for those considering public transport, Blackpool North train station is conveniently located right outside the hotel, offering a stress-free alternative to navigating the M6.

The tram stop is conveniently located right outside, but all the Merlin attractions are nestled between the North and Central piers on the promenade, making them easily accessible by foot.

Beyond the Merlin attractions, Blackpool offers a plethora of activities. It's a place known for its quirky charm, offering a fun, albeit sometimes tacky, experience.

This seaside town is perfect for families seeking a laid-back holiday. You're never too far from an ice cream stand, a fish and chips shop, or places to get rid of your spare 2p coins.

While waiting for your Mr Whippy or chips, you'll find yourself standing on the names of some of Britain's legendary entertainers etched into the beachfront Comedy Carpet. This tribute to old-school greats like Laurel and Hardy, Morecambe and Wise, and Cannon and Ball (an underrated variety act worth checking out on YouTube!) is a testament to the rich entertainment history that brought previous generations to Blackpool.

Of course, there are the iconic piers and a surprisingly clean and sandy beach. From September onwards, the town is adorned with the famous Illuminations. But regardless of when you visit, Blackpool always promises a good time.

So why wait? Book your holiday now!

Book the holiday

• Rooms at the Holiday Inn Blackpool hotel start at £79 a night:
• To visit Merlin attractions in Blackpool or to buy Pick 'n' Mix passes see
• More info at