Four hours in Blackpool

It doesn’t take much to be transported back to childhood during a visit to Blackpool, even if you have been drawn there for matters of business. Perhaps the most renowned attraction of the north-west coastal resort is the Pleasure Beach. The amusement park was created by William George Bean in 1896 “to make adults feel like children again and inspire gaiety of a primarily innocent character”. It’s home to the oldest ride in Europe, Sir Hiram Maxim’s Captive Flying Machines (created by the eponymous inventor of the world’s first portable machine gun), in operation since 1904. Other highlights include four wooden rollercoasters, the Big One (the tallest rollercoaster in the country) and the latest hair-raiser, the Icon, a wonderfully smooth ride that offers the same acceleration as that experienced by a Formula One driver. You could easily spend a day here, but if time is short, pay £10 for entry-only and purchase individual ride tickets. The upmarket Boulevard hotel, located on the edge of the park, has been newly built by the Pleasure Beach group. It’s reviewed here. blackpoolpleasurebeach.com

Ice cream and fish and chips are quintessential seaside fare, and Blackpool offers fine examples of both. Notarianni is a delight, a 1950s-style ice cream parlour that serves one flavour only – delectably creamy vanilla. Founded by Luigi Notarianni in the 1920s, it moved to its existing location on Waterloo Road in 1937 and is now in the hands of the fourth generation of the family. The sundaes are the stuff of dreams, while at the takeaway counter you can choose from a copious range of cones, sauces and toppings. For fish and chips, try Bentley’s, an unassuming spot with blue-and-white checked tablecloths on nearby Bond Street. For many, this is the best in town, and gluten-free options are available. notarianni.co.uk, facebook.com/bentleysfishandchipshop

Carefully shielding your sustenance of choice from overhead assault by seagulls, make your way north up the promenade towards the heart of the town, taking in the sea air and the series of 11 sculptures that line it. Closest to the Pleasure Beach is a giant mirrorball, which makes mesmerising light patterns on the ground as the sun hits it, and is lit up colourfully at night. Between September and November, the Blackpool Illuminations light display, which first began in 1879, runs all the way down the promenade. Also en route are two of the town’s three piers – Central and South – which are filled with typical seaside amusements and entertainment.

Soon you’ll come to the Blackpool Tower. Opened in 1894, it was inspired by the Eiffel Tower and was at one time the tallest manmade structure in Britain. On the ground floor is a marvellous circus, which still features a water show finale at the end of each performance and has never missed a season since the tower opened. You’ll also find the ballroom, which hosts a BBC Strictly Come Dancing episode every year as well as tea dances every Sunday, at which older couples who have been coming since their youth whirl about. At the top is the Eye, with its vertigo-inducing glass floor and views in all directions. Just outside is the Comedy Carpet, a permanent walk-on installation featuring gags, songs and one-liners from many of the UK’s best-loved entertainers. Suitably tickled, don’t miss a seafront drink or a bite to eat at the stylish Beach House. Entry to the Eye costs £12.50 if booked online. theblackpooltower.com

Carry on along the seafront to the Grade II-listed North Pier, which has more of a heritage feel than the other two. Dating back to 1863, it is home to the art deco North Pier theatre, a Venetian carousel and an arcade. Nearby is Grundy Art Gallery, an Edwardian building that hosts contemporary exhibitions. Further inland you’ll pass entertainment and event complex the Winter Gardens. Built in 1878, it’s ideal for meetings or to watch a concert or show. Guided tours here take in some of the beautiful architecture. Continuing onwards you’ll find Stanley Park – 162 hectares of lovely gardens in various styles. grundyartgallery.com, wintergardensblackpool.co.uk