The UK has no shortage of great seaside towns, all with their own unique appeal. But maybe the most famous one of all, nestled on the northwest coast, is Blackpool.

This popular spot has been a top destination for British holidaymakers for years thanks to its retro vibe, amusement arcades, theme park and great fish and chips. And Manchester Evening News writer Liam De Brun recently decided to visit for the first time after hearing countless stories about the place growing up. Despite Blackpool being voted as one of the worst UK seaside towns, Liam had the ‘perfect’ day.

Liam, who hails from Ireland, said: “When you ask anyone over the age of 40 back home where they went on their summer holidays growing up, Blackpool was almost certain to come up.

“Hearing childhood memories of amusement rides, retro trams and Mr Whippys bigger than your head made it feel like the place to be. Being an avid fish and chips fan helped its case.”

So last weekend when Oasis mania was sweeping the country, Liam and his girlfriend decided to make the trip for the first time.

Having heard many Blackpool tales from his late granny, who had even travelled over from Derry for her honeymoon, he was more than ready to experience it.

They got the train from Liverpool, and when they arrived, the first port of call was to check into The Chatwal Boutique Hotel, which was a short tram ride away.

He said: “It was exactly like I imagined – there were endless takeaways, football tops from teams all over the country and buildings that felt like they hadn’t changed a bit since the 1980s.”

First on the itinerary was a trip to the iconic Blackpool tower. Built 131 years ago, Blackpool’s most renowned landmark is a real must-see – especially if you’re a Strictly fan.

Climbing to the top is key here, as Liam described: “It’s a euphoric feeling having the wind hitting your hair as you get a beautiful view of the Ferris wheel on the pier, the gorgeous beaches and the blue sky.”

After successfully ticking off the first item on the agenda, they had an hour to grab lunch before heading to Madame Tussauds.

The bar they visited served cotton candy alongside vodka, while a man was serenading four people with Wonderwall on a stage surrounded by fruit machines, performing parkour across empty tables.

With fish and chips fuelling them, they headed to the wax museum. Liam joked: “I’m still confused why the first figure showcased is Alison Hammond when later you get to meet Beyoncé, The Rock and Corrie’s own Jack P Shepherd.”

For Liam, the ‘highlight’ was undoubtedly the meticulous replica of The Rovers Return Inn. But it was pretty busy, making it ‘impossible’ to have a pint with Deirdre Barlow that day.

Being sober for two years, Liam sometimes finds it hard to find things to do in the evening.

But he said: “Blackpool’s largest free admission attraction Coral Island was the answer to my prayers. Not only is there arcade games and a casino, but the pirate theme elevates it to an indoor fun park that could rival any other.”

He didn’t quite win the jackpot but he did discover a love for 2p coin pushers.

As the sun set and a leisurely stroll along the pier concluded, Liam’s night wrapped up with a second helping of fish and chips from Lily’s Traditional Fish and Chips, ending what he described as the ‘perfect’ day.

He concluded: “While it’s more impressive to say you’ve been to Paris, generations of families have travelled here for a reason.

“There’s a spirit to it that commercialised cities will never recover. Everyone is there for a good time, to forget about their worries, and in my case, prove it’s worth waiting two decades to tick a destination off your bucket list.”