OH we do like to be beside the seaside...but maybe not on a day like this.

It is blustery conditions for our trip to Blackpool. We are being battered by strong winds, sand is whipping into our eyes and occasional rain showers send us running for cover.

But, as it turns out, it proves to be a perfect day for rediscovering just how much there is to do in this seaside resort – whatever the weather.

We are on a two-day trip taking in as many of the numerous (and thankfully indoor) central pier attractions as we can manage.

And you do not need to worry about the cost racking up too much thanks to the Blackpool Resort Pass.

We went for the 'Pass Plus' which basically gives you access to nine attractions, including all the Merlin Entertainments destinations, over a week for £80. The standard pass gives you access to six attractions for £55.

One of the highlights was the trip to the top of the iconic 518ft Blackpool Tower which was built from 1891 to 1894 using 93 tonnes of cast steel, 2,500 tonnes of iron and five million bricks.

Starting with a spectacular 4D film, you are then treated to panoramic views of Blackpool and a glass floor to walk over if you are brave enough.

We also went to Blackpool Tower's Circus (not part of the resort pass) which opened in 1894 and has not missed a season since.

It is fascinating looking at the posters and mementos recounting the circus's history over more than a century as you walk towards the ring.

And it was astonishing to see that the stalls were almost full for this 'quiet' Wednesday afternoon performance that we took our son Ethan to.

It would be easy to be cynical about the Tower Circus. With the same routines being performed so many times a week, I wondered if the troupe would be just be going through the motions.

But with such a honed act, including a motorbike on a high wire, incredible feats with knives and a crossbow and breathtaking acrobatics, it was genuinely awe-inspiring and funny from start to finish.

Mooky and Mr Boo from the Endresz family are celebrating 25 years at the Tower and you can see they still love it.

The busy day also saw us use our passes to visit Madame Tussauds where stars of the TV, music, sport and celebrity world are recreated in incredibly detailed life-size wax replicas.

You can even have a drink in the Rovers from Corrie and have your hand turned into a waxwork.

Then we plunged into the deep to meet 2,000 marine creatures at Sea Life. There is a new Jurassic Seas experience where you can meet the pre-historic beasts of the ocean that outlived the dinosaurs.

But one of the highlights was the 'rock school' where youngsters get to touch the likes of starfish and sea anemones and you can get a 'manicure' from cleaner shrimps that extract the dead skin from your fingers.

The underwater tunnel where sharks glide silently above you was also very impressive.

We were thankful that the weather had cheered up on day two for a trip to Blackpool Zoo, the only thing we needed to take a drive out to.

With more than 1,500 animals and engaging talks throughout the day it gives Chester a run for its money.

During our visit, families gathered to see lions cuddling to keep warm and Ethan's favourites were the elephants and giraffes.

There were also some interesting shared enclosures where we saw the likes of capybaras and spider-monkeys hanging out together.

Our final stop was Blackpool Pleasure Beach where the addition of Nickelodeon Land, five years ago, really makes the theme park a more welcome proposition for families with young children.

Many of the rides children can go on regardless of their height as long as they are with an adult, meaning there was plenty for Ethan to enjoy.

But I made sure there was time to sneak off to some of the white-knuckle rides. The Big One, famous for its stomach churning 205ft drop, remains one of the best rollercoasters out there.

Another favourite is Infusion, which is similar to Alton Towers' Nemesis, spinning you around and upside down at tremendous speeds.

It would not be a trip to Blackpool without a journey on the UK's only surviving first-generation tramway which covers 11 miles of the coast.

And it would not be the same without fish and chips so I would highly recommend Harry Ramsden's new flagship restaurant at the Tower.

It was a fusion of old and new with the likes of Pleasure Beach's Funhouse rolling barrels used for the inspiration for booths alongside high-tech video screens and a maritime colour scheme.

The food was exceptional with hearty portions and plenty of choice.

But it is not just fish and chips with rotisserie dishes, great veggie choices like the halloumi burger, craft beer, a cocktail bar, smoothie and juicing stations and a tempting dessert menu.

We also went to Nandos to get our piri piri chicken fix. You know what you are getting at Nandos but this two-floor restaurant was spacious, comfortable and the staff made us welcome.

In some people's minds, Blackpool is written off as a washed up seaside spot with a troubled night life.

But that is unfair because for us, with so much to do and enjoy, it lived up to the name of its tourism campaign: Blackpool Has It All.

- David Morgan was a guest of Hotel Elgin which offers coaches from Warrington to Blackpool through their tour operator Elgin Tours. Visit elginhotel.com/elgin-tours