I AM standing on top of Blackpool Tower, gazing through a glass floor at the promenade, nearly 500ft beneath my feet.

My stomach flipped as I walked across the SkyWalk viewing platform; it’s a thrilling experience and was at the top of my tick list on a recent trip to the Lancashire resort.

We’d taken the lift to the Tower Eye after an exhilarating 4D film whisked us through the tower’s history, then climbed even higher, up a spiral staircase. We could see for miles; Blackpool sprawled below, its long sandy beach stretched out to the South Shore, where roller coasters rose from the Pleasure Beach. On the clearest days you can see as far as North Wales, Scotland and out over the Irish Sea.

I’ve been going to Blackpool for as long as I remember; as a child it was a magical place and I still have a soft spot for it. With its smart promenade and curved Spanish steps leading to the beach, set against the bright lights and bustle of seaside attractions, Blackpool blends its history with quirky contemporary charm. “Nice To See You, To See You Nice” it says in huge letters on the delightful Comedy Carpet, opened by the late Sir Ken Dodd in 2011. Covering the prom beneath the tower, gags and one-liners pay tribute to much-loved stars, including Morecambe and Wise. It’s a very British slice of public art, I love it.

There’s nowhere in the UK like Blackpool Tower. Housing five attractions, it’s a day out in itself. We used the Big Ticket, allowing entry to Merlin Blackpool attractions. While my nephew and his friend visited SEA Life, coming up close to sharks, tropical rays and a turtle, my sister and I enjoyed afternoon tea in the Tower Ballroom. What a treat to see couples gliding beneath shimmering chandeliers, including a 91-year-old chap jiving across the dance floor without breaking a sweat....

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing will be familiar with its Blackpool shows, but only inside the famous ballroom can you appreciate its beauty. As the fabulous Wurlitzer rose from the organ pit, we were served a pot of tea with sandwiches, sweet treats and cream scones. A lovely treat.

The tower circus was home to world-famous clown Charlie Cairoli for over 40 years and today it’s presided over by excellent double-act Mooky and Mr Boo. We watched thrilling acts including acrobats defying gravity on a bicycle, a spectacular trampoline troupe and daredevil roller-skaters performing stunts as the circus arena filled with gallons of water. Great fun.

Blackpool Tower Dungeon takes a grisly look at Lancashire’s “perilous past”, with live action unfolding along creepy passages and a mirror maze, ending with a 26ft drop ride. Along the way we met a plague doctor, a Pendle witch and, finally, the execution block. A new Escape section adds to the scary fun.

A short walk away is Madame Tussauds, where we encountered the likes of Ed Sheeran, Alan Carr, Bear Grylls, Mo Farah and the Royal family. It’s a great interactive experience, with bushtucker trials and a kick-around with an England goalie. In the Rover’s Return we supped a swift half with Ken Barlow and Bet Lynch and, in a new £1million Marvel Studios superheroes exhibit, we got up close to Thor and the Hulk. Youngsters can have fun trying to lift Thor’s hammer or a yellow taxi.

Using day trip tram passes, we made our way to the South Shore where we stayed at the Carousel Hotel. The AA-rated 3 Star hotel is ideally placed, in a peaceful end of the promenade, within walking distance or a short tram ride from Blackpool’s main attractions. With 25 good-size family rooms, the hotel is modern and comfortable, with friendly staff. After an evening walk along the Golden Mile, enjoying fish and chips and fairground rides on the Central Pier, we returned to the Carousel and live music in the bar. Next morning we enjoyed a hearty cooked breakfast in Café Bar 663, which offers an all-day menu. I’d certainly stay there again.

All too soon it was time to leave, and the tower was fading as we drove away. Roll on the Illuminations!

* The Carousel Hotel is on New South Promenade, South Shore. Visit carouselhotel.co.uk

The Big Ticket, valid for 90 days, allows entry to the Blackpool Tower Eye, ballroom, circus, Dungeon, Jungle Jim’s, SEA Life and Madame Tussauds. £46 for adults, £33.50 for children. Visit theblackpooltower.com