An autumn break in Blackpool (From York Press)

An autumn break in Blackpool

1:51pm Saturday 3rd September 2011 in Holiday reviews

AS the nights draw in, there are few better ways to light up your autumn than a trip to Blackpool Illuminations.

Comic spoof creation Keith Lemon flicked on the 2011 lights at last night’s Big Switch On, following on from Robbie Williams, who enjoyed the honour 12 months ago. Stanley Matthews, Kermit the Frog and Red Rum are among other celebrities to have performed the task in the past.

Quite simply, the next two months present the perfect time for families to visit the revitalised, north-west seaside resort, with the last of the stag and hen parties having taken their leave, got hitched and headed off elsewhere on honeymoon.

We made our trip to the “Las Vegas of Lancashire” in August and, at one point, were almost accosted by an army of well-oiled, orange-faced Oompah Lumpahs, more interested in hunting down the pleasures of the “Golden Mile” than golden tickets.

But for 66 nights, beginning yesterday evening and going on until November 6, children’s eyes can feast on a visual spectacular to rival any chocolate factory.

The illuminations date back to 1879 and now attract 3.5 million visitors every year with celebrity interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen the present creative director.

His latest invention – new for 2011 – is a fully operational mechanical theatre – the Theatre D’Amour – that will include nine dancing fountains, ballerinas and celebrities sat in viewing boxes.

The World Fireworks Championships will provide the perfect complement for the Changing Rooms star’s latest offerings during the next four Saturday nights.

Two of the best ways to witness the six-mile strip remain by tram or by open-top bus. For the former, a ride on the illuminated Western Train represents the biggest thrill.

The open-top buses, meanwhile, leave from Haven’s Marton Mere Holiday Centre, which is also a recommended choice for a family-friendly midweek or weekend break.

The caravan site, with its nature reserve and park ranger station, offers a desirable alternative to the countless, seafront and back-street B&Bs and provides a peaceful retreat just three miles from the promenade.

There are also activities aplenty to keep children of all ages occupied. Target shooting, archery and fencing are among the more unusual pursuits young guests can try out, while the football coaching sessions and day-time clubs represent a great way to make new friends.

The heated swimming pool and impressive Space Bowl Flume are popular, too, and a wristband policy means overcrowding is never a problem.

In the evening, the entertainment in the ShowBar has a family flavour with the circus during our stay including contortionists, acrobats and jugglers comparable to big-top performers.

The adjacent FunWorks Amusements Centre, meanwhile, is a modern arcade that will more than satisfy the PlayStation generation.

Accommodation-wise, it is certainly worth paying extra for that little bit more luxury and comfort if your budget permits.

Our spacious ‘prestige’ caravan had heating in the bedrooms and bathroom, a flatscreen Freeview TV with DVD player, a dishwasher, a homely corner sofa and a carpet whose quality even our two-year-old daughter commented on.

Our little girl was also a huge fan of the newly opened Nickelodeon Land at the ever-expanding Pleasure Beach Resort.

With 12 rides, aimed at an age group – toddlers and primary school children – often neglected by the big theme parks, it also offers a chance to meet and greet the cartoon company’s characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer.

Old favourites such as the Big Dipper and the Grand National, meanwhile, continue to hold their own in the thrill stakes, alongside the more recently introduced Big One rollercoaster, although Ice Blast and Infusion are my personal favourites.

The adrenalin rush of shooting vertically up a 210 foot tower at 80mph never subsides regardless of how many times you brave Ice Blast, whilst Infusion represents an unexpected, leg-dangling, upside-down improvement on Alton Towers’ famous Nemesis ride.

Aside from the Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Tower has also received a revamp in 2011.

The Blackpool Dungeon and Tower Eye will welcome their first visitors this month while the first Madam Tussauds to open outside London unveiled its wax works to the public earlier this year.

Put frankly, while Blackpool is this much fun, you’d be a dummy to miss out.

• A four-night midweek break for the illuminations this month at Marton Mere costs from £119 for a family of up to six in two-bedroom Superior accommodation arriving on September 19.

Touring caravans and tents are also welcome at Marton Mere with basic pitches from £22 per night for up to eight people. For Haven HoliHolidays bookings phone 0871 230 1900 or visit haven.com