Despite being born and bred on the shores of Blackpool, I've never felt much affection for the old place. Grotty old Blackpool, with run down pubs, naff shops, health hazardous sea, with clairvoyants and a funfair chucked in for good measure.

When I first moved away, I used to baulk when people, detecting my Lancashire lilt, would eagerly ask where I was from. "Oh God," I would think. "Why can't I be from somewhere nice, like Lancaster? Yes it's dull, but at least it's not associated with scantily clad hens and larey stags, who are so inebriated they're not likely to remember their trip to the seaside." I'd then brightly declare I was from Cleveleys, a nice coastal town near Blackpool, but definitely not in Blackpool.

But the tide could be turning, pun definitely intended, and with the help of the latest YouTube advert, could the tired old place be cool again? Dare I say, even retro? There's no doubt it has a certain je ne sais quoi - sorry the temptation really is too much.

In these sober times of economic woe, Blackpool can offer the savvy holidaymaker heaps of fun. Sticks of rock, candy floss and "kiss me quick" hats are no longer cheap tat, they are cheap chic and who needs the grand Tour de Eiffel of Paris, when you can stare out to sea and the hills of the Lake District from Blackpool's very own tower offering?

The Pleasure Beach theme park, owned by Blackpool's famous Thompson family, is a riot. And among the shadows of its pride, the Pepsi Max Big One roller-coaster, lie rides that date back to 1901 - I know what you're thinking, but apparently they're perfectly safe and provided me with endless fun when I was too small to go on the "rides for big people".

Foodwise, well, it's slightly off the beaten track, but The Cottage does great fish and chips. It's a hidden gem in a place called Marton. It has hosted many famous faces, including John Major when he was still prime minister and was endorsed by Rick Stein.

If you're walking along the beach and fancy someone else doing the leg work for you then there's always the donkeys or, for the more decadent, a ride in a horse drawn carriage - a fitting conclusion to your posh fish and and chips, oui?

And, how can we forget the three piers, or the somewhat eccentric illuminations? Here's a little tip, watch the sun set from the end of the North Pier and when it's finally dark, turn around and the bright, coloured lights of Blackpool shine with splendour.

Now, I will gladly admit I spent many a happy day on Blackpool's Golden Mile, especially since my rediscovery of its charm in the glorious weather over the Easter weekend. I even bought a mug from Central Pier with a Blackpool Tower on it. At £1.50, you just can't say no.

In the past, I would board my train from London Euston to Blackpool only with a sense of duty to my poor parents, who saw me about once every four months. But with summer approaching, I just might take a long weekend, walk the promenade and indulge in the UK's best ice cream at Notarianni's – just round the corner from the Pleasure Beach.

And, ironically I'm learning French, too