Some call it fate. For us it was a chance find.

There we were, heading up the M62 en route to Blackpool to see the seaside resort's famous Illuminations when a caller on the radio mentioned Blackpool Zoo.

"Did you know Blackpool had a zoo?" I asked the other half, feeling like a complete dimwit.

"No," came the reply.

Suddenly I didn't feel so inferior. Unlike some parents who can reel off places to entertain the kids, we're still relatively new to the game.

Our grand plan was to pass the day meandering along the beach. We'd packed a picnic and we also planned to pop in to see my auntie before our evening departure back through the Illuminations.

Blackpool has plenty to keep the family entertained, although the Pleasure Beach with its thrilling rides and colourful amusement arcades is a little restrictive to a two-year-old. So, for us, the zoo was a very opportune alternative.

Making our way along tree-lined roads we discovered an area we never knew existed, with its substantial family homes with their neatly manicured gardens. Blackpool for me is colourful B&Bs, hotels and entertainment venues straddled along the seafront where tourists saunter with their Kiss Me Quick hats and candy floss.

The zoo and Dinosaur Safari is a world away from the Blackpool I know and love. Interestingly, the 32-acre parkland with its picturesque lakes was formerly an aerodrome. During the war years the site was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence and used as an RAF training centre and aircraft manufacture and repair centre. From 1953 to 1971 it became home to The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show.

Landmarks of its past, the flight control tower and hangars, have been brought back into use as a children's nursery as well as providing homes to elephants and reptiles, some of the many animals and creatures inhabiting the zoo.

Since Animal Magic presenter Johnny Morris rode in on an elephant in 1972 to declare its opening, the zoo has attracted millions of animal lovers who come to see its extensive range of furry and feathered inhabitants, and many more rare creatures native to countries around the world you wouldn't otherwise get to see.

Our first stop was the giant tortoises. We watched a couple lazily amble towards the window where we stood with our faces pressed against the glass. They're obviously used to people peering into their comfortable habitat but I couldn't get over their size. Our guide book tells us the males can weigh up to 250kg. They can live up to 100 years too!

The ones in Blackpool are usually found on the islands of Aldabra and the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. I mused they were like mobile coffee tables with their stout legs and polished patterned surface. It's not often tortoises are referred to as beautiful but they were and our little girl really took to them, eyeing their progress as they ambled out into their outdoor pen.

I'm always a little anxious about entering animal enclosures, and there are quite a few at the zoo, but they really do afford you a rare opportunity to get up close to some of the species here.

After some advice about keeping picnics well and truly hidden, we entered the monkey enclosure. The little rascals were really taken with Katy's pushchair but, thankfully, they weren't cute enough to sniff out the snacks hidden in the basket below! She watched wide-eyed as they ran along the handrail as we carried on to the reptile house.

Deciphering the species from the trees and foliage in the reptile tanks proved a real quest at times. Camouflaged by their colours, the snakes were tightly coiled, and the lizard we spotted blended in well with the bark of the branch on which it stood. Spiders and insects were among their creepy companions.

Lemurs, elephants, ostriches and zebras were some of the eye-catching creatures we met during our outdoor walk on the wild side.

One of the highlights of the day was watching the gorillas bound back and forth along the banks of the lake over on Gorilla Mountain. The thatched picnic cabin where we tucked into our lunch was the perfect vantage point.

Once fed and watered, we were back on safari and en route to see the big cats. We stood in awe and amazement as the beautiful Siberian Tiger sauntered past the huge window into its spacious enclosure.

We sighed as he disappeared into his den but the viewing area gives you the opportunity to see his lair. As we gathered again he outwitted us, re-emerging into the enclosure causing much to-ing and fro-ing, but it was such a privilege to be so close to such a powerful creature.

Otters, owls, orangutans, sea lions and sitatungasthere are so many animals to meet here. It's a great educational experience too if you want to take advantage of the talks and shows during the day.

The children's zoo - where young ones can learn more about domesticated pets', is another must-see. Rabbits and guinea pigs and donkeys are among the cuddly characters to encounter.

The finale to our fantastic, informative and very enjoyable day, was the Dinosaur Safari, a fascinating insight into the world of some of the earlier creatures to set foot on our planet. Lighting and sound effects really help to bring these huge model prehistoric creatures to life.

This place really is well worth a visit. Some families may consider it to be an expensive day out but for us it was a fascinating experience, and you can take comfort in the fee you pay helps to conserve and care for the species.

  • Blackpool Zoo is on East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8PP. For information on the zoo and how to get there call (01253) 830830 or visit www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk