Along the windswept beach in Blackpool business is booming.

The attractions are packed with tourists. John Child, the managing director of the Sandcastle Water Park on the South Pier, says he has not seen a year like it.

"This year so far is heading up to be the best year we've ever had in 30 years of operation," he told Sky News.

Like many working in the tourism industry here, he attributes the boost in visitor numbers to Brexit. They believe the falling pound has made so-called staycations more attractive as the cost of foreign holidays has gone up.

"I honestly think it will be good for business in Blackpool," he said. "We're seeing that and talking to our guests we're hearing that as well."


Although official visitor numbers since the referendum will not be published until later in the year, the council says it has seen an increase in people using the trams and car parks.

Image: Thrill seekers try out the Infusion rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

On the beach, Ian and Lyn Rabone from Birmingham are watching their granddaughter enjoy a donkey ride. They had hoped to take her abroad for half-term but say the unfavourable exchange rate changed their plans.

"It has had an effect on us. We've chosen to have a few days away in this country as against going to Spain," Ian said.

More than two thirds of voters in Blackpool wanted the UK to leave the EU. While visitor numbers are going up, Out voters like Jon Lambourne, who runs an ice cream stall on the promenade, feel justified in their decision.

"We give the Europeans more money than they give us so there should be more money available here to spend in Blackpool and spend all over the country," he says.

A weak pound also makes the UK more attractive to foreign tourists.

Visit Britain says July saw the most visitors ever to come from abroad in a single month and that bookings from China to the UK are up 24% on last year for October to December. Bookings from India and the USA are also up.

But many seaside towns like Blackpool have benefited financially from the UK being a member of the EU.

The town received millions of pounds of European Regional Development funding to help the council purchase key tourism landmarks including the Blackpool Tower and to pay for sea defences.

Director of tourism at Blackpool Council, Alan Cavill, says it is unclear whether they will lose out as a result of Brexit.

"I think it really depends on what the Government decides to do in terms of funding regeneration and economic improvements going forward," he said.

"Yes, we have had money from Europe in Blackpool. We've had more money from the Government, actually, than we have from Europe, and we've invested a lot ourselves.

"Will that end? It'll make it slightly more difficult but I think the economy overall is probably more of a concern over the next few years than anything else."