Spring is a great time of year to visit, as the string of parks that run along the River Bourne launch into full bloom. While you’ll find some crowds—especially during the spring half-term break—you’ll also get relatively dry skies and warmer temps.

Get your flower fix at Lower Gardens and Central Gardens, separated by a busy public plaza locals just call “The Square.” The Rhododendron Walk is particularly scenic, lined with white, pink, and purple blooms.

If you’re feeling brave, take a brisk walk to Old Harry Rocks—three chalk-cliff formations that sit just offshore from the South West Coastal Path.

For a more laid-back way to take in the scenery, cyclists can hire a bike and set out on the Bourne Valley Greenway, which begins near the ocean, meanders through the center of town, then heads out into the countryside.

Busloads, carloads, and trainloads of Brits head to Bournemouth every summer, when a carnival-like atmosphere takes over. You’ll pay a premium for hotel rooms when the city’s capacity is pushed to the limit, but the tradeoff is that there’s a long list of summertime activities that don’t cost a penny.

Besides all the obvious beachy activities, Bournemouth is a great place to try water sports like surfing, sea kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Join the swirl of activity around Bournemouth Pier, where kid-friendly rides will put smiles on everyone’s faces all summer long.

Head to The Square for Bournemouth’s Summer Live festivities, including local food, live music, and family-friendly events.

If you’re up for a day trip, the Jurassic Coast is just west of town and a pretty incredible sight to see. Along with the occasional fossil, you’ll find huge coastal cliffs and rolling moorland hills.

Many locals nominate fall as Bournemouth’s most beloved season thanks to its relatively warm temperatures all the way into October. (And when you add all the foliage to the mix, it’s kinda hard to argue.)

Fall colors run riot at New Forest National Park, so this is the perfect time to wander its woodland trails. In mid-September, you may spot local pigs foraging for the acorns that drop from the oak and beech trees.

Bournemouth Arts By the Sea takes over town at the beginning of October. Dazzling light installations and more than 100 performances around the city keeps things lively well into the fall.

When the days are wet (as is typical this time of year), head indoors for a dose of culture. The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, with its collection of sculptures and paintings depicting elegant Victorian style, can keep history buffs busy for hours.