Take our word for it: Bournemouth and the Dorset Coast can be magical in the winter. And it remains a seaside getaway, even when the days grow cold, dark, and frequently rainy. You won’t get in the ocean, but you can gaze over the shoreline, stroll by the waters, or even soar over the waves.

If you’re fearless in the face of icy temperatures, blustery winds, and suspended heights, try Bournemouth Pier’s pier-to-shore zipline where you soar above the crashing waves before landing safely.

Get in the holiday spirit during Bournemouth’s Christmas Tree Wonderland. Stroll right through the town’s towering tree in a tunnel of lights, speed past in a sleigh, or glide by on ice skates. It goes from mid-November to early January.

This city is a destination for music lovers, and two excellent venues offering year-round events—Bournemouth International Centre and the Pavilion Theatre—keep things going with live entertainment all winter.

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.