Milder weather makes it a great time to stroll around the city streets and get lost weaving around local shops. And nature walks along the region’s trails give a good reason to explore beautiful Yorkshire beyond the city’s historic walls.

Stunning natural scenery is just up the road in North York Moors National Park. There are dozens of destinations inside the park, including super charming villages and moors carpeted with wildflowers.

Afternoon tea is the perfect reason to duck inside on wet spring days. Some of the most famous spots in town include Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms, The Ivy St. Helen’s Square, and the Grand York.

An hour west of York, the Harrogate Spring Flower Show ups the springtime cheer with even more bright blooms.

As skies brighten and temperatures reach their annual peak, York goes into overdrive with a packed calendar of festivals. The summer months are also the ideal time to explore the region’s natural wonders.

Make the most of summer’s clear days while you’re visiting Yorkshire and climb Clifford Tower. Built by William the Conqueror, this landmark has views of the city in every direction.

There are almost too many castles to count across Yorkshire, but majestic Allerton Castle, about 25 minutes northwest of York, is a must. It can easily be combined with a visit to Beningbrough Hall if you really love diving back in time.

Harry Potter fans know York as the home of Diagon Alley. Shots of the wizarding world’s Main Street were filmed in an area known as The Shambles. The narrow, winding streets, a relic of York’s medieval past, are now packed with off-kilter shops, bars, and cafes, and it’s the perfect place to wander on a summer afternoon.

If you like a good scare, York might just be the best destination in the U.K. There is an unusual number of haunted houses within the city walls, and many are open for tours around Halloween. Fall food festivals also make this a great time of year to visit.

There are numerous spine-tingling tours across York, but York Dungeon inspired some of the most intensely scary legends, and it should be at the top of your list.

One of the region’s most beautiful historical homes also happens to be one of the best places to take in the spectacular fall foliage. Fiery autumn colors make the Georgian-style Beningbrough Hall and its acres of gardens even more breathtaking.

Indulge yourself at the York Food and Drink Festival, which runs from late September through October. The action takes place in the City Centre, around the Shambles Market, and Parliament Street.