THE sun made a brief but welcome appearance yesterday – as the coldest March for 62 years came to a close.

It was a marked change from Easter two years ago when the beach was packed with locals and holidaymakers enjoying temperatures of a toasty 26C – warmer than many Mediterranean hotspots.

But despite this year’s chill locals and visitors braved the cold winds yesterday to enjoy Bournemouth gardens and seafront and feed the ducks in Poole Park.

Anthony and Pat Morris travelled from London for a week-long break with their grandchildren and were enjoying Bournemouth beach.

“It is certainly bracing but the sun is shining and it is still quite nice. When we left we wondered whether we’d be building a sandcastle and a snowman alongside each other!”

Michael Grabowski was manning the bouncy castle on the beach. “It is not very busy at the moment because it is so cold but we are here for the next two weeks so I’m sure things will pick up.”

The forecast for the weekend is for some sunshine and cloud with a cold start to the morning, warming up to just 5C or 6C during the day.

Tourism chiefs say while the weather isn’t great, hotel bookings are still strong for Easter.

Mark Smith, head of tourism in Bournemouth, said: “Early March last year was really good and we saw some good summer weather.

“While the weather is not very warm this year hotel bookings for the Easter holidays have been very good and the teachers union conference taking place in Bournemouth this week means that bookings have been strong.”

There is still plenty to do this Easter to keep the youngsters entertained.

Bournemouth Oceanarium in Pier Approach is running a celebrity fish trail based around Disney favourite Finding Nemo. Visitors can come face-to-face with real-life relatives of Nemo and his dad Marlin the clownfish, Crush the sea turtle and Bruce the shark until April 14.

An Easter fun day will take place in Boscombe Chine Gardens today from 11am until 4pm.

There will be a nature trail quiz, a dog show, music, train rides and activities provided by the RSPB, Dorset Bat Group and more.

The Easter bunny will be visiting Compton Acres Historical Gardens in Canford Cliffs for breakfast today (and Monday from 9am until 11am. Entry is £4.25 for children aged five to 16, £7.95 for adults, or free for children under five.

National Trust property Kingston Lacy near Wimborne will host a Cadbury Easter Egg trail tomorrow and Monday from 11am until 3pm. As well as following the trail, chocoholics will also enjoy games and crafts.