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No one knows exactly when or how the saying “Uz Tukumu pēc smukuma!” (Discover the beauty in Tukums!) originated, but it has been known throughout Latvia for more than 100 years now. What makes Tukums and its vicinity so enjoyable? The sense of serenity and safety of a small town. The castles and palaces of the area, each prettier than the next. Beauty is manifested in nature — in river valleys and lakes, on sandy beaches, cultivated fields, forests and even in bogs. Beauty is found in the creativity of local residents and in the gardens they have created. There are many such places in the vicinity of Tukums – rose gardens, peony gardens, iris gardens and decorative gardens. The most industrious gardeners not only open the gates to their gardens but also organise such events as open days, garden parties and master classes.

Autumn has now arrived and the flowers and ornamental shrubs have gone into hibernation, but the historic gardens invite you to take slow walks and observe the landscapes, spend time with walking friends or family members, and catch the rays of autumn sunlight between the half-naked leaves of the trees!

Durbe manor Park in Tukums

Durbe Manor Park was established during the time from 1918 until 1838, when the Count Medem reconstructed the Durbe Manor and improved its surroundings. The park was designed according to the models of English landscape parks, with large massifs of trees alternating with small groups of trees and solitary trees, which, together with small ponds, uneven terrain and a winding network of paths along wide lawns with the castle as the main compositional element, created a unique landscape. The park was arranged according to an example of an English scenic park. Trees for the park were brought from Siberia and Germany. In autumn, the leaves in the park turn different colors and its paths are suitable for leisurely walks.

Address: M. Parka St. 7, Tukums

Opening hours: every day during daylight

Admission: free entrance to the park, admission to the Durbe Manor-House Museum - with a museum ticket

More information: (+371) 26305946, durbespils@tukumamuzejs.lv, www.tukumamuzejs.lv/durbes-pils 

Tukums Town Park

The Town Park was arranged in year 1869 alongside the Lielā Street upon suggestion of the Courland Governor. Initially, there were only a few walkways, however by the end of the 19^th century, an open-air stage and a dance ground was arranged, however at the beginning of the 20^th century, a small-sized wood-carved restaurant was built there.

For a long time, the park had been forgotten, but in the summer of 2016, it was restored, and now visitors have access to one of the oldest parts of the park, where extensive playgrounds have been set up for children of various ages, along with walking trails and benches. It is planned to completely restore the old section of the park and make improvements to it for nature lovers; a new part of the park will be arranged for the more sporty visitors to the park.

Address: Lielā St. 36, Tukums

Opening hours: every day during daylight

Admission: free entrance to the park

Jaunmokas Palace Park

The first records about Jaunmokas date back to the mid-16th century, but more rapid development of the manor took place later on. The park was set up in mid-19th century. Soon afterwards, the manor estate was bought by George Armitsted (1847–1912), who at that time was still a town councillor, but later became the most noteworthy Riga City mayor and, in 1901, according to the design by Wilhelm Bockslaff (1858–1945) built the currently standing Jaunmokas Palace. Even though it appears that the park is only of secondary importance, nevertheless, its serene ambience and shade offered during the sweltering heat of the summer has always been an important part of the palace estate. 

Even though there is not a lot of written or photographic evidence about the park, it appears that the oak-trees and ash-trees witnessed how our reddish brown palace was built, while some of the apple trees and sweet cherries, which still bloom and yield harvest today, gave fruit to palace residents already back in the first half of the 20th century. Likewise, bright yellow wild tulips still adorn the lawns in the springtime. A particular source of pride of the park is the centenarian lime tree alleys, which in mid-July are buzzing and on sunny days exude a mind-blowing scent.

Today, the palace is surrounded by lush rose bushes, vines, while apple trees, pear trees, plum trees, cherries and berry bushes ripen their fruits, bunches and clusters of herbal plants radiate aromas, while rhododendrons in the springtime prepare their brightly coloured blossoms. But these plantations are currently going into hibernation.

Address: Jaunmokas Palace, Jaunmokas, Tume parish, Tukums region

Opening hours: every day during daylight

Admission: free entrance to the park, admission to the Jaunmokas Museum - with a museum ticket

More information: (+371) 26187442, 63107125, info@jaunmokupils.lv, www.jaunmokupils.lv 

Jaunpils Park

The Park was created during the rule of von der Recks. There are several secular trees in its territory. Legends say that the master had requested the gardener to plant the trees in such manner that when the trees blossom, the coat of arms of the Reck dynasty would be portrayed there. At the end of the 19^th century, the pathways in the park were covered with gravel. There are several interesting points of interest in the park – a stone bridge, where there is an engraving giving a year and a monogram G. A. v. d. R. – 1905. A romantic pathway along the river takes you to the Love Rock – it once used to be a popular place for the inhabitants of Jaunpils to meet up. Here too, visitors are encouraged to take their time in the fall, but if they are tired or cold, they are invited to visit the museum or tavern at Jaunpils Castle.

Address: Jaunpils, Jaunpils parish, Tukums region

Opening hours: every day during daylight

Admission: free entrance to the park, admission to the Jaunpils Castle Museum - with a museum ticket

More information: (+371) 26101458, info@jaunpilspils.lv, www.jaunpilspils.lv