Laxton, Newark, Nottinghamshire
Laxton is a small village on the edge of Sherwood Forest; it’s quite the pastoral scene to see it nestled in the lush green fields, with its red brick houses and the church tower rising on the horizon. The pace of life is sedate and it’s a very peaceful place to be, with a good sense of community. Unlike a lot of English villages, Laxton does draw the visitors because it’s unique in that it’s the only place in the whole of Europe where the ‘open field’ method of farming still continues here.
In short, the open field system dates back to medieval times when fields were divided into strips worked by the local farmers. It was done under the jurisdiction of a Court Leet and jury who ensured a three yearly crop rotation and well maintained boundaries. Interesting stuff – if you want to know more you should pay a visit to Laxton Visitor Centre where you can see displays and exhibitions of this ancient farming system. Whilst you’re here pick up a walking leaflet and follow one of the three walking trails, rounding it off with a nice pub lunch at The Dovecote Inn.
On the edge of the village is the National Holocaust Centre and Museum, the only one of its kind in the UK.
All information correct at the time of writing