Laxton – Open Fields

Visitor Centre & Working Heritage Village

 Welcome to the Laxton Visitor Centre web site which explains about this Nottinghamshire village and how it is the only remaining working “open field” farming village in Europe still operating this ancient system.

 The Visitor Centre is situated within the site of The Dovecote Inn and has displays showing the history of the open fields system, aerial shots of the village, a description of how the system is operated and suggestions as to why it still exists in Laxton.

Introductory Video 

There is a 23minute video, which gives a very good insight of how the system has been operated over the years by the Gait and Common and all the tenant farmers. It explains about the annual inspection of the fields and the Court Leet, which has the power to fine farmers who have transgressed. Cost to view the video is £2.00. We also have a shorter 8 minutes video for school parties and our younger visitors.

Copy of part of the original Mark Pearce map of the Laxton Estate 1635	The full 9 sheet map has been digitised and is on display at the Visitor Centre

Laxton Guides and Souvenirs

The centre has a good range of booklets, mugs, leaflets and maps of the estate etc. The video is also available from the Dovecote Inn at a cost of £10.00.

The centre is run by the village and relies entirely on voluntary donations for its income.

The Centre is open daily from Dawn to Dusk

'Laxton Fields' has been designated a target area for Higher Level Stewardship by Natural England to promote conservation of the historic landscape and biodiversity. Click here for details of the scheme and click here for how it relates to Laxton.

Page last updated: 5th January 2009