Laxton Open Fields Visitor Centre

Witness a piece of England’s farming history, in the only village where ‘open field’ farming still exists…
Laxton is the only village in England that still operates the medieval ‘open field’ farming system whereby the three fields remaining under this system are divided into strips. Each farmer cultivates several strips within each field – the theory being that everyone has fair share of the best land and equal share of the poorer.
Laxton is very much unique in the fact the open field is still alive and in daily use. Although recognised an as important heritage site, it is home to working farmers who rely on the land for their income. The strips are in fact worked by the farmers of the village under the jurisdiction of a Court Leet and jury.
Visitors can explore Laxton at leisure thanks to a number of walks of varying lengths. Each of the walks has its own leaflet providing directions and points of interest along the way.
The village Visitor Centre can be found in the grounds of the village pub, The Dovecote. It houses 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. It’s also the perfect spot to stop for lunch.