Laxton is a Village in the county of Northamptonshire.
Laxton is a small village located in the county of Northamptonshire, England. It is known for its rich historical significance and rural charm. The village lies approximately 20 miles northeast of Northampton and is surrounded by picturesque countryside.
History and Heritage
Laxton has a fascinating history that dates back to the medieval period. It was once a thriving market town and the administrative center of the Royal Forest of Rockingham. The village has retained much of its medieval layout and architecture, making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts.
Open-Field System
One of the most notable features of Laxton is its unique agricultural system known as the Open-Field System. This system has been in place since the medieval period and is still practiced today, making Laxton the last remaining village in the United Kingdom with this traditional farming method. The fields are divided into strips, and each strip is owned by different individuals or families. This ancient system has been carefully preserved by the Laxton Estate and provides valuable insights into the past.
Laxton Castle
Laxton Castle is a prominent landmark in the village and holds a significant place in its history. Originally built in the 13th century, the castle served as a hunting lodge for the royalty and was later converted into a farmhouse. Though the castle is not open to the public, its distinctive structure can still be admired from the outside.
Laxton Museum
To learn more about the village’s rich heritage and the Open-Field System, visitors can explore the Laxton Museum. Housed in a former farmhouse, the museum showcases various artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that provide an immersive experience of Laxton’s history and agricultural practices.
Rural Beauty and Countryside Walks
Laxton is surrounded by stunning countryside, offering visitors and residents a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. There are several walking trails and footpaths that wind through the picturesque fields and woodlands, providing peaceful and scenic routes for leisurely strolls or more vigorous hikes.
Community and Events
Despite its small size, Laxton has a close-knit community that takes pride in preserving its traditions and organizing various events throughout the year. These events often celebrate the village’s heritage, including agricultural fairs, historical reenactments, and traditional festivals. The warm and welcoming atmosphere of Laxton makes it a delightful place to visit or even call home.
Whether you’re interested in delving into the village’s history, exploring the unique agricultural practices, or simply immersing yourself in the tranquility of the countryside, Laxton in Northamptonshire offers a captivating experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Laxton postcode: NN17 3AW
There are great places to visit near Laxton including some great ruins, villages, castles, towns, woodlands, hiking areas, historic buildings, parks, country parks, lakes, bluebell woods, rivers and streams, gardens, disused railway lines, nature reserves, historic monuments and museums.
Laxton has some unmissable ruins nearby like Lyveden New Bield, and Overstone Hall (ruin).
Laxton has some unmissable villages nearby like Lilbourne, Aldwincle, Harringworth, Gretton, Great Brington, Ravensthorpe, and Earls Barton.
Laxton's best nearby castles can be found at Lilbourne Castle, and Rockingham Castle.
Laxton's best nearby towns can be found at Kettering, Burton Latimer, Rothwell, Corby, Northampton, Kingsthorpe, and Duston.
The area around Laxton features a number of interesting woodlands including Fineshade Wood, Salcey Forest, and Coton Manor Garden.
The area around Laxton boasts some of the best hiking areas including Fineshade Wood, Salcey Forest, Ravensthorpe Reservoir, and Brampton Valley Way at Northampton.
Historic Buildings to visit near Laxton include Deene Park, Kirby Hall, Welland Viaduct, Delapre Abbey, The Guildhall, National Lift Tower, and The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Northampton).
The area around Laxton boasts some of the best parks including Deene Park, Abington Park, Coton Manor Garden, and Higham Ferrers Riverside Park.
There are a several good country parks in the Laxton area like Sywell Country Park, Brixworth Country Park, Stanwick Lakes, and Irchester Country Park.
Laxton's best nearby lakes can be found at Sywell Reservoir, Ravensthorpe Reservoir, Sixfields Reservoir, Pitsford Water, Stanwick Lakes, and Boddington Reservoir.
Bluebell Woods to visit near Laxton include Coton Manor Garden.
There are a several good rivers and streams in the area around Laxton like Northampton Marina.
The area around Laxton's best gardens can be found at Cottesbrooke Hall.
Disused Railway Lines to visit near Laxton include Brampton Valley Way at Northampton.
There are a several good nature reserves in the Laxton area like Summer Leys Nature Reserve, Stanwick Lakes, and Nene Wetlands Nature Reserve.
Places near Laxton feature a number of interesting historic monuments including Wellingborough War Memorial.
Museums to visit near Laxton include Rushden Museum.
Laxton History
There are some historic monuments around Laxton:
