The secret Nottinghamshire village with a cosy pub and its own medieval castle

With summer now upon us, we’re now firmly in day trip season.

We’re obviously biased here at Nottingham World, but it’s fair to say that the beauty of our county is the perfect place for a day trip this summer.

Nottinghamshire’s beautiful villages are a great place to start when it comes to looking for somewhere to spend a warm summer day.

With their stone houses, luscious countryside and low-beam pubs, the county’s villages are well worth a look over the summer months.

But knowing where to visit can be difficult, particularly if you’re not local to the area.

The beauty of villages such as Edwinstowe and Cropwell Bishop is well-documented, so we’ve picked out somewhere else that’s equally as picturesque, but perhaps doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

Why you should visit Laxton during summer 2025

Nestled just west of the A1 near Tuxford, the small village of Laxton is one of Nottinghamshire’s hidden gems.

The centrepiece of the village is The Dovecote Inn, which was a farmhouse before becoming a pub in 1835.

With its low-beamed ceilings and relaxed atmosphere, the traditional country pub is a must-visit for those spending time in Laxton.

The countryside around Laxton is ideal for exploring over the summer months, with several different routes available on the village’s information website.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the village is hidden away from the main streets.

Dating back to the 11th century, Laxton Castle was first owned by Robert de Caux.

These days the ruins of the castle comprise several mounds, with visitors able to explore the site at their leisure.

Laxton is just a 50-minute drive from Nottingham and 20-minute drive from Newark-on-Trent, making it a perfect destination to spend a few hours this summer.