Laxfield stands a few miles southwest of Halesworth in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. It has a considerable number of attractive buildings in its wide main street. The village became the end of the line for the Mid Suffolk Light Railway when money to extend the line as far as Halesworth ran out and the line finally closed in 1952, nothing remains of the railway today.

The late 15th century Royal Oak public house stands right next to the church of All Saints. Laxfield is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Cromwell's henchman William Dowsing (1596-1679), the destroyer of vast quantities of church ornament and decoaration. In 1644 alone, he purged over 150 Suffolk churches of their popish relics - brasses, paintings and stained glass. He does appear to have found some clemency thought for his own parish, All Saints still retaining its fine screen and font.

The King's Head is known locally as the Low House because it sits below the church. The thatched Tudor pub has changed little since Victorian times. There is no bar and instead you are served straight from casks in the back room.

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