Major change for National Trust members as historic West Midlands site to charge entry from 2026
By Emma Walker
Published 1st Jul 2025, 11:48 BST
National Trust members will soon lose free access to one of the charity’s historic sites in the West Midlands.
Coughton Court in Warwickshire will be handed back to the Throckmorton family, who have lived there for over 600 years.
Although the family transferred ownership to the National Trust in 1946, a clause in the agreement allows them to reclaim management of the property — a right they’ve now chosen to exercise.
As a result, from 2026, National Trust members will have to pay for entry.
The Trust has apologised for any disappointment this causes.
Ownership of Coughton Court will remain with the National Trust, but the Throckmortons will take over day-to-day running and cover maintenance costs. This includes caring for the historic collection on display and hiring specialist conservators, according to Trust officials.