Former Midlands National Trust property to reopen under new management next month

The doors will reopen very soon 👀

Coughton Court in Warwickshire, just a 45-minute drive from Birmingham, has been handed back to the Throckmorton family, who have lived there for more than 600 years.

Although the family transferred ownership of the estate 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.

The final day National Trust members could visit for free, using their membership cards, was on Sunday, November 2.

The doors will now reopen under the new management in early February.

We visit West Midlands National Trust gem Coughton Court ahead of entry shake-up for membersplaceholder image
We visit West Midlands National Trust gem Coughton Court ahead of entry shake-up for members | Emma Walker

After that, from 2026 when it reopens to the public, National Trust members will need to pay for entry.

The National Trust has apologised for any disappointment this may cause.

Ownership of Coughton Court will remain with the National Trust, but the Throckmorton family will take over day-to-day management and cover all maintenance costs.

Magnus and Imogen Birch Throckmorton outside Coughton Court with their children Isabella and Hector.placeholder image
Magnus and Imogen Birch Throckmorton outside Coughton Court with their children Isabella and Hector. | Coughton Court

Claire Connolly, a spokeswoman for the National Trust, said: “The last day Coughton is open to visitors before it closes for winter is Sunday 2 November. Management of the property transfers to the Throckmorton family in early February next year. So, when the property reopens to the public in 2026 it will be under the management of the family.”

Address: Coughton, Alcester, B49 5JA

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