Just one week left for National Trust members to visit West Midlands stately home for free

Coughton Court in Warwickshire, just a 45-minute drive from Birmingham, will soon be 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 can visit for free, using their membership cards, will be Sunday, November 2.

Watch the video as we visit Coughton Court before the membership shake-up

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.

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