'Disappointed' National Trust members have just weeks left to visit West Midlands stately home for free
National Trust members will soon lose ‘free’ access to one of the charity’s historic sites in the West Midlands.
Coughton Court in Warwickshire, just a 45 minute drive from Birmingham, 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.
The final day National Trust members can visit for ‘free’ - using their membership cards - is on Sunday, November 2.
As a result, from 2026, National Trust members will have to pay for entry.
The Trust has apologised for any disappointment this causes.
Read more: We visit grand West Midlands National Trust gem ahead of major entry shake-up for members
Ownership of Coughton Court will remain with the National Trust, but the Throckmortons will take over day-to-day running and cover 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.”