National Trust members across the West Midlands have expressed disappointment after learning they will no longer enjoy free entry to a historic Warwickshire stately home from next year.
Historic Change in Management
Coughton Court near Alcester, located just a 45-minute drive from Birmingham, has now closed for the winter season. More significantly, it has closed its doors to National Trust members for the final time under the current arrangement.
The Throckmorton family, who have resided at the estate for an unbroken 600 years, are preparing to take back day-to-day control of the property from the National Trust in early February 2026. This move, while unexpected to some, was always a possibility.
The Legal Clause Explained
Although the family transferred ownership of the property to the Trust back in 1946, their original agreement contained a crucial clause. This provision allowed them the right to resume management of the estate, a right they have now chosen to exercise.
Sunday, November 2, 2025, marked the final day that National Trust members could visit Coughton Court for free using their membership cards. When the house reopens to the public in 2026, it will be under the direct management of the Throckmorton family.
What This Means for Visitors
A spokesperson for the National Trust confirmed the timeline: "The last day Coughton was open to visitors before it closed for winter was Sunday 2 November. Management of the property transfers to the Throckmorton family in early February next year."
While the National Trust will retain legal ownership of Coughton Court, the family will be responsible for all maintenance costs and daily operations. This shift brings an end to the Trust's direct involvement in running the popular tourist site.
The most immediate consequence for the public is that National Trust membership will no longer grant free entry to Coughton Court from 2026 onwards. Visitors will instead need to purchase tickets directly from the Throckmorton family when the property reopens under its new management structure.
