How to get free entry at former National Trust property in Warwickshire.

The Throckmorton family will resume responsibility for the Tudor country house near Birmingham, which will reopen in March 2026 with Historic Houses membership access.

When the Throckmorton family announced in June that they will retake control of Coughton Court from the National Trust, many members voiced disappointment at losing free access to the famous Warwickshire destination.

However, it has now been revealed that the Tudor country house will join Historic Houses, allowing individuals who subscribe to the £68-a-year membership plan to visit the house, its treasures, gardens, and adjacent rural walks without paying an entry fee.

Coughton Court is now closed for the winter, with intentions to reopen under family control in March 2026. Magnus and Imogen Birch Throckmorton live on the property with their children.

While an admission fee is required to tour Coughton Court, the Throckmorton family has announced that The Stableyard will be open to the public and will include a renovated cafe, an estate shop stocked with local products and gifts, a charity bookshop, and a play area for children, according to Birmingham Live.

A Historic House membership gives you access to Coughton Court as well as other popular sites in the West Midlands, such as Charterhouse in Coventry, Hartlebury Castle in Worcestershire, Harvington Hall near Kidderminster, and many more.

When a Historic House membership card is scanned, proceeds are used to maintain and upkeep Coughton Court.

Magnus Birch Throckmorton said, “We’re tremendously looking forward to bringing guests back to Coughton Court in 2026 and are delighted to be part of the Historic Houses initiative.

“It is an honour to continue our family’s management of this extraordinary land and to share its tremendous history and beauty with visitors.

“Coughton is a place for everyone, regardless of age, to explore and enjoy.” James Probert, director of marketing and development at Historic Houses, commented, “It’s lovely to welcome Coughton Court to the Historic Houses member-access network.

“They are now one of many independent heritage attractions that our members can visit for free in the Midlands and throughout the country when they present their card.”

As well as getting to explore the beautiful house and gardens, they’ll also be supporting the ongoing care of this extraordinary property and our work representing, advising, and supporting hundreds of other historic houses, castles, and gardens across the UK.” Coughton Court was built by Sir Robert Throckmorton in 1409.

Since 1946, when the estate was handed to the National Trust, the Throckmortons have had a 300-year resident and management lease.

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