Tudor country house Coughton Court has announced it has joined the Historic Houses membership scheme, as the Throckmorton family prepares for the day-to-day running of the historic estate next year.
Coughton Court is currently closed for the winter season and will reopen its gates in March 2026 where visitors will be able to explore the Tudor house and all the treasures within it, as well as the award-winning gardens and wider country walks. The Historic Houses membership scheme is priced at £68 per year for a single member with additional adults charged at £60 per year.
Members will be able to enjoy everything Coughton Court has to offer, as well as hundreds of other houses and gardens across the UK under the scheme. For every membership card scanned, Coughton Court will receive a small contribution from the organisation to support its ongoing maintenance and upkeep.
For those not wishing to visit the house, entry to The Stableyard at Coughton Court will be free, offering the community the chance to enjoy a bite to eat in the new-look cafe, explore the estate shop full of local products and gift ideas, pick up a new read from the charity bookshop, or let little ones burn off energy in the new play area. Magnus Birch Throckmorton said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Coughton Court in 2026 and are thrilled to be part of the Historic Houses scheme.
“It’s a privilege to be continuing our family’s stewardship of this remarkable place, and to share its incredible history and beauty with visitors. Coughton is a place for everyone, whatever their age, to explore and enjoy.”
James Probert, Director of Marketing & Development at Historic Houses, said: “It's fantastic to welcome Coughton Court to the Historic Houses member-access scheme.
“They’re now one of many independent heritage attractions our members can visit for free in the Midlands (and all-round the country) when they show 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.”
Descendants of Sir Robert Throckmorton who built the house in 1409, Magnus and Imogen Birch Throckmorton, who live at the property with their children, are taking back the reins after a period of National Trust stewardship. In 1946, the estate was gifted to the National Trust and, since then, the family has held a 300-year residency and management lease, which allows the family to live at the property and manage it as a visitor attraction for the duration of the agreement.
In 2005, a 15-year management agreement was put in place, and the National Trust took on the operational running of the property. This agreement was extended on a rolling yearly basis to provide more time to work through future arrangements, as well as accommodating a pause during the coronavirus pandemic.
While the Throckmorton family will resume the day-to-day management in 2026, the National Trust will continue to care for and preserve the property under the agreement.
