Former Midlands National Trust estate linked to Gunpowder plot reopens to public
Coughton Court to reopen on March 7 under Throckmorton family management
One of the Midlands’ best-known historic houses will reopen its gates to visitors on Saturday, March 7, marking a new chapter in its 600-year story.
Coughton Court, the Tudor country house near Alcester, will welcome the public back following its winter closure.
The reopening comes as the Throckmorton family take on day-to-day management of the estate.
For more than six hundred years, Coughton Court has been the home of the Throckmorton family.It served as a key meeting point and safe house for conspirators involved in the 1605 Gunpowder Plot.
Although ownership remains with the National Trust, management of the property has now formally transferred back to the family under a long-standing clause in a 1946 agreement. The family will cover maintenance costs and oversee the running of the historic estate.
From March 7, visitors will once again be able to explore the Tudor house, its historic interiors and family treasures, as well as the award-winning gardens and surrounding countryside walks.
Adult tickets (16+) will cost £15.50, children’s tickets £6.50, with under-fives admitted free. Concessions for over-60s and students are priced at £14.
For those planning repeat visits, an annual family membership will be available for £125. This covers four people – either two adults and two children, or one adult and three children – and includes parking. An individual adult annual pass will cost £52, also including car parking, with unlimited visits throughout the year.
After touring the house and gardens, visitors will be able to use the newly-refreshed café, browse the estate shop stocked with local products, pick up a bargain in the charity bookshop, or let children explore the new play area.
Magnus Birch Throckmorton said the family is looking forward to welcoming people back. “It’s a privilege to be continuing our family’s stewardship of this remarkable place, and to share its fantastic history and beauty with the public,” he said.
“Coughton is a place for everyone, whatever their age, to explore and enjoy, with plenty of exciting events coming up too.”
Coughton Court will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 4.30pm, throughout the year.
