Members of the National Trust in the Midlands have voiced their disappointment following the announcement that they will no longer be able to use their passes to visit Coughton Court, a popular country house in Warwickshire. The Throckmorton family, who have resided in the stunning Tudor house since 1409, revealed last week that they would be reclaiming management of the property.

       Currently inhabited by Magnus and Imogen Birch Throckmorton and their two children, the family has overseen the grounds while the National Trust has managed visitor operations under a short-term agreement since 2005. This arrangement allowed National Trust pass holders free access to the house and its gardens.

       However, from February 2026, the site will cease to be part of the National Trust's visitor offer as it transitions back into an independent, family-run estate. The Throckmortons will then determine public opening times and admission fees.

       Despite this change, the couple has ambitious plans to share the estate's rich history and unique features, aiming to create a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors, reports Birmingham Live.

       Magnus Birch Throckmorton said: "From the Gunpowder Plot to award-winning gardens and a fascinating collection of historic treasures, Coughton Court has so many stories. We're incredibly excited to bring a family touch to the visitor experience and work with our brilliant team to deliver a vibrant next chapter that will stand out in Coughton's history in another 300 years".

       He continued: "The Throckmortons have a legacy of hands-on management - my mother and grandmother designed and created the gardens that thousands of visitors enjoy today. Imogen and I will continue to uphold this by working across the estate and with the local community to let its distinctive nature shine".

       In addition to introducing events for the community and visitors, the family are exploring ways to appeal to wider audiences and build on the current visitor experience, which includes parkland trails, self-guided house tours and Coughton Kitchen Cafe？.

       Magnus further added: "We are extremely grateful to the National Trust for the restoration and preservation work that has been undertaken to date. Coughton Court has always been well cared for but [we] feel the time is right to bring its management back into family hands and celebrate its uniqueness".

       However, several National Trust pass holders who visit the site regularly have voiced their discontent at the decision, with some even threatening to stop visiting or consider cancelling their National Trust memberships if they have to start paying entry.

       One visitor lamented: "Disappointed it will not be covered by membership. Favourite place to visit locally".

       Another echoed the sentiment, stating: "It's a shame as the NT and its members have contributed to renovate this".

       A third member voiced stronger displeasure: "Awful news! This is terrible after all the funds that have been given generously by visitors to the property for the last 20 years and especially with the huge roof renovation. I won't be paying separately to go round this property and grounds anymore. Plenty of other local NT properties that my membership can and will be used for".

       In agreement, another added: "Will be cancelling my membership as only have it for local houses. Coughton was our summer favourite".

       Despite the backlash, the National Trust affirmed its ongoing support for the property, with Oliver Burke, assistant director of operations for National Trust South Midlands, offering reassurances: "We have very much enjoyed welcoming visitors to Coughton Court during our time managing that side of the property – as we will continue to do this year".

       Looking forward, Burke noted the historical significance of the venue's owners: "The Throckmortons have a long-standing history at Coughton and we know they are looking forward to sharing this with visitors once again when they take on the day-to-day management of the property in early 2026.

       "The National Trust and the Throckmorton family care a great deal for Coughton and we will continue to play our part in looking after the fabric of the building. Over the next 12 months we will be working closely with the family to ensure a smooth handover, and we wish them well for the future."

       Coughton Court is presently shut for the winter season and will welcome visitors again from Saturday 15 March. The National Trust will maintain its role in managing the visitor aspect of the property throughout the remainder of the 2025 season.