Ex-National Trust site Coughton Court unveil cafe changes

A new chapter has begun at Coughton Court following the takeover of the Throckmorton family, with the unveiling of the Stableyard café and a play area.

The historic house, which was previously run by the National Trust until late last year, is now under the ownership of the Throckmorton family who have been making several changes to the site.

Among the changes are the official opening of Stableyard café and a new play area designed for children.

Inside the new Stableyard Cafe at Coughton Court. (Image: Coughton Court)

The Stableyard will be open to the public and available for community use.

Coughton Court is now open

Coughton Court officially opened to the public this month and has received “lots of positive feedback” since welcoming visitors back on the grounds.

Magnus Birch Throckmorton said: “It’s been fantastic welcoming so many people through the gates and chatting with visitors.

“Our reopening weekend was a great success, and we’ve received lots of positive feedback about the changes we’ve made.

FORMER NATIONAL TRUST: A new cafe and play area has opened at Coughton Court following a family takeover., (Image: Coughton Court)

“Guests have particularly enjoyed the refreshed Stableyard café and the brand new play area, which shows that Coughton Court is becoming the welcoming community hub we hoped it would be.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming even more visitors in the weeks and months ahead and sharing all the wonderful experiences our house and gardens have to offer.”

Who are the Throckmorton family and what is their link to Coughton Court?

It was revealed that Coughton Court in Alcester, Warwickshire, would be run by the Throckmorton family, who have called the historic house their home for over 600 years, last year.

The family are related to the key conspirators in the Gunpowder Plot, an effort to end the persecution of Catholics.

Magnus and Imogen Birch Throckmorton outside Coughton Court with their children Isabella and (Image: Coughton Court)

The ringleader of the Gunpowder Plot was Robert Catesby, a charismatic and forceful character, and the son of Sir William Catesby and his wife Anne, daughter of Sir Thomas Throckmorton of Coughton Court.

How can I get free entry to Coughton Court in 2026?

The family’s takeover of day-to-day management has changed how people can enter the site, with standard National Trust membership no longer valid.

Instead, Coughton Court will provide free entry to anyone with a Historic Houses membership.

Historic Houses members will be able to enjoy free entry to Coughton Court, plus hundreds of other houses and gardens across the UK, with a small contribution coming back to support the estate’s ongoing care.