Coughton Court

The estate has been the seat of the Throckmorton family since 1409. The family has been involved in several pivotal events in English history including the divorce between King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, the Throckmorton plot of 1583 to assassinate Queen Elizabeth and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots as well as the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

Although the National Trust has owned the estate since 1946, the Throckmorton family hold a 300-year lease on the property and continue to play a role in its management.

What to see at Coughton Court

The country house is a Grade I-listed building that features a crenellated facade with hexagonal turrets and oriel windows. The house is built in a mix of the English Renaissance and Strawberry Hill Gothic styles.

Visitors to Coughton Court can see the 16th-century Tudor gatehouse, hidden priest holes, a walled garden and several half-timbered buildings.

There is also an exhibition on the historic aspects of the house including its role in the Gunpowder Plot. Artefacts on display include a chemise worn by Mary, Queen of Scots as well as what is believed to be Catherine of Aragon’s needlework.

The house is set in 10ha (25 acres) of beautiful gardens, which include the courtyard, a private walled garden, the rose labyrinth, the bog garden and an orchard and vegetable garden.

Visiting Coughton Court

Coughton Court is located between Alcester and Redditch. It is a 45-minute walk north of Alcester and you can drive there in around five minutes.

Visitor facilities include public toilets, a gift shop and a cafe plus a food kiosk in the garden.

The standard admission charge is £15. The house is maintained and operated by the National Trust, which means that admission is free of charge for National Trust members.

The car park is free, which is unusual for a National Trust property.