Former West Midlands National Trust site to offer free entry for one-off event

A former National Trust property in the West Midlands is opening its gardens and grounds free of charge for a special summer celebration this weekend.

Coughton Court, near Alcester in Warwickshire, will welcome visitors to its annual village fete on Friday, 1 August, with free access to its award-winning gardens and estate for the day.

The historic country house, now managed by the Throckmorton family, will also offer discounted admission to the house itself at £9.50, reduced from the usual adult admission price of £15.50.

The annual fete promises a traditional summer day out, featuring homemade cakes, craft stalls, games and a tombola, alongside the chance to explore the estate's extensive grounds at no cost.

A spokesperson for Coughton Court said: "Round up your family and friends and join us for a classic summer day filled with fun, laughter and community spirit. Entry will be free of charge to the gardens and grounds, and the house will be at a reduced rate of £9.50."

Normally, admission to the estate costs £15.50 for adults and £6.50 for children, while family tickets are priced at £40.

Coughton Court is renowned for its award-winning gardens, café and shop, making it one of Warwickshire's best-known historic attractions.

The estate has been home to the Throckmorton family since 1409. According to Historic Houses, the recusant family has lived at Coughton Court continuously for more than 600 years.

Historic Houses says the gardens have been transformed in recent years to include rose gardens, herbaceous borders, a bog garden, orchards planted with naturalised bulbs, formal gardens, a lake, two churches and a scenic riverside walk.

Although Coughton Court was previously managed by the National Trust, the historic estate is now independently run by the Throckmorton family, who continue to maintain the property and host community events such as the annual village fete.