I have returned to Stratford to visit family and take my father back down to Cornwall to spend a week or so with us. A good friend of mine loves a good day out, so we planned a visit to Coughton Court as a treat for her birthday. It's many years since I last visited, and I believe that was for a Craft Fair, so I probably didn't explore the house and gardens too much on that occasion.
Coughton has been on the tv recently as part of the BBC's series about The Hidden Treasures of the National Trust. The programme covered recent works on the roof, and it's really interesting to see this work close up from the top of the tower. Not to be attempted if you don't like heights or spiral staircases, so my friend stayed below and viewed footage on a video that had been set up in a nearby room instead. I have to say that it is worth venturing up to the top though as the views from there across Warwickshire are quite stunning.
Coughton Court is also steeped in the history surrounding the Gunpowder Plot. Robert Catesby's parents lived at Coughton, and also those of his cousin, Francis Tresham. Coughton was also involved in The Civil War, as the family were Catholics. The Tower Room is where their faith would have been practiced in secret, and there is also a priest hole in one corner, where priests would have been able to hide if the house was visited.
The house also has 2 separate churches in the adjacent grounds. The gardens are stunning, even now in September, and there are woodland walks along the River Arrow.
There is a nice shop where my friend stocked up on jam and chutneys, and then we ventured to the cafe for the usual cake and tea/coffee. I had my favourite cheese scone while my friend tried the Eton Mess doughnut, which she said was delicious, and didin't contain as many calories as you might think!
In spite of the rain showers, we both had a very enjoyable visit.
To find out more about the history of Coughton Court, please visit the National Trust.
As of 2026, the Throckmorton family will be take back the day to day running of Coughton, and will be responsible for admission fees and opening times. National Trust members will no longer be entitled to free entry.