TIMES are always changing and nothing has seen as much change over the decades and centuries as a historic building.
From a historic manor no longer being part of the National Trust family to a multi-million-pound restoration project and an award-winning new restaurant, there have been many significant changes to our heritage sites in Worcestershire.
Whether you’re a regular visitor or someone yet to explore what’s on the doorstep, 2026 brings a host of fresh reasons to discover — or rediscover — some of the county’s most treasured National Trust sites.
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Here is a list of the major changes that have come to National Trust sites in and around Worcestershire in recent years.
Coughton Court
The Throckmorton family are making major changes to the former National Trust site. (Image: Coughton Court)
The historic house is now an ex-National Trust site after it was officially re-opened to the public last month under the Throckmorton family.
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takeover of day-to-day management has changed how people can enter the site, with standard National Trust membership no longer valid.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.
Croome Court
(Image: Newsquest)
Plans to reconfigure the car parks will see the existing 240-space main car park and 150-space overflow facility replaced.
A number of hedgerows, which the National Trust says cause “disorientating car parking behaviour”, would be removed.
A new car park with 400 spaces, including 24 disabled bays, eight electric vehicle spaces, and three coach spaces, would be created.
Brockhampton (near Bromyard, Herefordshire)
Essential conservation work on the roof of the historic Manor House was carried out between November 2025 and January 2026, funded entirely by public donations.
The project required extensive scaffolding to allow specialists to carry out vital maintenance aimed at preserving the landmark’s structural integrity for future generations.
So the next time you visit, make sure to take extra care looking at the new roof.
Hanbury Hall (near Droitwich)
National Trust property Hanbury Hall won an award for its new cafe and restaurant. (Image: National Trust)
If you haven’t been to Hanbury Hall in a while, then you must visit to try out their new Courtyard Kitchen.
It officially opened in 2023 – but many people still haven’t visited the new feature that serves warm food, coffee and cakes.
Designed by architects Howells, the restaurant won the RIBA West Midlands Award for its contemporary design last year.
Have we missed any big changes? Please let us know in the comments.
