Birmingham Back to Backs: Living History of 19th-Century Working-Class Life
Step back in time at Birmingham’s last surviving back-to-back houses, revealing the lives of 19th-century working families through immersive guided tours.
The Birmingham Back to Backs, managed by the National Trust, are the last surviving court of back-to-back houses in the UK, offering immersive guided tours that reveal the daily lives of working-class families from the 19th century through to the 1960s. Located on Inge and Hurst Streets, these restored homes showcase authentic interiors and personal stories, providing a unique window into Birmingham’s industrial past.
A brief summary to National Trust - Birmingham Back to Backs
- 50-54, 55-63 Inge St, Hurst St, Birmingham, B5 4TE, GB
- +441216222442
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 1 pm-3 pm
- Wednesday 1 pm-3 pm
- Thursday 10 am-3 pm
- Friday 10 am-3 pm
- Saturday 10 am-3 pm
- Sunday 10 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Book your guided tour well in advance online, as group sizes are limited and tours often sell out quickly.
- Prepare for steep, narrow stairs; an alternative ground-floor tour is available for visitors with limited mobility.
- Allow around 90 minutes to fully experience the detailed interiors and stories shared during the tour.
- Visit on weekday mornings for smaller groups and a more intimate tour experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
From Birmingham New Street Station, it is approximately a 15-minute walk to the Back to Backs. The route is urban and accessible, passing through city streets. No direct parking at the site; nearby multi-storey car parks are available. Walking is recommended to avoid city traffic.
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Bus
Several bus routes, including numbers 80, 82, 87, 98, and 99, stop within a short walking distance of the Back to Backs on Hurst Street. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with tickets costing around £2-£4 depending on route and ticket type.
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Car
There is no dedicated parking at the Back to Backs. Visitors can use nearby NCP car parks such as those on Pershore Street or Albert Street. Parking fees vary but typically range from £5 to £15 for a day. The area is busy and parking spaces can be limited.
National Trust - Birmingham Back to Backs location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about National Trust - Birmingham Back to Backs
A Rare Glimpse into Urban Working-Class Heritage
The Birmingham Back to Backs represent the last remaining court of tightly packed houses built in the early 19th century, a once-common form of working-class housing in the city. Constructed around 1802 and completed by 1831, these homes were designed to maximize space in a rapidly industrializing Birmingham. Known as Court 15, this cluster of homes housed dozens of families over the decades, often with multiple generations sharing cramped quarters. The buildings’ survival is remarkable, as most back-to-backs were demolished by the mid-20th century due to poor living conditions and urban redevelopment.Authentic Restoration and Immersive Guided Tours
Today, the National Trust operates the site as a living museum offering exclusively guided tours that last approximately 90 minutes. These tours take visitors through several restored houses, each reflecting different eras and aspects of life from the Victorian period through to the 1960s. The interiors are furnished with period-appropriate artifacts, household items, and personal belongings, bringing to life the stories of the residents who once lived here. Guides often share anecdotes and historical context, some drawing on personal connections to the area, enriching the experience.Historical Significance and Social Context
The Back to Backs illustrate the challenges faced by working-class families during Birmingham’s industrial boom, including overcrowding, limited sanitation, and the absence of modern building regulations. Court 15 was home to up to 60 people at one time, highlighting the communal nature of life in these courts. The site also sheds light on how housing reforms and urban redevelopment eventually led to the decline of back-to-back housing, with Birmingham banning new constructions of this type in 1909.Visitor Experience and Accessibility
Visitors must book tours in advance due to limited group sizes and high demand. The site is not fully wheelchair accessible because of narrow, steep stairs, but an alternative ground-floor tour is available for those with mobility issues. The atmosphere inside the dimly lit homes offers a poignant and intimate glimpse into the past. Nearby amenities include restrooms and a small bookshop. The location’s central position on Hurst Street places it within easy reach of Birmingham’s cultural quarter.Community and Educational Engagement
Beyond tourism, the Back to Backs serve as an educational resource, hosting school visits and community workshops that explore Birmingham’s social history. The National Trust also organizes special events and talks, including sessions that engage with memory sharing for those with mild dementia, emphasizing the site’s ongoing role in community heritage preservation.Legacy and Preservation Efforts
Maintained by dedicated volunteers and staff, the Back to Backs stand as a testament to Birmingham’s industrial heritage and the resilience of its working-class communities. The preservation of Court 15 offers future generations the opportunity to understand the city’s past through an authentic, tangible environment, making it a unique cultural landmark in the UK.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Location Audience
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