National Trust - Birmingham Back to Backs
Step back in time at Birmingham’s unique National Trust Back to Backs, where working-class history lives in restored 19th-century homes.
The Birmingham Back to Backs are a unique cluster of restored 19th-century terraced houses located in the heart of Birmingham. Preserved by the National Trust, these homes offer guided tours that immerse visitors in the lives of working-class families from different eras, showcasing authentic interiors and stories of urban life from the 1800s to the 1970s. The site is a rare surviving example of this once-common housing style, providing a vivid historical experience in a bustling city setting.
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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Mixed
- 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 online well in advance to secure a spot, as tours are limited to small groups and fill quickly.
- Prepare for steep, narrow stairs; an accessible ground-floor tour is available for visitors with mobility challenges.
- Allow around 90 minutes for the full guided tour to fully experience the restored homes and detailed storytelling.
- Visit the second-hand bookshop on Hurst Street for unique local history books and souvenirs.
- Check for special events or seasonal tours, such as festive Christmas visits, to enrich your experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
From Birmingham New Street Station, take a 10-15 minute walk through the city centre to reach the Back to Backs. The station is well connected nationally and regionally, with frequent services. Walking is straightforward but can be busy during peak hours.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve stops near Hurst Street and Inge Street in central Birmingham. Depending on your starting point, travel times range from 15 to 30 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day but check schedules for evenings and weekends. No dedicated parking is available on-site.
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Car
Visitors driving to the Back to Backs can use nearby multi-storey car parks such as those on Pershore Street or Albert Street. Parking fees typically range from £5 to £15 for a day. The area is busy, and traffic can be heavy, especially during events or weekends.
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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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about National Trust - Birmingham Back to Backs
A Living Window into Birmingham's Industrial Past
The Birmingham Back to Backs consist of four meticulously restored houses arranged around a small courtyard known as Court 15, originally built between 1802 and 1831. These homes were typical of working-class housing during the Industrial Revolution, designed to accommodate multiple families in compact, affordable dwellings. Unlike most back-to-back houses that were demolished in the 20th century, this site survived urban redevelopment and now serves as a rare physical record of the social history of Birmingham’s urban working population.Immersive Guided Tours and Authentic Interiors
Visits to the Back to Backs are exclusively by guided tour, lasting approximately 90 minutes, with an alternative accessible ground-floor tour available. The tours take you through each house, restored to represent different time periods and families, from the early 19th century through to the 1970s. The interiors feature period-appropriate furnishings and household items, illustrating the cramped living conditions, daily routines, and community life of residents. Knowledgeable guides share compelling stories and personal anecdotes, some drawn from former residents, enriching the experience with local insights.Architectural and Social Significance
These houses exemplify a now-rare architectural form once prevalent in Birmingham and other industrial cities. The back-to-back design maximized limited urban space but often resulted in poor ventilation and cramped quarters. Court 15 housed up to 60 people at times, reflecting the dense living conditions of the era. The site’s preservation highlights the evolution of housing standards and urban planning, marking the transition from early industrial housing to modern developments.Location and Visitor Facilities
Situated on Inge Street and Hurst Street in central Birmingham, the Back to Backs are easily accessible and surrounded by the city’s lively cultural and entertainment districts. Facilities include a visitor center with restrooms and a second-hand bookshop. Due to the historic nature of the buildings, access involves climbing steep, narrow stairs, limiting wheelchair accessibility. Visitors are advised to book tours in advance as spaces are limited and popular.Community Engagement and Educational Value
The National Trust actively uses the Back to Backs for educational workshops and community projects, including programs designed to engage those with dementia through memory sharing. School groups benefit from interactive visits that bring history to life. Seasonal events, such as festive tours during Christmas, add to the site’s dynamic cultural role.Preserving Heritage Amidst Urban Renewal
The survival of Court 15 amidst widespread demolition of similar housing underscores the importance of heritage conservation in urban environments. The Back to Backs stand as a testament to Birmingham’s industrial roots and the resilience of its communities. They offer visitors a tangible connection to the past, fostering appreciation for the city’s social history and architectural legacy.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
