Birmingham Back to Backs
West Midlands, England
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
Pinpoint
50-54, 55-63 Inge St, Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4TE
Telephone 0121 622 2442
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 1:00 – 3:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 1:00 – 3:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM |
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- No National Trust car park; nearest parking at the Arcadian Centre, Bromsgrove Street B5 4TD (not NT); Birmingham Clean Air Zone applies
- Access
- Ground-floor-only tours with level access to the courtyard and all four show houses; accessible toilet; wheelchairs available; narrow corridors and some steps
- Facilities
- Second-hand bookshop on Hurst Street (free to enter); toilets; free exhibition space above the bookshop; visits by pre-booked guided tour only
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs only
- Safety
- Narrow corridors and some steps/uneven terrain within the houses
Birmingham Back to Backs is a restored courtyard of 19th-century back-to-back houses, the last surviving example of a housing type that once dominated the city, telling the story of ordinary Birmingham life from the 1800s through to the 1970s. Visits run entirely on guided tours, and reviewers consistently praise the guides for bringing that social history to life rather than just walking visitors through empty rooms. It's rated highly as an eye-opening look at working-class housing, industry and immigration in the city.
Worth the trip
The guided tour itself - reviewers single out guides like John for turning the history of cramped Victorian and 20th-century living into genuinely engaging storytelling.
Before you go
Booking ahead is essential - it's free for National Trust members but the tours (around 1.5 hours) sell out, so don't turn up expecting to walk straight in.
Reviewers are consistently impressed by Birmingham Back to Backs, with the guided tour, roughly ninety minutes long, described repeatedly as essential and the guides John and Neil singled out by name for their storytelling and depth of knowledge about life in the houses from the 1800s through the 1970s. Multiple reviewers were struck by details such as up to sixty people living in a single court, calling the experience genuinely eye-opening. A recurring practical note is that the staircases are narrow, steep and low, making the site unsuitable for anyone unsteady on their feet. Advance booking is described as essential even for National Trust members, and a small second-hand bookshop and nearby cafes are also mentioned.
Restored courtyard of 19th-century back-to-back houses, the last surviving example in Birmingham
“Very interesting to see how people had to live, in difficult circumstances. We had a great tour guide John who kept us entertained and informed. I really liked seeing the proddy rugs and patchwork cover”- Looby Lou, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “You get a full tour guide lasts over an hour and half, very informative with the history of Birmingham's growing industry and immigration and ppl moving to City for work.” - Lisa Daly
- Terrain & accessibility
- “There are many steep and narrow staircases, so not recommended for anyone who are not too steady on their feet.” - Rob Clayton
- Facilities
- “There are toilet's available and a second hand book shop.” - Lisa Daly
Common questions about Birmingham Back to Backs
Where is Birmingham Back to Backs?
Birmingham Back to Backs is in West Midlands, England, at 50-54, 55-63 Inge St, Hurst St, Birmingham B5 4TE.
Do you need a ticket to visit Birmingham Back to Backs?
Yes - Birmingham Back to Backs is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Birmingham Back to Backs?
The guided tour itself - reviewers single out guides like John for turning the history of cramped Victorian and 20th-century living into genuinely engaging storytelling.
Is Birmingham Back to Backs a ruin or still intact?
Birmingham Back to Backs is largely intact - Restored courtyard of 19th-century back-to-back houses, the last surviving example in Birmingham.
