Birmingham Back to Backs is a National Trust historic house museum on Hurst Street, near the Hippodrome and the city’s Gay Village. It preserves the last surviving court of back-to-back houses in Birmingham, homes built around a shared courtyard for working people. A guided tour takes you through furnished rooms arranged to show different periods, from the 1840s to the 1970s, and introduces the lives of the families who lived there. The compact houses have narrow, steep staircases, and objects you can touch add a hands-on element to the visit.
A courtyard of working-class homes
Birmingham Back to Backs preserves the city’s last surviving court of houses built around a shared courtyard. This form of housing once served working people in industrial towns, where growing populations needed homes close to workplaces. The houses stand on Hurst Street, among the city’s modern venues and streets.
The National Trust site is also known as Court 15. Its restored homes offer a view of everyday domestic life rather than the grand houses often associated with historic sites. The rooms are small, and their arrangement helps explain how families lived within the limits of the buildings.
Rooms from the 1840s to the 1970s
The guided route brings together homes furnished to represent different periods, covering life from the 1840s through to the 1970s. The settings include details of household routines and work, connecting the rooms to the people who lived there. Among the former residents were a clockmaker, a locksmith and a maker of glass eyes.
The visit also includes stories of families associated with the houses. The varied interiors make it possible to notice how the appearance and use of these homes changed over time. Selected objects can be touched, adding a hands-on element to the tour. The wider site includes an exhibition space and a bookshop.
Planning your guided visit
Access to the houses is by guided tour, so reserve a place before arriving. Tours are described as lasting about 90 minutes, and the small group format takes visitors through the rooms and courtyard with a guide. The guided format is central to the visit: it gives context to the homes and the people who lived in them.
Stairs inside the houses are steep and narrow. Banisters are available, but comfortable shoes are sensible. If you would rather visit with fewer people around, aim for a quieter tour time. A night tour is also offered and gives the visit a different atmosphere, though it is best to check availability when booking.
FAQ
Do you need to book Birmingham Back to Backs in advance?
Yes. Visits are by guided tour, and booking ahead is recommended because tours are popular.
How long does a tour take?
Allow about 90 minutes for the guided visit.
What will you see inside?
The tour visits restored homes furnished to represent different periods from the 1840s to the 1970s, along with the shared courtyard.
Are there stairs at Birmingham Back to Backs?
Yes. The houses have steep, narrow stairs, with banisters available.
