Birmingham Back to Backs Canal Tour

This combined experience pairs a canal journey with access to the National Trust's preserved back-to-back houses on Hurst Street. You'll learn about working-class life in Victorian Birmingham while travelling along the waterways that powered the city's industrial growth. The houses show authentic living conditions from different periods between 1840s and 1970s. Best for history buffs and National Trust members. This is a easy activity lasting 1.5 hours. Group size: max 15. You meet at Hurst Street. Key highlights: Only surviving Victorian back-to-back houses in Birmingham, Authentic period furnishings from 1840s to 1970s, Canal journey showing industrial heritage sites.

Price: £18

Duration: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: max 15

Minimum age: 8+

Best for: history buffs and National Trust members

Best time: Afternoon tours provide better natural lighting in the houses

Meeting point: Hurst Street

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Start Meet guide at preserved back-to-back houses - Introduction to Victorian Birmingham's rapid industrial expansion.

First 30 min Explore authentic Victorian workers' homes - See original furnishings and learn about families who lived here.

45 min Walk to canal boarding point - Short guided walk explaining neighbourhood development.

Canal section Navigate Birmingham's historic waterways - See industrial heritage sites and remaining working infrastructure.

Final 20 min Return journey with historical context - Discussion about canal's role in Birmingham's economic development.

End Return to Hurst Street - Time for questions and opportunity to revisit houses independently.

The whole experience takes 1.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Hurst Street.

• Only surviving Victorian back-to-back houses in Birmingham
• Authentic period furnishings from 1840s to 1970s
• Canal journey showing industrial heritage sites
• Stories of real families who lived in these conditions
• National Trust conservation expertise
• Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access due to narrow Victorian staircases and doorways

What is included: Entry to back-to-back houses, Canal boat trip, Expert National Trust guide, Historical commentary.

Not included: Food and drinks, Parking, Additional National Trust properties. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Weather-appropriate clothing, Camera (no flash in houses). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Afternoon tours provide better natural lighting in the houses.

Tip: Pre-booking essential

Tip: 10% discount for NT members

Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access due to narrow Victorian staircases and doorways.

Operator: National Trust Narrowboats | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 121 666 7671

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Birmingham Back to Backs (0 min walk)
• Jewellery Quarter (15 min walk)
• Library of Birmingham (10 min walk)

This activity is run by National Trust Narrowboats.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before tour date.

Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access due to narrow Victorian staircases and doorways.

Best time to go: Afternoon tours provide better natural lighting in the houses.

Do I need to book the back-to-back houses tour separately?

No, this combined tour includes both the canal trip and house visit in one booking. However, advance booking is essential as group sizes are limited.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

Approximately 10 minutes walking between the houses and canal boarding point. The houses involve climbing narrow Victorian stairs to see upper floors.

Can I visit the houses again after the canal tour?

Your ticket allows re-entry to the back-to-back houses on the same day, so you can explore further after the canal portion ends.