| A quarter of Birmingham's residents used to live in back to back houses. After the 'slum clearance' in the 1960s, these properties are the only ones which escaped the demolition. On Inge Street, three houses are available as holiday cottages. Candies 1950s sweet shop is located on the corner of Inge Street and Hurst Street. It sells a wide range of loose sweets and it's open to the public. Accessed via the National Trust centre on Hurst Street, the back to backs that open onto Court 15 are decorated in different styles to reflect the real families who lived in them.
 Information for visitorsThe back to backs are next to the Hippodrome Theatre, ten minutes walk from New Street station and very close to many bus stops. Entry to the properties is by guided tour only. Currently (July 2004) the admission prices are £3.80 for adults, £1.90 for children. A family ticket costs £9.50 (two adults and three children). There is no parking on-site but there are plenty of car parks nearby. Ground floor rooms are mostly accessible to all. There is no disabled access to upper floors but there are virtual tours so visitors can experience the other rooms. All the furniture can be touched. Visit the National Trust's website for opening times and more information:
www.nationtrust.org.uk More information will appear here - come back to BBC Birmingham soon. 360° interactive tours Don't miss these incredible photographs - look around the back to backs without leaving your computer! Take the tour » | 
