CLASS ACT
The UK’s No.1 hidden gem attraction shows how country’s working class used to live
The city is also home to a unique tiny village that's devoid of pubs
LOOKING for some Easter holiday activities without the crowds?
Luckily, the best hidden gem attraction in the UK has been revealed - and it's in the heart of a bustling city.
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Recent research from , a luggage storage company, has revealed TripAdvisor's best hidden gem attractions in the UK, with a National Trust site in Birmingham nabbing the top spot.
According to the experts, Birmingham Back to Backs soared to first place with a 5/5 star rating from more than 4,000 reviews on the platform.
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To be more specific, 98 per cent of visitors rated Birmingham Back to Backs as either "excellent" or "very good" in their reviews.
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One person wrote: "A fantastic insight into the social history of Birmingham.
"Our guide Dave really was brilliant, with lived experience of the Back to Backs, he really brought it to life."
Another person added: "We had a fantastic time visiting here. The tour was really immersive and interesting.
"A big shout out to our tour guide John, who was a great source of knowledge and involved each visitor into the storytelling."
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Located on Hurst Street, just a stone's throw from the Birmingham Hippodrome and the Chinese Quarter, the Back to Backs are well regarded among locals.
As someone who grew up in Birmingham, I've visited the Back to Backs a handful of times with my family and on school trips - and its appeal never gets old.
Built in the 19th Century, Birmingham Back to Backs are the city's last surviving example of back-to-back houses.
The tiny terraced houses were literally built back-to-back around a communal courtyard in a bid to house the growing population in 19th and 20th century.
Nearly 200 years after they were first built, the Back to Backs are now a National Trust site.
Entry into the Back to Backs is only possible with a guided tour, with tickets costing £9 for a full-paying adult and £4.50 for a child.
On the tour, visitors will learn about the lives of some of the former residents who lived in the small brick buildings.
The buildings are decorated with everyday objects, including tins, scales and other artefacts from the past, while a toy pram and a skateboard have been left in the courtyard.
Birmingham Back to Backs also houses the only collection of work by a Caribbean tailor in the UK.
George operated a successful tailor's shop from the Back to Backs for many years, and he left some of his items to the National Trust to preserve this last living link to the houses.
Several other hidden gem attractions across the UK also made the list, including the Victoria Tunnel in Newcastle, which also scored 98 per cent in the reviews.
The underground wagonway, which was once used to transport coal, runs all the way from the Town Moor down to the River Tyne.
Meanwhile, the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield nabbed third place.
With guided tours around the Back to Backs lasting around two hours, visitors to the city are left with plenty of time to explore other attractions, including Bournville.
Bournville
Located in southwest Birmingham, Bournville is a tiny village that was built by the Cadbury family.
While the model village may sound fairly idyllic, it isn't without its quirks.
Because of its Quaker heritage, there are no pubs in Bournville, so those residents, and tourists, who fancy a swift drink need to visit boozers in other parts of Birmingham, like Selly Oak and Stirchley.
Bournville is also home to Cadbury World - the famous chocolate that's to open several new rides and attractions, just in time for Easter.
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Birmingham is also a stone's throw from popular UK days out like Warwick Castle and Stratford Upon Avon - both of which are accessible via train from Birmingham Moor Street station.
Meanwhile, I've also revealed the best of Birmingham's hidden gems - including a secret garden and the UK's best curry.
The 10 best hidden gem attractions in the UK
- Birmingham Back to Backs
- Victoria Tunnel
- National Coal Mining Museum
- Highgate Cemetery
- Hook Norton Brewery
- Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
- Edinburgh Gin Distillery
- Big Pit National Coal Museum
- Hawk Conservancy Trust
- Glenkinchie Distillery
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