Angel of the North: Iconic Steel Sculpture in Gateshead
Monumental Artistry and Design
The Angel of the North, designed by renowned sculptor Antony Gormley, is a colossal steel sculpture towering 20 meters high with a wingspan of 54 meters. Its striking red-brown color comes from weathering steel, engineered to withstand winds exceeding 100 miles per hour and built to last over a century. The sculpture’s immense scale—larger than a jumbo jet’s wingspan and taller than four double-decker buses—commands attention from its hilltop perch in Low Eighton, Gateshead. Gormley intended the Angel to embody the transition from the industrial era to the information age, evoking both strength and vulnerability with its archaic, megalithic presence.Setting and Surrounding Landscape
Situated on a former colliery site, the Angel overlooks a mix of urban sprawl and Northumbrian countryside, offering sweeping panoramic views. The hilltop location enhances its prominence, making it visible from major roads such as the A1 and A167 and from various points across Newcastle and Gateshead. The surrounding grounds provide a peaceful green space where visitors can picnic, stroll, and reflect. A small memorial garden near the base adds a poignant layer, featuring handwritten notes and tributes that connect the sculpture to personal stories and community memory.Visitor Experience and Accessibility
The Angel of the North is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, with free parking available nearby off Durham Road. Visitors can walk close to the sculpture, touch its steel surface, and experience its imposing scale up close. The site is wheelchair accessible with paved paths and gentle slopes. While there are no public toilets or permanent visitor facilities on site, mobile snack vans often appear during busier periods. The Angel is a popular spot for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light dramatically changes its appearance.Cultural Significance and Symbolism
Since its unveiling in 1998, the Angel has become a symbol of the North East’s identity and resilience, representing hope, transition, and human connection. It is one of the most viewed pieces of public art in the UK, seen by around 90,000 people daily. Antony Gormley’s vision invites visitors to imagine angels anew, blending industrial heritage with spiritual and emotional resonance. The sculpture’s presence on a former industrial site underscores the region’s transformation and pride.Practical Information and Nearby Attractions
Visitors can reach the Angel easily by car or public transport. The Go North East bus number 21 runs frequently from Newcastle Eldon Square and Gateshead Interchange, taking approximately 20 minutes from Newcastle. The bus stops close to the site, making it convenient for day trips. While the Angel itself has minimal amenities, nearby cultural venues such as the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art offer shops and cafes. The surrounding area also features parks and walking paths for extended exploration.Artistic Legacy of Antony Gormley
Antony Gormley is an internationally acclaimed sculptor whose works explore the human form and its relationship to space. The Angel of the North is among his most famous public commissions, alongside installations in the UK and worldwide. Gormley’s use of industrial materials and monumental scale challenges traditional sculpture, creating works that are both accessible and deeply symbolic. The Angel continues to inspire artists and visitors alike, standing as a landmark of contemporary British art.A brief summary to Angel of the North
- Durham Rd, Gateshead, Low Eighton, NE9 7TY, GB
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds, perfect for photography.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the surrounding green space while taking in panoramic views.
- Use the frequent Go North East bus number 21 from Newcastle or Gateshead for convenient public transport access.
- Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the gentle slopes and paths around the sculpture.
- Note there are no public toilets on site, so plan accordingly before your visit.
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Go North East bus number 21 from Newcastle Eldon Square Bus Station or Gateshead Interchange. The journey takes about 20 minutes from Newcastle and 10 minutes from Gateshead. Tickets cost approximately £2.20 single and £4.20 return, purchased from the driver. The bus stops near the Angel on Durham Road, a short walk to the site.
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Car
Drive via the A1 or A167 roads to the Angel of the North. Free parking is available off Durham Road adjacent to the site. Note that parking is limited, so plan for busy periods. The site is accessible year-round with well-maintained paths.
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Walking
From nearby Gateshead or Low Eighton, walking to the Angel involves gentle slopes and paved paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Allow 30–45 minutes depending on your starting point. The terrain is easy but exposed to weather.
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The High Level Bridge
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Quayside
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The Guildhall
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Newcastle city walls
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Castle Wall Well
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The Custom House Plaque
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Newcastle Keep
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River God
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The Black Gate
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Blacksmiths Needle
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New Bridge Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
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11 Waterloo St
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Richard Grainger Memorial Fountain
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Unmissable attractions to see
The Engine Room
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Saltwell Park
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Beamish, the Living Museum of the North
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The Mound
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The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
6.0 km
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Tyne Bridge
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John Grundy Local Heroes Plaque
6.1 km
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Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
6.1 km
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Long Stairs
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Historic England North East & Yorkshire
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Quayside Sunday Market
6.2 km
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Bonkers About Alice
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Life Science Centre
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Castle Garth
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Essential places to dine
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6.0 km
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Gino D'Acampo Restaurant Quayside Newcastle
6.1 km
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The Quayside - JD Wetherspoon
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House of Tides
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SIX Rooftop at BALTIC
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Aveika
6.2 km
Innovative Japanese cuisine and vibrant nightlife converge at Aveika, Newcastle's stylish Quayside hotspot for dining and entertainment.
Uno's Trattoria
6.2 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors and generous portions in a lively, welcoming setting at Uno's Trattoria in Newcastle.
Dobson and Parnell
6.2 km
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The French Quarter
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Simla Restaurant
6.3 km
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Babucho
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The Broad Chare
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Prima Restaurant
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Tomahawk Steakhouse - Newcastle
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Rumba Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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What About This
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UpSide Down Presents
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Souvenirs upon Tyne
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Newcastle Gifts
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37 Studios
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Earl and Coco
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Retro , Vintage Clothing Newcastle.
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Flip Vintage American Clothing
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Phillips & Wilde
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Garms Newcastle
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Sutherlands
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The Fiddlers Three
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Pitcher & Piano Newcastle
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Colonel Porter's Emporium
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Free Trade Inn
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Jalou
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ChachaBuchi
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All Seeing Eye.
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Blackie Boy
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Digital
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TheCUT Newcastle
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Tup Tup Palace
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Powerhouse
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The Social Club
6.4 km
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Bohemia Newcastle
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TROPICANA NEWCASTLE
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Loca Loca | Newcastle
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Flares - Newcastle
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SOHO ROOMS | Newcastle
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Greys Club
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Popworld - Newcastle
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World HQ
6.6 km
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Sinners
6.7 km
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