Angel of the North
A colossal steel angel rising from a former coal mine, welcoming travellers and symbolising the spirit of the North East.
Rising from a former coal-mining hillside near Gateshead, the Angel of the North is a colossal steel sculpture by Antony Gormley. Standing 20 meters tall with a 54-meter wingspan, it has become a powerful symbol of the North East of England. The sculpture is free to visit at any time, with a car park and paths allowing close access. Its outstretched wings frame dramatic skies and sweeping views across the surrounding landscape, making it a deeply atmospheric place for reflection, photography, and quiet contemplation.
A brief summary to Angel of the North
- Durham Rd, Gateshead, Low Eighton, NE9 7TY, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or at golden hour for the best light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography.
- Wear sturdy shoes and a windproof jacket; the hilltop site is open and can be very exposed, even on mild days.
- Take time to explore the small memorial garden below the sculpture, a quiet and moving space often overlooked by casual visitors.
- There are no toilets on site, so plan to use facilities in Gateshead or Newcastle before arriving.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby paths or a stop at the National Glass Centre or Baltic in Gateshead for a full day out.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Drive from central Newcastle or Gateshead along the A167; the Angel of the North is clearly visible from the road and well signposted. There is free, informal car parking adjacent to the sculpture, with a short, paved path leading up to the viewing area. Parking is usually available, but can fill up on weekends and in good weather.
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Bus
Take the Go North East bus number 21 (the Angel 21) from Newcastle Eldon Square or Gateshead Interchange. The bus stops on Durham Road near the sculpture, with a short walk across the road to the viewing area. The journey takes about 20 minutes from Newcastle and 10 minutes from Gateshead Interchange; fares are around £2.10 single and £3.90 return, payable on board.
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Walking
From Gateshead town centre or nearby residential areas, it is possible to walk to the Angel of the North along local roads and footpaths. The route takes around 45–60 minutes from central Gateshead and offers changing views of the sculpture as you approach, but the final stretch is alongside busy roads and can be exposed to wind and rain.
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Cycling
Cyclists can reach the Angel of the North via local roads and cycle routes from Newcastle and Gateshead. There is no dedicated cycle parking at the site, but bikes can be left near the car park. The ride offers a good vantage of the sculpture from a distance, but the approach is on roads with traffic, so caution is needed.
Angel of the North location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Angel of the North
A Monument of Steel and Sky
Perched on a grassy mound just off the A167 near Gateshead, the Angel of the North is an arresting presence in the North East landscape. Designed by sculptor Sir Antony Gormley and unveiled in 1998, this 20-meter-tall steel figure with a 54-meter wingspan dominates the skyline, visible to thousands of drivers and rail passengers every day. Its rust-red weathering steel gives it a rugged, industrial character, yet its outstretched wings convey a sense of welcome and protection. The angel is not a religious figure in the traditional sense, but a modern monument to human endurance, transition, and the region’s shift from heavy industry to a more creative future.Standing on a Legacy of Coal
The sculpture stands on the site of the former Low Eighton Colliery, once a working coal mine whose pithead baths occupied the very spot where the angel now rises. This location is deeply symbolic: the angel emerges from the earth that once powered the region’s industry, transforming a place of toil into one of art and reflection. Gormley intended the work to evoke a megalithic presence, like ancient standing stones, connecting the present with the past. The hill itself, shaped by mining and reclamation, frames the angel against open skies, reinforcing its role as a guardian of the landscape and a marker of change.Experiencing the Angel Up Close
Approaching the sculpture on foot, its scale becomes overwhelming. From a distance it appears graceful and serene, but up close its massive steel plates and rivets reveal a raw, industrial strength. Visitors can walk right up to the base, touch the weathered metal, and stand beneath the wings, looking up at the sky framed by the outstretched arms. The surrounding parkland offers gentle paths, grassy slopes, and benches, making it easy to linger and absorb the atmosphere. On clear days, the views stretch across the Tyne Valley and beyond, while in overcast or stormy weather, the angel takes on a more dramatic, almost brooding presence.A Place of Memory and Reflection
Below the main sculpture lies a quieter, more intimate space: a small memorial garden where people leave notes, ribbons, and tokens in memory of loved ones. This area adds a deeply human dimension to the site, turning the angel into more than just a landmark—it becomes a place of personal connection and remembrance. Many visitors come not only to see the sculpture but to pause, reflect, and leave their own mark. The combination of monumental art and quiet contemplation makes the Angel of the North a rare public space that feels both grand and profoundly personal.Photography and the Changing Light
The Angel of the North is a photographer’s dream, constantly transformed by the weather and time of day. At sunrise and sunset, the steel glows in warm light, casting long shadows across the hillside. On stormy days, the dark sky and rain-slicked ground heighten the sculpture’s drama, while in winter, frost or snow can soften its edges. The surrounding parkland offers multiple vantage points, from close-up shots of the wings to wide-angle views that include the motorway and distant hills. Drone photography is popular here, capturing the angel’s full scale and its relationship to the landscape, though care must be taken to respect local regulations and other visitors.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
