Angel of the North, Gateshead

Sculpture in Gateshead

Angel of the north from and angle
Angel of the north from and angle
CC BY-SA 3.0 / GFDL

The Angel of the North is a contemporary steel sculpture by Antony Gormley, set on a hilltop in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, with a position that's deliberately made to be seen-especially from the A1 and surrounding routes. It's one of those rare works of public art that feels both local and universal: a single figure that has become shorthand for arriving in, or returning to, the North East.

Up close, it’s all about scale and texture. The sculpture stands 20 metres high with a wingspan of 54 metres, and the weathering steel gives it that deep rust-red tone that changes subtly with light and rain. Even if you only have 15 minutes, it’s a stop that lands, because you can feel how the site, the open sky, and the sculpture’s “embracing” stance were designed to work together.

History and Significance of the Angel of the North

The Angel's story begins with place rather than sculpture. In 1990 the site-formerly a colliery pithead baths-was reclaimed and earmarked for a major artwork, a deliberate attempt to turn an industrial landscape into a new kind of landmark. Antony Gormley was selected in 1994, and the Angel was installed in February 1998, quickly becoming a defining symbol of Gateshead and the wider region.

What makes it significant isn’t only the engineering or the headline dimensions, but the civic intention behind it. Gateshead’s brief was to create an ambitious work that captured regional character-something that nodded to the area’s industrial past while looking forward, visible to the everyday commuter as much as the intentional visitor. Its proximity to major roads (and the sheer volume of passing traffic) is a core part of why it’s so widely seen and so firmly embedded in people’s mental map of the North East.

Things to See and Do in the Angel of the North

Start by taking a slow approach rather than walking straight underneath it. The Angel changes character as you move: from some angles it feels almost aerodynamic, from others it looks solid and monumental, like a modern monolith planted into the hill. If you have time, circle it so you see both the front and back, and notice how the wings’ profile shifts against the sky.

Once you’re close, the experience is surprisingly physical: you feel small, you notice the texture of the steel, and you hear the wind more clearly because the site is so open. This is also one of those places where weather adds drama rather than ruining the visit-grey skies can make the sculpture feel cinematic, and low sun can bring out the warm tone of the metal.

If you're building a short itinerary, treat the Angel as a “gateway stop” before heading into Gateshead Quays for culture and river views, or into Newcastle for museums, food, and nightlife. It works particularly well as a quick detour because you don't need tickets, queues, or a timed entry to get the full impact.

How to Get to the Angel of the North

The nearest airport is Newcastle International Airport (NCL), with Durham Tees Valley Airport (MME) a useful alternative depending on routes and prices. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Gateshead on Booking.com.

For rail, aim for Newcastle Central Station as the main hub, then continue by bus or taxi toward Gateshead and the A167 corridor, which is the simplest way to reach the site without a long walk from the city centre. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

By car, the Angel is straightforward to reach via the A1 and A167, with signposted access and an on-site car park that makes this an easy “stop, walk, view, continue” visit.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Angel of the North

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 hours
  • Official website: https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/5020/Visit-the-Angel-of-the-North
  • Best time to visit: Go around sunrise or sunset for the best light on the steel and fewer people in the frame. Wind can be strong on the exposed hillside, so dress for it even on mild days.
  • How long to spend: Allow 20-45 minutes for photos, a short walk around the base, and time to take in the scale from different angles. If you are pairing it with NewcastleGateshead sights, it works well as a quick stop on the way in or out of the city.
  • Accessibility: The paths can be uneven and the site is exposed, so expect some gradients and muddy patches after rain. If you need step-free access or are visiting with a stroller, aim for the most direct approach path and take your time in windy conditions.
  • Facilities: There are no major on-site facilities, so bring water and plan restrooms and food before you arrive. For a more comfortable visit, combine it with a café stop in Gateshead or Newcastle after you have seen the sculpture.

Where to Stay Close to the Angel of the North

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself on the Newcastle Quayside or near Newcastle Central Station for the best walkability, dining, and transport connections; if your priority is a quieter stay with easy road access, consider Gateshead (including the Quays area) for a calmer base that still keeps you close to the main sights.

For a strong riverside base that's well-placed for both Newcastle and Gateshead, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead is a convenient choice, especially if you like being near the Quays. If you want to stay in Newcastle with easy station access and quick connections for day trips, Crowne Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter keeps logistics simple while still being close to the city’s main attractions. For something stylish on the river with an easy walk into the centre, Malmaison Newcastle makes a good base for a nightlife-and-food focused stay.

Is the Angel of the North Worth Visiting?

Yes. It’s one of the UK’s rare modern landmarks that delivers instantly: no context required, no ticket required, and the sense of scale is genuinely memorable in person. It also works well as a “first or last stop” on a North East trip because it feels like a symbolic arrival point.

Honest pivot: if you dislike quick roadside-style stops or you’re only interested in attractions with interiors, exhibitions, or guided interpretation, the Angel may feel too brief. In that case, you’re better putting your time into the BALTIC, The Glasshouse, or Newcastle’s museum circuit and treating the Angel as something you simply see from the road.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (9,451)

Angel of the North, on Durham Rd in Low Eighton, Gateshead, is a vast rust-coloured sculpture with outstretched wings set on a mound overlooking the countryside; visitors note it's striking both from the nearby motorway and up close, with accessible paths and a small free car park, peaceful grounds often used by walkers, and a memorial garden area that adds quiet reflection.

Karl Venus
2 months ago
"I really enjoyed seeing this. The engineering that went into fabricating something this big I find fascinating. It's literally on a mound on It's ownand you can see the top of it as you come off the motorway. The information board is worth a read. The person that wrote it put some good facts. There is a car park right next to it which is free and we had no struggles parking. If you enjoy art and big sculptures this is definitely worth a visit...."
Aseem Sharma
4 months ago
"Angel of the North – A Monumental Pause Worth Taking Standing sentinel over Gateshead, the Angel of the North is more than just a sculpture—it’s amoment of stillness in motion. Towering at 20 meters high with a wingspan that rivals a jumbo jet, this rust-hued giant commands attention from the A1, yet invites quiet reflection up close. I visited on a crisp morning, and despite its proximity to the motorway, the site felt surprisingly serene. The free parking and open-access grounds make it an easy detour, whether you’re en route to Durham or exploring the North East. There’s a gentle slope leading to the statue, and a small memorial garden tucked below—unexpected and deeply moving, with handwritten notes that hint at personal pilgrimages and quiet grief. The Angel itself is arresting. Stark, industrial, and oddly graceful, it evokes both strength and vulnerability. Designed by Antony Gormley, it’s meant to embody transition and human co ection—and it does, especially when viewed against the shifting skies. • Location: Just off the A167, near Gateshead.n• Cost: Completely free, including parking.n• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or golden hour for dramatic light and fewer crowds.n• Extras: Often an ice cream van on site, and plenty of space for a picnic. Whether you’re a fan of modern art or simply seeking a pause in your journey, the Angel of the North offers a rare blend of accessibility and emotional depth. It’s not just a landmark—it’s a quiet witness to countless stories...."
JEM M
2 weeks ago
"Do stop and take the short wheelchair accessible path to this most remarkable astounding artwork. No words of mine can do justice to Sir AntonyGormley's creation. You absolutely must experience it for yourself...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

For families, this is a low-friction win: you can arrive, walk up, get the “wow” factor, and leave without needing to manage tickets or timed slots. It’s also a good stop to break up a longer journey, because the visit naturally fits into a short time window without feeling like you’ve missed anything.

The main practical point is the exposed hilltop setting-wind and rain can be sharper than you expect-so layers make the experience calmer. If you pair it with a more sheltered follow-up (like a riverside walk at Gateshead Quays), you get a balanced half-day without overloading kids with too much walking.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the Angel works best as a mood-setter: open sky, big horizon, and a landmark that feels quietly dramatic rather than “theme-park” busy. It’s particularly good at golden hour, when the steel’s colour looks warmer and photos feel less harsh.

Treat it as part of a simple mini-route: the Angel for scale and atmosphere, then Gateshead Quays or the Newcastle waterfront for a long walk, a drink, and dinner. That combination turns a short stop into a day that feels designed rather than improvised.

Budget Travelers

Budget travellers should prioritise the Angel because it’s free, always accessible, and high-impact without any spending pressure. It also sits well with other low-cost North East highlights, especially if you’re happy to build your day around walking and public transport.

To keep costs down, pair it with free viewpoints and riverside walks rather than paid attractions, and use the Quayside area for good-value food options. If you’re travelling by bus, it’s worth timing your visit to avoid long waits, since the stop itself is short and you’ll want the transport to feel efficient.

FAQs for Visiting Angel of the North

Getting There

It stands in Lamesley, Gateshead, on a hilltop site close to the A1 and A167, which is why it’s so visible from the road. The easiest approach is to navigate toward the Angel’s designated access and car park rather than trying to improvise a roadside stop.
The simplest option is a direct bus or taxi, because it’s a quick hop that avoids turning the visit into a long walk along main roads. If you’re using buses, check the current routes that stop near Durham Road/A167 and plan the return before you arrive.
Yes-driving is often the most convenient way to make this a clean, 15-30 minute stop without transport timing constraints. If you’re already exploring Newcastle and Gateshead on foot, public transport can be just as practical, but it requires a little more planning.

Tickets & Entry

It’s free to visit, and there’s no ticketed entry because it’s an outdoor public artwork. The “visit” is about the sculpture and the setting rather than an indoor exhibition.
No booking is required for a standard visit, which is part of its appeal. If you’re visiting as part of a coach tour or special event, organisers may manage timing, but individual travellers can arrive whenever they like.

Visiting Experience

Fifteen to thirty minutes is enough for photos, a walk around the sculpture, and a moment to take in the views. If you enjoy photography, give yourself closer to 45 minutes so you can circle it slowly and wait for a clearer moment between other visitors.
It’s exposed, so heavy rain and strong wind can make it less comfortable, but the sculpture can look more dramatic under moody skies. If conditions are rough, treat it as a short “see it, photograph it, move on” stop rather than a linger.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s often treated as the headline “landmark stop,” especially for first-time visitors who want a quick sense of place. It pairs easily with the Quays area, which gives you a more detailed cultural follow-up after the big outdoor moment.
A practical mini-route is Angel first, then Gateshead Quays for a riverside walk, architecture, and a café stop. If you still have energy after that, cross into Newcastle for the Quayside viewpoints and an easy city-centre loop.

Photography

Yes-its scale reads well in both wide shots and close-up detail images, and the open hilltop setting gives you clean sky backgrounds. Softer light tends to bring out the steel’s colour and texture more naturally.
Late afternoon usually gives the most flattering light and a calmer feel, while early morning can be quieter for uncluttered frames. If you want a classic “against the sky” silhouette, aim for low sun and keep moving around the sculpture until the angle clicks.

Accessibility & Facilities

Access is generally straightforward for an outdoor landmark visit, but conditions depend on paths, surface wetness, and wind exposure on the hill. If mobility is a concern, plan for a direct approach from the car park and keep the visit short and comfortable.
Facilities are limited right at the sculpture, so it’s best to plan cafés and toilets in Gateshead or Newcastle before or after. Treat the Angel as a “pure landmark stop” rather than a place to base yourself for a long break.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Gateshead Quays is the easiest nearby area for a café stop with views, and it links naturally to a riverside walk. Newcastle city centre also works well if your day continues into museums, shopping, or nightlife.
A simple pairing is the Angel followed by a Quayside meal, because it keeps travel minimal and gives you atmosphere without added planning. If you’re travelling on a budget, the city centre offers more quick, good-value options than the immediate area around the sculpture.

Safety & Timing

It’s generally fine as a quick stop, but it’s more comfortable in daylight because the site is open, exposed, and not designed as a night-time destination. If you visit later, keep it brief, stay aware of weather, and plan your onward transport.
Morning can feel calmer and more spacious, while later in the day often feels more atmospheric because the light is kinder and the skyline has more depth. If you’re choosing purely for comfort, go when the wind is lower and the visibility is clear.

Nearby Attractions to the Angel of the North

  • BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art: A strong modern-art stop in a former industrial building, with an excellent riverside setting at Gateshead Quays.
  • The Glasshouse International Centre for Music: A landmark music venue (and great viewpoint) that anchors the cultural cluster on the Tyne.
  • Gateshead Millennium Bridge: A striking pedestrian bridge that gives you classic river photos and an easy walk between Gateshead and Newcastle.
  • Newcastle Quayside: A lively waterfront stretch for walking, dining, and seeing the Tyne bridges stacked in one view.
  • Saltwell Park: One of the UK’s best Victorian parks, ideal for a slower hour with lake views, gardens, and a break from city streets.

The Angel of the North appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gateshead!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 hours

Price:

Free

Address: Angel of the North Durham Rd Low Eighton Gateshead NE9 7TY United Kingdom
Gateshead: 4 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs