Angel of the North - Gateshead

Aseem S.

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 a moment 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 connection—and it does, especially when viewed against the shifting skies.

• Location: Just off the A167, near Gateshead.
• Cost: Completely free, including parking.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or golden hour for dramatic light and fewer crowds.
• 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.

Thomas B.

Beautiful statue and just feels amazing to see and Stand near. Different sense of feeling when you're there. Looks amazing and memorial garden was a different sense of feel too.. nice place to sit and think too and just get some peace.

sammy T.

The huge metal sculpture makes me look so insignificant standing at the bottom. I originally gave it 4 stars, but considering that there is free parking next to it and there are mobile coffee trucks and other equipment, which can kill a lot of time, I finally gave it 5 stars.

gary B.

Not a huge amount that I can say that already hasn't been said, definitely worth a quick visit if you are in the area as much wider than I thought, can get quite busy at times with many tourists, reasonable amount of parking available very close by, was surprised just how thick the steel is in the actual statue.

William A.

It was an interesting historic site; however, I didn't see much enjoyment in steering at a giant steel in the middle of the road. Only a few guests; perhaps, it was a week day visit. Few sitting in the car and others are picnicking.

Clifford G.

We really enjoyed Beamish …. I visited 25 years old and always wanted to go back. We drove up from Kent to Beamish in Newcastle so it was a significant journey time. However the drive was worth it.

The tram and buses were fun to ride and the staff dressed in their period costumes were very helpful and informative.

We managed to visit all parts of the museum apart from going down the pit as it had started to rain quite hard.

Anyway I would highly recommend visiting and the ticket gives you one year access to the museum.

We will be visiting again some time over the next year.

Sam ?. M.

A free to visit sculpture with free parking, what's not to like?

Very close free parking, easy access to the location, sometimes an ice cream van there so ideal on a sunny day to grab an ice cream and admire the view.

I don't know how busy it gets as I went around early evening on a Sunday, but seems to be ample space for all.

I took my drone for a quick whizz around the sculpture

William J.

To say this stunning monument is monumental would be an understatement. You have to visit to have the slightest conception of its grandeur and beauty. No picture or description I have seen or read has done the Angle of the North justice. To the nay sayers, I would ask if you visited and stood in the angels shadow, have you understood why 'it' stands where 'it' does and researched 'its' reason for being? If a picture paints a thousand words, do not settle for 'second best', as reality still stretches to infinity.