Backpacking In England🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿: How To Visit The Angel😇Of The North, Gateshead

“I’m loving angels instead” – Robbie Williams.

The Angel of the North is an iconic large-scale sculpture located in Gateshead, near Newcastle upon Tyne, in Northern England. It is one of the most famous pieces of public art in the UK and a well-recognized symbol of the North East of England. Despite having been to that region a few times, it wasn’t until September 2022 that I finally backpacked to it. It was on the same trip that I played footgolf at Whitley Bay and I first visited Hadrian’s Wall.

Key Features Of The Angel Of The North

1.Design and Dimensions:

-The sculpture is a depiction of an angel with outstretched wings.
-Designed by Sir Antony Gormley, a renowned British sculptor, it was completed in 1998.
-It stands at 20 meters (66 feet) tall, with a wingspan of 54 meters (177 feet), which is wider than the height of the Statue of Liberty.
-The wings are angled slightly forward by 3.5 degrees, giving the sculpture a sense of embrace or welcome.

2.Material:

The Angel of the North is made from weathering steel, a type of steel that forms a stable rust-like appearance after exposure to the elements. This material gives the sculpture its reddish-brown color and allows it to withstand harsh weather conditions.#

3.Location:

Positioned on a hill in Low Eighton, the sculpture overlooks the A1 motorway, one of the busiest roads in the UK, as well as a main railway line. This makes it visible to thousands of people passing through each day. On Google Maps it is here.

4.Symbolism:

The sculpture is intended to symbolize transition, both in the historical sense and in human experience.

It stands on the site of a former coal mine, and thus represents the transformation from the industrial era of the North East to a more modern, artistic future.

Gormley also designed it to be a monument to human endurance and spirituality, with the angel representing a connection between earth and sky. I even took my Northern Ireland flag to its NORTH ANGEL!

5.Public Reception:

Initially, the project faced some controversy and opposition due to its cost and scale. However, since its completion, the Angel of the North has become widely loved and embraced by the public. It is seen as a proud symbol of the region and one of the most important pieces of contemporary British art.

6.Construction:

Weighing 208 tonnes, the sculpture had to be built in sections and assembled on-site. Its foundation extends 20 meters (66 feet) into the ground to ensure it remains stable even in strong winds.

7.Cultural Impact:

Over time, the Angel of the North has become a cultural landmark. It is frequently used in media, art, and photography to represent the North East of England, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.

The sculpture has inspired several artworks, documentaries, and even replicas, and it regularly features in the UK’s artistic and tourist landscapes.

Significance:

The Angel of the North is not only a feat of modern engineering and sculpture but also a symbol of the resilience and spirit of the people of the North East. Its dramatic size and presence serve as a reminder of the area’s industrial past while looking forward to a future defined by creativity and innovation. I have been to Newcastle and Sunderland a few times, plus Gateshead once. I stayed in a few places there including the Albatross Hostel, Chaise Guest House and the swanky Doxford Hall Spa.

To visit the Angel of the North, located in Gateshead near Newcastle upon Tyne, there are quite a few different ways to do it. We hired a random orange car and backpacked by road!

1. By Car

• From Newcastle/Gateshead: The Angel of the North is about a 5-minute drive south of Gateshead and about 10-15 minutes from Newcastle city center.
• From the A1 Motorway: The sculpture is located right next to the A1 motorway. If you’re driving on the A1, take the exit for Low Eighton or follow signs for the Angel of the North. It is clearly signposted from the A1.
• Parking: There is a free car park directly next to the sculpture, making it convenient for drivers.

Postcode for navigation: NE9 7TY

2. By Public Transport (Bus)

• From Newcastle or Gateshead: Regular buses run from both Newcastle city center and Gateshead to the Angel of the North.
  • Take the Go North East Bus Service 21, which runs frequently from Newcastle and Gateshead. The bus will stop close to the site at Durham Road, from which it is a short walk.
• Bus Stops: Look for buses heading towards Chester-le-Street or Durham. The stop nearest the Angel of the North is called Angel of the North (Low Eighton).

3. By Train

• The nearest train station is Newcastle Central Station. From there, you can take a bus (as mentioned above) or a taxi to reach the Angel of the North.

4. By Taxi

• Taxis are readily available from both Newcastle and Gateshead. The distance is short, so this can be a convenient option if you’re nearby. The trip from Newcastle city center will take about 10–15 minutes.

5. Walking or Cycling

• If you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk or cycle to the Angel of the North from Gateshead or Newcastle. There are paths and roads that make the journey possible, but it may take an hour or more depending on where you start.
• Some people enjoy walking the route as it gives them the opportunity to see the sculpture from different perspectives as they approach it.

Practical Tips:

• Best Viewing Times: The site is open 24/7, but many people prefer visiting during the day for the best light for photography, or at sunset for a more dramatic view.
• Weather: Since it’s an outdoor site, check the weather beforehand and dress accordingly, especially in colder months. The area is open and can be windy.

The Angel of the North is free to visit, and the view of the massive sculpture is accessible from the car park, making it easy to enjoy for travelers by any mode of transport.

Enjoy! Here is a video I made at Angel of The North: