The Angel of the North isn’t just a sculpture—it’s a colossal, contemporary beacon of steel designed by Antony Gormley that’s become the unofficial guardian of Gateshead. Perched proudly on a hill on the southern edge of Low Fell, it keeps a watchful eye over the A1, A167, and the East Coast Main Line rail route, as if it’s silently judging the morning traffic jams. At a jaw-dropping 20 metres high, this 208-tonne angel towers over its surroundings like the world’s most serene bouncer, easily out-heighting a five-storey building.
It’s the wings that steal the show: spanning an incredible 54 metres, they’re almost as wide as a jumbo jet, though thankfully much less likely to interrupt your picnic with deafening engine noise. With its rust-hued patina and iconic silhouette, the Angel has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and “Oh wow, we really need to pull over for a photo!” It’s a marvel of engineering, an artistic triumph, and possibly the only angel that doesn’t mind a bit of rain.
Websites:
Sculpture Trail Ride Google Map
