Angel of the North
Monument Large contemporary sculpture overlooking Tyneside
Near Gateshead, Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North is a 20‑metre steel sculpture with a 54‑metre wingspan; visitors photograph the landmark and explore nearby walking paths.
The Angel of the North is a large contemporary steel sculpture by artist Antony Gormley located near Gateshead in northeast England, completed in 1998. The work is intended as a public landmark marking a transport corridor into Tyneside.
The sculpture’s signature features are its upright human form and outstretched wings, executed in weathering steel. It is situated on a small hill and is accessible by footpaths and a nearby car park used by visitors and passersby.
Commissioned by the local authority as a public art project in the late 1990s, the Angel of the North was erected to create a civic landmark and has become an established symbol of the area.
Positioned just south of Gateshead and visible from main roads into Newcastle and Gateshead, the sculpture overlooks a mix of urban and transport infrastructure.
- Dimensions: Sculpture stands 20 metres tall with a wingspan of 54 metres, making it one of the largest public steel sculptures in the UK.
- Site access and viewing: Located on a low hill to the south of Gateshead, it is highly visible from the A1 and local transport routes and has a small car park and footpaths for visitors to approach the statue.
How to Get to Angel of the North #
From central Newcastle or Gateshead take the Tyne and Wear Metro to Gateshead Stadium or Pelaw and then a short taxi ride; by car follow the A1(M) and exit at the Low Fell/Gateshead interchange-there is a viewing area and small parking near the site.
Tips for Visiting Angel of the North #
- Go at dawn or dusk for the best light and fewer people-photographers love the copper-toned wings against a soft sky.
- Be mindful of strong winds on the plateau-the sculpture's stance seems to welcome a stiff breeze.
- Visit the nearby gallery space for occasional exhibitions about the work and its history.
Best Time to Visit Angel of the North #
Accessible year-round; dramatic light and weather often enhance the experience.
Weather & Climate near Angel of the North #
Angel of the North's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (633 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 62 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
