Angel of the North

A North East Icon - Gateshead

The Angel of the North is one of the UK's most recognisable public sculptures, standing 20 metres tall on a hilltop near Gateshead, just outside Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Designed by sculptor Antony Gormley and built from weathering steel, its wings span an impressive 54 metres. Since its installation in 1998, it has become a much-loved symbol of the region - a reminder, for many locals, that there's always something larger than day-to-day struggles to take comfort in.

The sculpture is made from around 200 tonnes of steel, much of it sourced from local scrapyards - a fitting nod to the region's industrial past. Its wings sit on two large steel poles anchored into a concrete plinth for structural stability, engineered to withstand strong winds on its exposed hilltop site.

The Angel of the North has become a major tourist attraction in its own right, drawing visitors from around the world to take in its scale and detail up close. Standing beneath it is a genuinely striking experience, with sweeping views over the surrounding landscape. If you're planning a visit, it pairs well with other attractions in the wider Durham area, from historic houses such as Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens to the city's cathedral and university.