The Angel of the North

When it was first erected I though it was a monstrous eyesore more akin to someone strapped to the underside of a light aircraft than an angel, that cost the taxpayer £1,000,000.

I still think this 13 years later but it has become emblematic of Gateshead in almost the same way as the Tyne Bridge for Newcastle (i.e. it’s on the local council letterhead).

That said I do look forward to seeing it when I’m driving North. Not because I like it, but it is a fairly unmissable “You’re Nearly Home” sign.

Four Stars, because what ever my personal feelings, it has done a lot for the area.

A fantastic icon for the North of England, the Angel of the North is a 66 feet tall sculpture of an Angel, with a wingspan of 178 feet!

It is a stunning sight when you are driving into Gateshead on the A1, and well worth the slight detour to have a closer look.

There is a small free car park nearby, and you can walk around and admire the Angel as it stands majestically on it’s hill.

There is an ice-cream van usually on a good day too, so that’s another reason to visit!

An interesting distraction, and a good place for a picnic on a sunny day!